ADHD and How It Affected Me

What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurological disorder that affects many children and adults. If left untreated – it can lead to other comorbidities that can alter a person’s life.

Growing up, I was always labeled as the “weird” kid. I didn’t mind being called that all. In fact, I was a different type of weirdo – I was the “funny weirdo.”

It always brought joy to me to see people laugh at my jokes and wacky behavior. But during my high school years, that’s when things weren’t so funny for me anymore.

Being in high school was supposed to be the most important part of your teens – but I never took it seriously. Most students before entering high school are goal oriented – but for me, I was just clueless.

I struggled being a high school student and I was failing my classes. On top of that, I was struggling with family conditions at home.

I just couldn’t comprehend what was going on in school and at home. So, my junior year – I dropped out.

I went through a phase of partying, taking drugs, and proceeding to make more bad decisions throughout my life. I was completely disconnected with reality and numbing myself was my coping mechanism to mask my failures. This went on for years – until I felt completely lost and unsure about my future.

But after several years – I finally decided to make a change.

On the Fall of 2010, at the age of 28, I decided to enroll in an Adult High School program for people who never finished high school. During this time, my self-esteem was low, and my anxiety levels were high. I was having trouble with the academic demands – I had trouble focusing and comprehending the assignments.

Despite the challenges, I managed to push through and complete the program.

On the summer of 2011, I received my diploma via mail. I opted out on the whole cap-and-gown ceremony because I was ashamed of receiving my diploma in my late twenties.

However, I was relieved and proud of my accomplishment.

Later that year, I enrolled in a community college and also made the decision to see my doctor and explain to him about my struggles.

In my thirties, I was diagnosed with ADHD and knowing about the disorder gave me a better understanding on how my own brain functions. But years of leaving it untreated became detrimental to my mental health. The affects on my social life, my financial stability, and job relations made it difficult to function in my day-to-day life as an adult.

Now I’m in my forties, I am still trying to figure out this whole “adulting” thing and still trying to figure out who I am. But having a support system makes my life easier.

Most importantly, using the right methods and treatments to manage my ADHD helps me get through the day. Medication, meditating, and going to the gym all helps me continue on and reach my goals.