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I agree. My adhd has never made me more able than anyone, but has certainly been a detriment to myself and those around me. The best I can do is not hate myself

I agree. My adhd has never made me more able than anyone, but has certainly been a detriment to myself and those around me. The best I can do is not hate myself for what I evidently can’t control, and continue working to lessen the damage it does. I mean, I was diagnosed because it’s a problem. Not because I have super powers. I think the idea of wearing it as a badge of pride is because that reflex is easier than being more honest and introspective. At the same time it might help soften the pain. If you have a disability, you are a strain on those around you. You shouldn’t be ashamed of it, but you shouldn’t be prideful either. You should be proud when you succeed against the odds and you know it took hard work, but that’s not adhd happening. For a brief time I entertained that I should be more adhd positive. Ultimately I realized that bias is not helpful at all if it clouds my perception of how it impacts my life or those around me. For some people though, perhaps it helps lessen the burden of the common self-loathing that tends to manifest as sufferers age.

ekanes 5y ago
I agree that some people could choose to see the positive aspects of adhd because it's less painful, but it doesn't mean they are deluding themselves. As a startup founder I think adhd worked both for and against me. Hyperfocus, the ability to perceive constant emergencies as fun, mania, etc. Downsides were very real too; dropping out of college because it was too boring, not opening my mail on time, being late with things, being disorganized, etc. Now that I have access to medication, I see it as a net positive.
- pksebben 5y ago
  for me, it's the lateral thinking that really comes in handy. I can catch weird bugs a lot quicker, and my tenancy to yak shave has led to a pretty awesome kit of tools for every occasion. I've managed to fix a lot of the organizational problems with a multi pronged sleep / exercise / med regimen, too. All in all, I'd call it net positive.
  - steve_adams_86 5y ago
    I can see it from that perspective as well. I’m not trying to be cynical either; I don’t doubt that in many cases, with the right support and personal growth it can absolutely be a net positive. Perhaps over time it’ll be a net positive for me as well.

ekanes 5y ago

I agree that some people could choose to see the positive aspects of adhd because it's less painful, but it doesn't mean they are deluding themselves. As a startup founder I think adhd worked both for and against me. Hyperfocus, the ability to perceive constant emergencies as fun, mania, etc. Downsides were very real too; dropping out of college because it was too boring, not opening my mail on time, being late with things, being disorganized, etc. Now that I have access to medication, I see it as a net positive.

pksebben 5y ago
for me, it's the lateral thinking that really comes in handy. I can catch weird bugs a lot quicker, and my tenancy to yak shave has led to a pretty awesome kit of tools for every occasion. I've managed to fix a lot of the organizational problems with a multi pronged sleep / exercise / med regimen, too. All in all, I'd call it net positive.
- steve_adams_86 5y ago
  I can see it from that perspective as well. I’m not trying to be cynical either; I don’t doubt that in many cases, with the right support and personal growth it can absolutely be a net positive. Perhaps over time it’ll be a net positive for me as well.