The Importance of Understanding ADHD

Knowing Beyond the ADHD Symptoms

How do we fully understand Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) that possibly affects millions of children and adults around the world? Is it enough to know about the symptoms of neurodivergent disorder? Why do we need to be aware of ADHD? What can we positively contribute to raise further awareness and prevent misconceptions from spreading? These are the common questions when it comes to ADHD awareness. 🤔

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurodivergent condition that can affect a person's life in numerous ways. Some adults with ADHD exhibit hyperactive-impulsive symptoms while others can be inattentive, missing out on important details 😢. They might likewise have struggles in daily functioning, such as time management skills. A child with ADHD may exhibit the same symptoms, but it can also be more challenging for them to focus and control their emotions, considering how young they are. These kids with childhood ADHD can have learning disabilities when their condition is not detected and treated early on.

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But why is there a need to discuss and share information regarding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder? What are the positive and negative effects of spreading knowledge about ADHD? How does this help or hinder the individual with ADHD? Let’s find out here. 🤔💡

The Reality of ADHD Struggles

In knowing more than just the symptoms of ADHD, we can learn more about the difficulties and hardships of people diagnosed with this condition. We get to understand that there can be severe cases where comorbidities are present 😣, making their lives more difficult.

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Come to think of it, people who don't know what ADHD is may downplay our struggles and invalidate our feelings 🤷. They may think we're just making excuses for our actions or are simply lazy. When they have no idea why we suddenly lose motivation or squirm every time we attend events that we are interested in, they might judge our whole personality as if they know the entire situation. In reality, they only caught a glimpse of it.

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There are moments when people might ask and comment, "Why do you struggle so much with appointments and schedules? You simply need to set the time and date, and you’re good to go." The thing is, for many people with ADHD, it is not that simple. Time management ⌚ is one of the many executive functioning skills we struggle with. As simple as the question is, it still shows that the other person is not trying to understand the difficulties we face. It's as if the existence of our neurodivergent condition is being denied because they don't know the struggles involved with it.

Is ADHD Based on How Our Parents Raised Us?

It is unfair for parents to get blamed when their child has ADHD. Likewise, it’s unfair to blame them for raising their kids with ADHD quite differently. In some cases, the parents may be scolded for not being able to control their children. Some people even feel that kids with ADHD who can’t seem to keep up with their peers receive little guidance from their parents. 👪❓ 

While different parenting styles can affect a child's behavior, this does not mean that it can be a basis for an ADHD diagnosis. According to reports, there's a strong genetic link 🧬 between parents and their children regarding ADHD. Many children can inherit the neurodivergent condition from their parents or other family members. Other environmental factors can also play a role in the development of ADHD, such as exposure to toxins during pregnancy. But certainly, parents cannot be blamed for their child's ADHD diagnosis.

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Evidence-based information from the Overview of Genetics in ADHD may suggest that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can have an on-set with young children and persist throughout their lifetime if not correctly diagnosed and treated. The study also showed that ADHD is heritable and can be passed down from parents to their children. 👫 ➡ 👶

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The bottom line is, ADHD is not caused by bad parenting. And, parents must not be judged for guiding their kids differently 👌. After all, the child’s personality is not the only thing they have to take into account; they must also consider their ADHD symptoms and treatment.  

The Existence of Adult ADHD

If we don't raise ADHD Awareness, there's a high chance that the proper support and treatment may not be given to those who are genuinely in need. When people only view ADHD as a child's mental health condition, they will fail to see that this disorder can affect adults, too. Not raising awareness can lead to other people thinking that the adults should have outgrown their condition by now.  Hence, they might think that we are just making excuses for our actions. As a result, many adults with ADHD suffer in silence because they feel like nobody would understand them.

Please keep in mind that many people receive their ADHD diagnosis only when they reach adulthood. By then, the negative consequences may have already taken their toll on their lives. For instance, undiagnosed and untreated ADHD can lead to problems in relationships 💑, careers 🧑‍💼, and finances 💳. Some parents may also think that their child can outgrow ADHD symptoms just like how older children appeared to have outgrown it. But in reality, the only way to deal with this is through formal diagnosis and treatment.

