Mental Health is often stigmatized, and I often stigmatize(d) my own mental health issues. I am not an expert in mental health, but I do have my lifelong experiences dealing with depression, anxiety,......and apparently ADHD.
It wasn't until a little over a year ago when I started seeing a new psychiatrist that I was diagnosed with ADHD. I had issues with depression deep into my childhood, but it wasn't until I was 35 that this life altering diagnosis was made.
How could I have ADHD? I graduated from UMASS Amherst Cum Laude. Graduated from Suffolk Law University cum laude as well. Passed the New York BAR and Massachusetts BAR, 1 day after another, on my first attempts. That didn't seem like a person who had ADHD?
But I, like many, didn't understand ADHD. It isn't just about being hyper and not being able to stay on task. It isn't about that kid that has trouble focusing and is rambunctious. It definitely isn't when your having trouble focusing or you forget something and you think/say jokingly "must have been my ADHD."
This article does an amazing job explaining ADHD- https://mashable.com/article/what-is-adhd-myths-stigma/
I highly recommend reading it in order to understand someone you know who has been diagnosed with the "disorder," someone who you think may have it, and to empathize with them.
Some of you may have children who fit into one of those 2 camps, and I hope this article helps to explain how they might feel.
I can't explain the difference in my mental health since I began taking medications for ADHD. All I know is that hopeful that more people can get help for this mental health issue and that there will be continued research into ADHD and its effects.
