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I started taking Ritalin in first grade, and my behavior went from out of control to focused. My grades went from horrible to great. But I didn't feel like myself. So I struggled through the years, deciding to take medication and going off of it. My behavior has been up and down because of this.
I could focus when I played the piano. My low self-esteem improved a lot in high school after I performed in the talent show and got an ovation. I developed confidence in myself. The nice thing about playing the piano for a living is that I get to make my own rules.
I outgrew my hyperactivity, but I still have trouble with impulsiveness and focus. This has hurt my relationships. But I’m getting better. I am now able to know when I shouldn't say something. I count to five, and that usually keeps me from blurting things out.
I advise ADHD adults to find and pursue their passions. Most important, embrace your ADHD and make it work for you. Don't spend time wishing you were normal.
This article appears in the Spring 2013 issue of ADDitude.
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