It’s funny to me now how insistent people have been on letting me know they think my diagnosis is bullsh*t. I know they are well-meaning (honestly, I did it to people before I knew better), but it’s actually not supportive… at all.
People seem to think that doctors are handing out ADHD diagnoses like free c*ndoms, but I actually had to go through several hours long interviews and completed multiple, extensive assessments that were hundreds of questions long. I was seen by multiple medical and psych professionals who all came to the same conclusion. I actually have ADHD.
What I now realize is that part of the reason people try to downplay a diagnosis is because they think it’s a bad thing. They think we don’t want to have a diagnosis. But what they often don’t realize is that for some of us the diagnosis is one the best things that ever happened to us.
Imagine going your whole life working your butt off to still be behind your peers, struggling with your ability to complete tasks, keep up, stay motivated, struggling with your memory and countless other things… and you finally find out that there’s a legit reason for it all.
You’re not lazy. You have ADHD. It’s not that you’re not trying hard enough. You have ADHD. You’re not crazy. You have ADHD. And just as you’re embracing this awesome new truth—and your world finally makes sense—each person you tell says, “Nah. That’s bullsh*t. Ain’t nothing wrong with you.”
Wait, so I guess I am just lazy, crazy, and not trying hard enough. No the f*ck you’re not. They just don’t get it. They think they’re helping. Don’t let their dismissal of your diagnosis rub off on you. You know what you went through to make sense of what’s going on with you.
And… if you self-diagnosed, don’t dismiss that sh*t either. Getting an official diagnosis is a lengthy and expensive process. And not everybody has access to that. So if you have been figuring it out through your own research, after seeing numerous social media posts that spoke to you, you are not alone.
Anyway, before I ramble some more, check out today’s podcast. I’m telling you now, resist the urge to stop listening. The beginning has a point so sit through it so you can get the message. Just trust me on that. And thank you.
Blessings!
Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist
MDillon Designs & Publishing 