So True, we are just a little different, not better, not worse than so called "normal" people. Maybe true that we don't live normal lives, because WE DON'T. We are full of ansiety, ideas, lost memories, mistakes, achivements, and failures. Most people is like that too, but at least i have come to realize that because of our way to be fearless to consecuenses we are more to take the risks. Most of the time if we take a risk we acquire success. Best of luck to u!!

Quote

I've never felt down about being ADHD. I've known I was for years and years and that was long before I was given the official stamp of being an ADDer. I can't say that I'm a loner since I do enjoy company but I never feel alone even when I'm by myself. laughs I can carry on complete conversations alll by myself up in my head! There are no end of wonderful things out there for me to learn about and think about everyday.

On the down side? Well, it does take me a lot longer to do what others can do much more quickly and effeciently but I still finish my tasks with dedication and flair. (the dedication part is tough because that thing called procrastination rears its ugly head ALL the time)

If we all stop and think about it, no one leads the perfect existence. We may think they do, but everyone has something that they have to deal with in their lives just about everyday. We just don't always know about it because we tend to get all mopey feeling sorry for ourselves and our 'troubles'. We just need to give life our best effort each day and we will come out on top!

Quote

I love this title.

I live in a large metropolitan city and every single ADD/ ADHD group is for parents dealing with kids with ADD/ ADHD. Not a single group for Adults. Ones that are listed closed years ago. It is easy to feel alone. So many people who do or do not have ADD use it as an excuse making it difficult to tell people.

ADD or not if you work hard and you honestly want to achieve it, you can. For me it took awhile, but I ended in the the job I wanted and my ADD is a huge asset. Even with work and life going well it is tough. I fight being a perfectionist. Most of the people, family, around me do not understand or believe in ADD. My wife doesn't understand it and has no idea how some comments can be hurtful. Not being able to talk about it is the most difficult part. I have seen employees come out saying they have ADD with results of it hindering them.

I recommend a strong group of friends, a therapist that does work with ADD (make sure they actually do and don't just say it), and reading "driven to distraction". I had made it through college by doing things to help over come ADD without even realizing it. Eventually in career mode it did catch up with me. I saw a therapist, was misdiagnosed as a kid, finally heard of ADD. Didn't believe I had ADD until I picked up the book "driven to distraction" and read basically so many similar life stories.

This site is great on realizing you are not the only one misunderstood, working harder to overcome what seems simple to other people. There is no greater feeling than someone telling you how you can't do something and proving them wrong. In college I was even told I was "floater". I had a professor yank me out of class asking me if I had any plans on grad school? Because the staff was so fed up with me day dreaming during class and my actions came off disinterested. A year later I made sure I said hi on my first year in Grad school to everyone who didn't want me there.

In work I discovered about ADD through seeing a counselor about frustration on concentrating and multitasking. I made an error in trusting my HR manager and discussing it. In a meeting with the vice president it became very obvious my talk with HR was discussed. I went from being a star performer to pushed to the side, and a few months later laid off. I didn't stop and took another job, several months later that same VP was in a conference with me. He was so upset I was there and working for another company he refused to eat at the 3 day conference, because it would mean having to cross my path and acknowledge me (he only weighs 300 pds).

ADD or not there will always be tough times, but tough people make it through and sometimes you end up in a place not only better, but something you would never have had imagined. This ADD/ ADHD is a gift. If you ever feel alone, discouraged, stuck, send out a thread or feel free to send me a line. I am pretty sure we have all heard it said and been there. Trust me my sixth grade teacher gave me an award for "being the slowest student" ouch!

Quote