When explaining our ADHD/ADD to others, it may seem as though we’re just making excuses. Again. I can understand how it may sound like to someone who doesn’t have ADHD/ADD. There have been times, when I have explained my ADHD/ADD to others. And I’ll admit that I do understand how it could sound like I’m just making excuses. If I didn’t have ADHD/ADD and had to listen to it, I probably might think that some of it was just excuses. I would probably be thinking the same thing as others. Nothing more, nothing less. I can totally see it.
However, it really isn’t. I know ADHD/ADD isn’t an excuse, and I’m not making excuses for myself. Quite the opposite. And I’m sure that other ADHDers/ADDers, who try to explain it, aren’t making them either.
ADHD/ADD is not an excuse. Far from. We’re not trying to make excuses. And most of us do understand that having ADHD/ADD is not a reason to making excuses why we shouldn’t do work or anything like that. We’re simply trying to explain our condition, a neurobiological disorder. It is a part of us, and it can help if others understand.
If someone were to explain that they have the flu and how it affects, we would most likely listen and be somewhat understanding. Many may not think that this person is simply making excuses, but may be trying to explain why they aren’t at their best and their performance at work isn’t as good as it usually is, for instance.
Alright, perhaps this isn’t the best example, but hopefully you understand the point that I am trying to make.
If we are not at our best, due to some illness, we may try to explain why this may be the case. It is similar with ADHD/ADD. We do sometimes try to explain why we may be late, or why our office is so messy, or whatever else that we are trying to explain related to our ADHD/ADD. We do this not to make an excuse, but to explain. We are simply try to explain our ADHD/ADD, how our minds work, and such. That is all we are trying to do.
As much as there are some benefits to having ADHD/ADD, I’m not always sure I would want to have it. Or at least, I would hold on to my creativity and such, but wouldn’t wish to be so disorganized, or messy, or unfocused. It isn’t something that is always easy to deal with, and there are certainly days when I wish I didn’t have it.
There are certainly days, when I wish I didn’t have it. And yet, here I am. I do have it, and like many other ADHDers/ADDers, I do have to accept it. And there are several ways we can do that. One is by explaining it to others, who may not have it. Raising awareness about ADHD/ADD could potentially be beneficial and perhaps eventually there may be more acceptance of this condition.
So, at the end of the day, ADHD/ADD is not an excuse or a choice. It is an explanation for a condition that we can’t always help. It is an explanation for how our minds and brains work differently. For those who don’t have ADHD/ADD, perhaps keep this in mind. I’m sure many with ADHD/ADD would appreciate it.
Here are some other accounts and articles about ADHD/ADD not being an excuse.
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