I love that you "call bullshit" on the willpower advice. That's ridiculous in so many realms! I don't have ADHD, but several close loved ones do, and one thing I've realized is that they can do things I can't, like be aware of different conversations taking place behind them in a crowded restaurant, or notice the one flickering lightbulb in time to avoid sitting at the table underneath it. We live in a culture that values a particular way of using our brains, but what we should do instead is recognize the strengths of folks with all the wonderful different ways of perceiving and thinking. I also think you're right that the people who design phones, apps, and websites are using every trick they can to capture our attention, and all of us have been suckered by this tech--even those who fondly remember the old days. As a culture we're still finding our way with technology, and for the most part doing a poor job, I think. Anyway--thanks for the thoughtful piece!
Relating to all of this! I have found that so much of life after diagnosis is building supportive structures. And sometimes they fall apart. Transitions, especially, are difficult for me, which is why I try to create space around them. Not easy with kids! Not easy with the internet and social media!! <3 looking forward to reading more of your reflections on this.
transitions are so hard! it's funny because, before i knew i had ADHD, i was telling my therapist that i felt like a toddler in many ways -- and they also struggle tremendously with transitions! so in my house we're just a bunch of frenetic frazzled emotional dysregulated toddlers hahah
I love that you "call bullshit" on the willpower advice. That's ridiculous in so many realms! I don't have ADHD, but several close loved ones do, and one thing I've realized is that they can do things I can't, like be aware of different conversations taking place behind them in a crowded restaurant, or notice the one flickering lightbulb in time to avoid sitting at the table underneath it. We live in a culture that values a particular way of using our brains, but what we should do instead is recognize the strengths of folks with all the wonderful different ways of perceiving and thinking. I also think you're right that the people who design phones, apps, and websites are using every trick they can to capture our attention, and all of us have been suckered by this tech--even those who fondly remember the old days. As a culture we're still finding our way with technology, and for the most part doing a poor job, I think. Anyway--thanks for the thoughtful piece!
Thanks! We with ADHD do have certain superpowers... but it is hard to find the bright side of ADHD in a productivity/efficiency obsessed culture..
Relating to all of this! I have found that so much of life after diagnosis is building supportive structures. And sometimes they fall apart. Transitions, especially, are difficult for me, which is why I try to create space around them. Not easy with kids! Not easy with the internet and social media!! <3 looking forward to reading more of your reflections on this.
transitions are so hard! it's funny because, before i knew i had ADHD, i was telling my therapist that i felt like a toddler in many ways -- and they also struggle tremendously with transitions! so in my house we're just a bunch of frenetic frazzled emotional dysregulated toddlers hahah
It’s definitely difficult to separate from other comorbidities, but it’s a possibility!!