since i started considering the possibility that i may have adhd, and since receiving my diagnosis, i have been doing lots of reading about it. the diagnostic criteria is seen by some as a bit nonspecific and there is no blood test you can do to confirm for sure. in fact some people are still convinced that it's not even a thing. there are three different types of adhd; there is predominantly inattentive type, predominantly hyperactive/impulsive type and there is a combination of the two.
the diagnostic criteria tend to come off as quite negative (things that are wrong with you) including things like, does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes, has trouble keeping attention on tasks, has trouble organizing activities, avoids, dislikes, or doesn't want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time, loses things needed for tasks and activities, is easily distracted, is forgetful in daily activities, talks excessively, blurts out answers before questions have been finished, interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations).
it's easy to see how kids (and adults) could end up feeling a bit shitty about themselves and feel broken and inadequate. so during my research i also found a fact sheet listing some "positive aspects of adhd". reading through the list i felt as if what i was reading was actually a description of something i've always just referred to as my personality!! i've shared it with a couple of friends and they agree, its a perfect description of what makes me, me. it's a little bit weird really. i've always been a believer that our experiences shape who we are, that without both the good and bad parts of my life i wouldn't be who i am. but to see almost my entire personality written down on fact sheet as being an aspect of this new name for my brokenness is unsettling.
for those of you that know me well enough (or maybe even if you don't know me all that well), the list is below and please let me know if you think it describes me too (or if you think it doesn't... in which case you'll most likely be wrong but it would still be interesting to know)
- Sensitive
- Empathetic with other's feelings
- Feels deeply
- Creative
- Problem Solver
- Inventive
- Sees from a unique perspective
- Acute perception
- Great sense of humour
- Environmentally observant
- Spontaneous
- Fun
- Open and unsecretive
- Eager for acceptance
- Willing to forgive
- Intense involvement in a task of interest
- Difficult to fool
- Look to the core of people, situations and issues
- Down to earth
- Good networker
- Sees relationships between people and things
- Observant
- Loyal
Yep. That's you to the core. I love you for all that, and anything that may ever be on any other list in the history or future of the universe. To the moon and back you are my most treasured friend and I thank the universe daily that you came into my life.
ReplyDeleteNawwww, thanks darling! xxxx
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