I am currently coming to terms with having ADHD at the age of 45. I went after being checked out on my own. After extensive testing, was determined to have it and put on a stimulant to offset the affects. The med works great, but the much needed help ended after the diagnosis. I now know that I am different than "normal people" and am trying to come to terms with it. But, how do I now ease this into my work environment without giving the exptation of special consideration. Understanding yes, but not to be treated any different. I know, once I work through this, I will better be able to help my children as well as those I teach in my Religious Education class.
2006-09-01 04:19:48 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
I don't tell anybody. They just assume I have a lot of energy. It's better that way.
2006-09-01 04:36:38 · answer #1 · answered by Zelda 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know, it runs in my family as well. I think everybody has something. Be it depression, anxiety, phobias, adhd, self esteem, etc. There are many famous, smart, hardworking people out there that have adhd and many undiagnosed. I think it is mis-understood. People with ADHD vary as much as anyone else. Just because someone has it, doesn't mean they need to live less of a life or deserve any less respect. In many cases people's differences is what makes life interesting and how tings get done in the world. I say accept yourself for who you are as a whole. Good person, spiritual, helpful, hard working. I am sure people would see the positives over a label. I am sure at 45 you have learned to cope with many of the undesired effects of ADHD and have been productive in life regardless. It is probably somewhat nice to know that you have a name for it now though. Maybe you'll be a good role model for others going through the same thing. Especially children, who may often feel outcasted and different. Good luck!
2006-09-01 12:34:13 · answer #2 · answered by livelaughlove 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm 36, and three years ago I was diagnosed with ADHD and started off with Adderall XR. It definitely changed my personality, making me more outgoing. Hardly anyone questioned it. I suppose that they chalked it up to me making some personal adjustments in my life.
My supervisor and Human Resources know of my condition, along with a few other co-workers that I'm quite sure are not judgmental of my condition. I just leave it at that. Indeed, of all the people that have the most trouble with my condition, it would be my mother, but she grew up in a time when mental illness was misunderstood, so she has at least some excuse. In today's environment, it almost considered normal, so even if word gets out about our mutual conditions, the chances of it being a big deal are small.
The only way that I get treated differently is that Human Resources expects me to take my meds, which is fair as I'm less productive when I haven't taken them for a few days. That's about it. Just stay on your meds and you shouldn't have any problems.
2006-09-05 08:13:07 · answer #3 · answered by Ѕємι~Мαđ ŠçїєŋŧιѕТ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as you do your job and don't get distracted by the sparkles, I don't see why you would feel the need to tell anyone. I don't tell prospective employers I'm dyslexic, I have developed skills and habits that make the point of telling an employer nearly moot. Sure, I still make an occasional error, but it's very occasional.
2006-09-01 12:24:34 · answer #4 · answered by sovereign_carrie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