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Adhs
This is a delicate and touchy issue for me, so please be gentle.
I think, I have had adhs all my life and it may have caused some problems. Apparently, my parents were aware, they however saw no problem, because many people in our family have been "this way" . "this way" actually has a lot of perks, but I increasingly feel, it has quite a few downsides as well. Also, what my parents didn't account for, most of the family members "this way" were or are men. I had an aunt, but she died, probably "this way" related before I was born. Being a woman, I feel the "this way" thing is harder.
I'm considering getting a diagnosis and getting on meds. However, I fear for the perks. Will it change me as a person? Will it make a difference? I'm looking for input here. Anyone willing to share experiences?
ADHD is a complicated topic, personally, and culturally. There has been a rise in people identifying as having ADHD in the past 10 years. And with that, the acquiescence of professionals to provide a diagnosis. ADHD symptoms have a thick overlay with PTSD and cPTSD symptoms. This can especially play out in intergenerational trauma cycles. Medication is going to make you not you. That’s the point of it. It won’t solve the problem, despite peoples insistence that drugs solve problems, I’m afraid that’s just a pharmaceutical sales pitch. You will continue to have symptoms, and add another to the list: fear that if you don’t take their expensive drugs, you’ll be even worse. It’s a sorry state, that I cannot recommend. Whether you diagnose or don’t diagnose, how you live your life, and have the symptoms present are the same, no? So you still have to deal with them regardless. And emotional and behavioral reckoning and changes are going to be far more effective than drugging yourself.
I highly recommend reading Gabor Mate’s Scattered Minds, and seeking the help of a female therapist with whom you have a good bond; taking your time to find a good fit before issuing trust.