Since I’ve started this blog in 2018, I’ve been able to learn quite a bit about ADHD. I’ve learn so much from reading articles and blog posts, talking to others with ADHD, and listening to podcasts about ADHD.
I’ve learned how it affects so much more and in so many more ways that I ever knew or realized.
From all the knowledge and information I have gained, I want to share some of my takeaways and lessons from my experience with and learning about ADHD.
Takeaway #1: I’m not alone
This is definitely one of my takeaways. I’m not alone. I’m not the only one who has ADHD. There are so many others with this condition as well,
I was diagnosed at 12. Growing up, I didn’t really talk much about my ADHD. And when I did, it was usually just to my parents. So, I didn’t really know anyone else with ADHD.
My mom reassured me that ADHD was quite common and that there were probably other kids at my school who also had it. It was definitely nice to know and I appreciate that she was saying it, but it wasn’t easy, since I wasn’t quite comfortable at the time to tell my friends and such that I had it.
However, since starting this blog, I’ve gotten more comfortable talking about it to others within my community and met people with ADHD. I follow people on social media who are open with their ADHD.
It’s definitely helped me realize that my mom was right about how common it is. I’ve realized I’m not alone. And it’s comforting and reassuring.
Takeaway #2: It affects everyone differently
Another thing I’ve learned is that ADHD affects everyone differently. No one with ADHD will have the same symptoms or same challenges.
Prior to really learning more about ADHD and working on this blog, I really only knew how it affected me. I did know there were different types of ADHD, but that was pretty much it for the most part.
However, the more I’ve talked to people with ADHD, read blogs, articles, and such, I’ve realized just how differently it can affect each one of us. Two people can have ADHD but have not the same struggles at all.
It has been interesting to learn more about all the different ways that ADHD can affect those of us with the condition.
At the end of the day, no two people are exactly the same, whether they have ADHD or not.
Takeaway #3: I’m not broken
Another thing that I’ve learned has more to do with my mindset and how I thought of myself and my ADHD brain.
For a long time, I thought that I was broken, defective, and just less than. So many times, I did feel ashamed. I felt like I wanted to fix or get rid of my ADHD, but couldn’t. I knew it’s not something you can cure or get rid of entirely. I didn’t feel good about it.
And I know I’m not the only one who has had similar thoughts.
However, the more I’ve learned about ADHD, done some personal development, and such, the more I realize that I’m not broken, or defective, or less than, or anything like that. None of us are.
Yes, it means that a lot of things are more challenging for us than for neurotypicals. However, that does mean we’re broken, and don’t deserve or incapable of living a happy life and reaching our full potential.
Takeaway #4: We do have strengths
Although we have our fair share of flaws and challenges, and it can be so easy to focus on them, we also have our own strengths. I have learned that although ADHD comes with its set of challenges, it can also come with some strengths as well. ADHD does have its positive side as well.
For a long time, I just focused on the negative side and challenges that I had due to my ADHD. It was so easy to just focus on the things that I couldn’t do or really struggled with a lot.
However, I have come to realize that ADHD does have a positive side. I have some strengths that I feel are or may be linked to the fact that I have an ADHD brain. The fact that I have an ADHD brain helps me see things differently and means that some things may come more easily for me than it would my neurotypical husband.
So as much as I am still aware of what my struggles are, I try to remind myself of my strengths and all the things that I can do well.
ADHDers do have their strengths. It may not always been easy for us to see them. But I believe each of one of us with ADHD have our own unique strengths. It’s about finding what they are and focusing on them a little more.
