Why does no-one understand me?!

ADHD & being misunderstood

There’s a plethora of reasons as to why those with ADHD are so misunderstood.

I mean, there’s even many ways in which we’re misunderstood.

Foremost being; we still don’t know that much about ADHD.

While those of you who’ve been diagnosed (and those of you researching and/or awaiting assessments) may know more than others; most people know relatively little.

Many would describe ADHD as a lack of discipline, poor parenting, an excuse etc.

Further research is required to explore aspects such as gender, race, sub-types/effects of medication upon each, and so much more.

The condition wasn’t even recognised in adults until the 1980/90’s!

That’s a reason for the grosser misunderstandings surrounding ADHD.

But what about the smaller, day-to-day stuff?

Hold on though. You made it this far. So I assume you’re at least semi-interested. Am I right? Nice.

Why not subscribe so you don’t miss the rest of our blogs?

ADHD is known as a neurodivergent condition.

The make up and operation of our nervous system diverges from “the norm” or, the average, human nervous system.

More interconnected; less communicative.

Executive Dysfunction.

I’m not keen on the word dysfunction to be totally honest.

And I don’t like that it’s known as a disorder.

The way our mind works is only “disordered” and “dysfunctional” in a world thats unflinchingly rigid in its approach to things that are different. A world that wants everyone to do things the exact same way.

My bad; got lost in a wee rant there. Rubs me the wrong way.

See, your mind isn’t operating, incorrectly, so to speak.

You’ve got the ability to explore multiple avenues of thought,

You see various obstacles and solutions simultaneously,

You struggle filtering out all the “extra noise” around you.

An issue we face due to this is;

We can find it really tough to explain this to other people.

To ourselves, we’ve just ran through a tonne of information, while processing what we’re engaging in, and figured out what we need to say or do next.

But to other people?

They see a person uttering in tongues and flailing their arms as if showcasing an ancient ritual of sorts.

Is this your problem? Your fault?

Maybe.

But maybe it’s also the fault of the person who can’t match the rate at which you’re moving through something?

To round off:

You’re not the only one feeling misunderstood.

You’re not the only one who struggles to get people to see their perspective.

You’re not defective. Not broken. Not “wrong”.

You’re a divergent individual with tonnes of strengths.

All of which can be an absolutely huge advantage once you learn to wield it correctly.

As well as, you know, trying to remember to eat & drink etc.

Thanks for your time - we hope you have an incredible weekend!

Chris & Sarah

Hey!DHD

P.S. If you enjoyed this; why not send it to a friend?