We've all heard the stereotypes and the false diagnoses at least once in our lives. Many think ADD is just getting distracted easily. But here's the thing: it's more than that. Breaking news, right? Well not really, but since not all of you have a psychologist on hand to tell you what it really means, I'll give you some insight.
I've been asked many times what having ADD is like. Usually, I reply with the standard "I don't know, it's weird". But I've come to realize that explaining what's going on inside my brain cannot be summed up in five words. Hopefully, I can sum it up in 500.
I may not look like I have ADD on the outside, (which, by the way, is really exciting for me) but that is only because of years of practice and learning how to cope. I wasn't even a particularly rowdy child. I wasn't ever the one in the classroom who couldn't sit down. I just had the messy desk, was constantly spaced out and made silly mistakes on my tests. Now, if you also have these three problems, do not run out and try to convince your doctor you need Adderall. There are many, many symptoms of ADD and those three are just some of my everyday worries. Having ADD is like riding a roller coaster that you can't get off of, even though you've already ridden it 1,000 times. Oh and even though you are on a roller coaster, you can't help but think about how you forgot your shoe at home... and your wallet. Sometimes, yes, it's fun to not give a damn about what's happening around you and say whatever comes to mind. But it's more of a hurdle that you are eternally jumping over than a Slip'N Slide to fun town like it's made out to be.
Another misconception about Attention Deficit Disorder is that every ADD person needs a med. Medication doesn't take away my ADD it just slows my brain down enough so I can be successful. I wish I didn't need it, honestly. There are many other ways to cope and train yourself to combat your ADD, but some people, like myself, can't train themselves enough to live without it. Medication was the last resort for me and I'm grateful for that. I know my medication isn't a magic pill and since I started taking it at 14 instead of 4, I understand that it shouldn't be the end all be all of ADD solutions. Some people actually prefer not to take anything and just cope on their own because they don't like how it changes their mood or personality.
Before I started taking medication, I was happy, outgoing and fun. Five years later with taking it, I am still happy and fun. My family can tell when I don't take it because I am a lot more silly. But it's just like showing two different sides of yourself. Yeah, I am a little more shy and cautious on meds, but I'd rather be quiet than feel out of control of myself. I'm sure you can understand why. I'm lucky to not be flattened out by my meds.
Another thing I get asked is, why don't you drink coffee? Well, because I have ADD. So essentially, my brain is the opposite of the normal person's. Normal people get jazzed up by coffee, but since caffeine is a stimulant, it makes me tired and calm. Oh plus, I don't like the taste. I prefer tea. But then why do I get way too hyper when I drink Mountain Dew, which is also full of caffeine? Well, that would be because of the sugar, ladies and gentlemen.
So having ADD is no walk in the park, but it's also not the worst thing to have. I am grateful for it because it has taught me how to overcome an internal hurdle and that there's no shame in being a little abnormal.
