Having been diagnosed with ADD a couple years ago, I’ve had some time to get used to knowing why I am the way I am. I have a better understanding of what lies beneath it all. It’s still frustrating, and there are times when I still have trouble dealing with things, but knowing the underlying cause helps tremendously. I’m not an idiot, I’m not stupid…I have something legitimate, definable, and treatable. I’ve been able to develop coping mechanisms, and while those mechanisms aren’t always foolproof, they go a long way toward helping me feel better about myself.
I’ve tried to be as honest and open as possible about the challenges I continue to face, and my hope is that my experiences will be something that someone can either relate to or find some hope in. ADD isn’t a death sentence. It’s what I have to deal with, not who I am. ADD is a hurdle, but it doesn’t define me. The more I learn about it, the better able I am to lead my life in a way that makes the most sense for me.
At least I know why my short-term memory is virtually non-existent and why I can descend into a low-grade panic if my car keys aren’t in the same place every day….
