How AD(H)D Feels

Since I have had ADHD all my life, I understand first-hand the feelings of individuals with the condition. What I have learned while working with individuals who have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is, when someone discovers that they can manage and compensate for their condition, they are very relieved and happy. At the same time, they are sad when they realize the long struggle they have had to endure!

If you have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or Attention Deficit Disorder, you probably feel:

• Perplexed: Is this real? Why do I have it? I should be smart enough to master this, but I haven’t been able to.
• Frustrated: Everything takes twice as long. Trying harder makes it worse. Everyone I know doesn’t have to struggle like I do.
• Anxious and Self-Conscious: I worry about losing and forgetting things. People think I’m lazy and/or dumb.
• Sad and Depressed: I feel really bad when I disappoint people. It’s depressing that I can’t do anything about this.
• Unique, Creative and Resourceful: I have many great ideas. My poetry rocks. I can fix almost anything, even though I can’t stand to read directions! I get A’s, but not often.

You Can Learn to Compensate for Your ADD/ADHD

I am personally very grateful that my former pediatrician tried medication with me because there was no ADHD diagnosis when I was in college. Hyperactivity was not associated with attention. Once my hyperactivity was addressed and I could sustain my attention with the help of medication, I was able to succeed by learning my own coping methods and through hard work.

As an MD and therapist, I look forward to helping you find your own methods for successfully managing and coping with your ADD/ADHD.