I have been undiagnosed for nearly three decades, and the struggles that I experienced are enough to convince me that ADHD Awareness is necessary. I have been through many questions ❓, heartaches ❤️‍🩹, and failures 😔, and I don't want anyone else to go through the same thing. It may not be easy living with this neurodivergent disorder. Still, it's even harder when you experience behaviors and struggles that are misattributed to other things or when people think that you're just making excuses.

Misdiagnosed and Untreated ADHD

When we raise awareness about ADHD, we tend to reach out to people who are clueless about their problems and dilemmas. It's like providing them with refreshing possibilities, reliable answers to every question they have, or allowing them some new perspectives on their struggles 😉👍.

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ADHD Awareness can also help in the early detection and treatment of this neurodevelopmental disorder. Many people with ADHD can either be misdiagnosed with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, or may not have an official diagnosis for years on end! 

Some people with ADHD can be diagnosed with other conditions first because the symptoms may overlap. Anxiety and depression are two of the most common comorbid disorders that can simultaneously occur with ADHD. It's essential to seek professional 👩‍⚕️ help to identify the problem and get appropriate treatment and support accurately.

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There are also moments when someone might think they are a hundred-percent  🤔💯 “ADHDer” but haven't gotten their diagnosis yet because their doctor disagrees with their self-assessment. It can be pretty frustrating, but it's best to consult with another specialist with more knowledge and expertise about the disorder to have a second opinion. But regardless, your struggles in life are still valid and real. 

When Things Are Going Against Our Way

Spreading ADHD awareness means disseminating reliable information-based content about the different aspects of this neurodivergent disorder. It doesn't just involve discussing ADHD symptoms. Raising awareness can also include sharing articles related to the daily struggles we tend to experience, prevention tips against relapses, and available treatments suited for us. 🤓 Further awareness can also provide support to people who feel like they aren't reaching their full potential because of the struggles related to ADHD.

When someone has no understanding of ADHD but continues to struggle with its symptoms, they tend to be in lots of trouble and pain. 😭 They may not be productive at work, have strained family and romantic relationships, and feel like they're not good enough. What's harder is that they don't know how to address ADHD to feel better.

A lack of ADHD awareness can quickly put children at risk. They might feel lost and hopeless when they - and their parents or guardians - have no proper access to resources for their neurodivergent condition. They might have difficulty succeeding in school, making friends, and dealing with their day-to-day lives. For parents, it can be heartbreaking to see the child you love suffer 💔, especially when they are misinformed about what they're going through.

Spreading ADHD Awareness Through an Awesome Community

There are numerous ADHD community pages 💻 that help spread ADHD awareness worldwide. They support everyone, those who are officially diagnosed with ADHD, suspect you have ADHD, or hope to understand it more. These fantastic groups 🫂 help you get through your life amidst every struggle that you may encounter. They also share life hacks, techniques, and tips to manage your symptoms well.

But, please note that the existence of ADHD Communities isn't limited to the internet. They may exist in your local area. You can find them through support groups or meetup centers organized in your city. It would be best to attend these events and gatherings so you'll be able to connect with others who understand what you're going through. These connections can turn into long-lasting and meaningful relationships that help provide resources and support each other until the end. 🧑‍🤝‍🧑

Another great thing in battling misconceptions through ADHD communities is that they fight stigma with objective evidence of struggle and difficulties. In every day's battle, they continue to strive and persist because they deeply understand what it's like to live with ADHD. They are also more than willing to support and fight for what's correct regarding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

The Importance of ADHD Awareness Month

We celebrate ADHD Awareness Month every October 🎊 to raise awareness and help those who are still struggling with this neurodivergent disorder. These month-long events of spreading factual information ✔️ and reframing ADHD misconceptions aim to understand this condition better. It also includes increasing the availability of resources and support to people who need it the most.

It's essential to remember that every person experiences ADHD differently, so what you can encounter can be different for another person. The same goes with the medications, recommended treatment, and behavior management methods.  What works for you may not work for somebody else. What's important is that people with ADHD get to share their stories 🗣️ and be open about their condition to help others understand it more.

ADHD Awareness Month is also a time for people to unite and support each other through this journey. 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 It can be hard to face everything alone, so being part of a community would significantly help your treatment and management process. Children and adults with ADHD can feel supported, inspired, and encouraged when they know they're not alone in this battle.