Am I just lazy?
Sometimes we might question our ADHD diagnosis due to internalised guilt, shame and stigma. Many have been called lazy numerous times growing up, so it’s no surprise that our internal voice might constantly say “you don’t have ADHD, you don’t need help or support, you’re just lazy”. However, I believe that laziness doesn’t even exist: either I want to do something that I’m struggling to do or I’m intentionally resting. Resting and taking care of your needs is not lazy!
You don't look ADHD
Stigma often comes from other peoples understanding of what ADHD is too. Many might believe that only hyperactive boys can have ADHD, so those with inattentive symptoms, especially adults, women or seniors might lack support and understanding. Eventually, we might even start questioning the ADHD diagnosis ourselves: “shouldn’t I be more active? shouldn’t I be struggling more?”.
Maybe I'm just faking it?
Due to our short-term memory we might even forget of our struggles, especially when a good day happens. Sometimes we get hyperfocused, receive help from others or the circumstances work perfectly in our favour. In those moments it might be difficult to believe that ADHD still exists: “See?! I knew it! I must have been just faking it…”
Others have it worse
We often compare ourselves to neurotypicals. However, we might also compare ourselves to other ADHD’ers too: “If I don’t experience these symptoms in the same way, does it mean that I don’t have ADHD?”. It’s important to remember that ADHD can present itself in different ways. The same symptoms not only vary from person to person but alsoday to day.
ADHD doesn't exist
And then BOOM! The classic way that others might make us doubt ourselves is saying that ADHD itself doesn’t exist.
While there may be debates and ongoing research about certain aspects of ADHD, the overwhelming scientific evidence supports its existence as a valid medical condition with significant impact on individuals’ lives. Denying the existence of ADHD can contribute to misunderstanding, stigma, and lack of appropriate support. It’s crucial to rely on scientific evidence and expert consensus when discussing matters related to mental health and neurodevelopmental disorders. 😊
Coaching can help!
ADHD coaching can be instrumental in helping ADHD’ers with various challenges:
- Goal setting
- Accountability
- Understanding strengths and values
- Building structures
- Self-awareness
- Skill building
- Stress management
- Building self-trust
Get to know your adhd
If you’d like to get to know your ADHD brain, check out this workbook. 😊🧠
