I have had quite a number of professionals tell me I have ADHD - but I do not believe them.
Firstly, I only loosely fit the diagnostic criteria. I am more inclined to think that that which they identify as ADHD is just me being a lazy and impatient asshole - I could probably act differently if I cared enough to try, which I kinda don’t. I can make myself focus myopically on practically anything, which is, as I understand it, contrary to the core facets of ADHD. My life is a garbage fire on a train wreck, but that’s ok, it takes me interesting places.
Which brings me to secondly - I have a problem with even accepting that ADHD exists. So many kids at school would go get diagnosed as ADHD or dyslexic or whatever, when they patently weren’t, so they’d get the extra time and grade bonus in exams. So many other kids would be forcibly diagnosed and drugged, when all that was wrong with them was that they were being bullied. It feels like the psychiatric industry invented a new product to sell, and needed a diagnosis to stick it on. It’s convenient for schools, as you can label and drug anyone who shows any hint of individuality, and likewise for parents, as it allows easier management of vivacious children. For adults, it’s convenient as an explanation for failure to meet one’s own expectations in life.
Me, I just accept that I am a bit of a disappointment - “If madaxe would only apply himself, he would be an exceptionally brilliant pupil”, said everyone, ever - and I do not like to apply myself, as as I said, I am a lazy asshole intent on coasting through life.
Firstly, I only loosely fit the diagnostic criteria. I am more inclined to think that that which they identify as ADHD is just me being a lazy and impatient asshole - I could probably act differently if I cared enough to try, which I kinda don’t. I can make myself focus myopically on practically anything, which is, as I understand it, contrary to the core facets of ADHD. My life is a garbage fire on a train wreck, but that’s ok, it takes me interesting places.
Which brings me to secondly - I have a problem with even accepting that ADHD exists. So many kids at school would go get diagnosed as ADHD or dyslexic or whatever, when they patently weren’t, so they’d get the extra time and grade bonus in exams. So many other kids would be forcibly diagnosed and drugged, when all that was wrong with them was that they were being bullied. It feels like the psychiatric industry invented a new product to sell, and needed a diagnosis to stick it on. It’s convenient for schools, as you can label and drug anyone who shows any hint of individuality, and likewise for parents, as it allows easier management of vivacious children. For adults, it’s convenient as an explanation for failure to meet one’s own expectations in life.
Me, I just accept that I am a bit of a disappointment - “If madaxe would only apply himself, he would be an exceptionally brilliant pupil”, said everyone, ever - and I do not like to apply myself, as as I said, I am a lazy asshole intent on coasting through life.