When it comes to ADHD and people who have it, I feel that there are quite a few stereotypes and misconceptions. Things that do negatively affect those of us who do have it. There are just so many things that people think they know about ADHD, which are just inaccurate.
People may say that people with ADHD are lazy, that ADHD isn’t real, that we’re all a little ADHD sometimes, or that we just need to try harder.
Believe or not, all of these are not true. People with ADHD aren’t lazy, ADHD is absolutely real, we are not all a little ADHD sometimes, and those of us with ADHD are trying so much harder than you think. We work so hard to get through the day, every day.
It’s not easy for us to handle these misconceptions. It does affect how we feel about ourselves. It’s hard enough emotionally to just manage our ADHD, but it doesn’t help when we hear these kinds of comments and misconceptions. It does affect our self-esteem.
Many, if not all, who have ADHD must face these misconceptions at one point or another. I’m lucky as I have only really heard these sorts of comments on a couple of occasions. I’m sure there are some, who hear them a lot more often than I do.
Although the stereotypes for both men and women with ADHD might be different, all those with ADHD do still feel the shame and suffer from the misconceptions and stereotypes that others have about it.
I do struggle with cleaning, organizing activities and the house, planning, just to name a few. And when people say that I need to try harder to clean, for instance, it’s hard for me to hear, because I do try so hard. It may not come naturally, and it is something that I need to improve, but I am trying so hard to just stay on top of things at home. I know that other ADHDers will understand and know exactly what I’m talking about.
It hurts to hear things like “you need to try harder,” or “stop being lazy.” It really does. We’re not trying to be lazy and we do work really hard with everything. It may not seem like it, but this is just who we are.
Things that come naturally to my non-ADHD husband doesn’t come as easily to me and my ADHD brain. I have a different way of doing things.
Not better, not worse. Just different.
I know those with ADHD will understand. For those of you who don’t have ADHD, please just try and be understanding. Try to listen to ADHDers and understand our brains and our struggles. And those with ADHD can listen in return as well. Let’s all listen to each other and be understanding.
Here are a few other articles to read, for those who are interested.
https://psychcentral.com/blog/9-myths-misconceptions-and-stereotypes-about-adhd/
Picture credit: Pixabay
2 Comments
This was a good article. When I was in college, I had to do a case study on a young man who had ADHD. I learned a lot about the condition during that time period.
I’m sure you did learn a lot from your case study. It must have been interesting.