I’ve talked to many people who were hesitant about exploring an ADHD diagnosis. They didn’t want the label that comes with it but what they didn’t understand is that when you avoid one label, worse ones take their place. Growing up with undiagnosed ADHD I was labelled as being ‘lazy’, ‘unmotivated’, ‘abnormal’, to name a few. The worst part was most of these were labels that I had given myself because I couldn’t understand what was ‘wrong’ with me.
It wasn’t until I was 20 that I got a label that actually fit me: ADHD. Just knowing who I was freed me from the negative self-image I’d had for my entire life. “If I’m not a horrible, broken person then maybe I CAN do all of the things I thought I never could.” My life began to improve in different and wonderful ways, and I hadn’t even started treatment yet.
I tell that story whenever I talk to one of those hesitant people because I feel there is so much power just in getting a diagnosis. Power to have a better life.
Nick
Read more tips from people about getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD.