Small Victories That Only People With ADD/ADHD Would Understand
Sometimes you gotta celebrate the little victories.
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are two conditions that affect people's work, relationships and overall way of life.
While not every experience is the same, people who have ADD/ADHD typically experience trouble with forgetfulness, concentration, restlessness and impulsiveness. Traditionally, these conditions are seen in children and young adults, but recent studies show that adults can also develop ADD/ADHD, which completely changes the conversation.
While the world is making great strides, it doesn't change the fact that living with the condition can be difficult—especially if one chooses not to take a medication like Adderall. But, when people with ADD/ADHD are able to overcome the hurdles of their condition, it is a call for a celebration! A tiny celebration, but a well-deserved moment nevertheless. Here are the small victories people with ADD/ADHD have throughout the day.
1. Going to the grocery story with a LIST and not impulse-buying all of the junk food
I came here to buy eggs and I got them without spending an additional $30 on Cheetos and ice cream. Three cheers for organization and focus!
2. Arriving not just on time, but early
Being distracted or forgetful on a regular basis can make being on time for an event or appointment an epic feat. So, when one is on time, one celebrates.
3. Acknowledging that something is boring and finding the strength to power through
A lack of focus combined with impulsiveness means that it's easy to get bored—and there are plenty of exciting things to be distracted by. Acknowledging a boring situation while still trying to pay attention is a gold-star moment for people with ADD/ADHD.
4. Saying no to distracting friends, but yes to focus
Work and school are usually boring, so the social butterflies of the ADD/ADHD world are easily distracted by any stranger that passes by. Saying no to chatting it up instead of working is definitely a tiny miracle.
5. Taking a minute to look at something funny on the Internet and not getting (too) sucked into it
It starts with Reddit, which leads to Tumblr, which leads to spending three hours Googling the life of Anna Nichole Smith and everyone involved in her life. Being able to click on a funny link, laugh and then go back to work instead of looking up more cool stuff is a damn fine accomplishment.
6. Waiting to talk instead of interrupting and overpowering the conversation with an AMAZING thought
It's easy to simply want to blurt out whatever is on your mind, but that ultimately just pisses off EVERYONE—especially if someone else is talking. Holding in the super awesome inner-thought is appreciated by friends, family and other conversation-havers.
7. When distracted, owning it without trying to play it off as being "productive"
Trying to play off that you are actually busy when you're really distracted is a natural reaction. But the road to living with ADD/ADHD includes acknowledging a slump and recovering by jumping back into paying attention.
8. Remembering to do your chores
As someone with ADD, I can attest, chores are the easiest thing to forget about when I'm distracted (or even when I'm focused). This sucks because then I find myself living in a hovel surrounded by dirty things and disappointment. Usually I plan a reward for myself (like Chipotle) for doing laundry or cleaning the kitchen.
9. Remembering to eat
Many ADD/ADHD medications suppress appetite, so lot of people forget to eat.
10. Facing a particularly enticing distraction and pushing it away
Conquering distractions is really difficult, but there is a moment of pure victory and strength when you're able to forcibly remove the distraction. This momentous occasion deserves cupcakes, flowers and praise.