It sounds like your sister just doesn't understand what it's like to be you and to live with ADHD. I do not have ADHD but my 8-year-old son does. Since his diagnosis, I have read everything I can get my hands on to understand his differences and how to help him be successful. If I hadn't done that, if I hadn't worked to understand how he sees the world, I would still be punishing him for things that are neurologically out of his control.

Is your sister interested in reading about ADHD? Tell her you feel like she doesn't understand your differences but you'd like her to learn about ADHD so that you can get along better and have a closer relationship with her. That's one of the suggestions in this ADDItudeMag.com article on explaining ADHD to doubters. http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/5150.html It's written for the perspective of the mom trying to explain her child's ADHD but you can glean the tips from it nonetheless.

Hang in there!

Penny W., ADDItudeMag.com Community Moderator mom to Luke, ADHD, age 8 creator of the website {a mom's view of ADHD} at http://adhdmomma.blogspot.com

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Big Hugs! Hi, I feel your pain, I'm in the process of being diagnosed (my psych and I are convinced but still have to go through testing...in 3 MONTHS!) Hopefully I don't go crazy or drive my husband crazy by then, but this website REALLY helps. One thing for me, sometimes I don't know how to even talk when I'm upset, I identify. That may come off as "mopey" to others but there is much more going on inside isn't there? Journaling your feelings is a GOOD thing and don't let anyone take that away from you. Lock yourself in the bathroom for a few and scribble down if you're feeling overwhelmed, then nobody can burst in on you and interrupt. I try to write my husband letters if we are in a particularly big fight or disagreement. I know my hormones and period are part of it too. (I get crazy for 1-2 days when it starts) But my (suspect) ADD makes it hard to communicate with him and him with I. He usually tries to write things down in letter form to me as well, especially since I bounce around from topic to topic, he can't keep up. Heck I can't even keep up. Just remember to love one another.

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I appreciate the comments. I think it makes it difficult when my sister is angry because it translates into I don't want her to have emotions. Perhaps I have to be more open and calm with communication? I am trying to be more expressive with words verablly so I don't come off as mopey when I sit in my room and write.

Thanks again.

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