NothingGetsLost

By NothingGetsLost

I'm increasingly intolerant of these kind of "celebrity/ rich person reveals new ADHD diagnosis" articles. 

Ofc I am glad someone has found a reason or meaning for things in thier life and I hope they get whatever they need from the diagnosis to move forward well.

But. The "superpower" thing is at best lacking nuance. And also possibly unhelpful, invalidating, tone deaf....etc. 
I'm very sure that some things attributed to ADHD (which other people can have too!) can be positive. Im very sure I benefit from some of those things. 
But Disorder is in the name. And causing impairment in multiple areas of life for since childhood (even if not recognised then) is an essential part of the diagnostic criteria. 

It probably is a superpower if you have the money, proffesional and personal support system and work choices etc to manage the impairment.  But for the rest of us, 

Disrupted education is not a superpower.
Difficulty making and maintaining friendships is not a superpower.
Unemployment and underemployment is not a superpower.
Higher likelihood of addictions and substance abuse is not a superpower.
Risky sexual activity is not a superpower.
Higher chance of arrest and criminal record is not a superpower.
Debt is not a superpower.
Low self esteem is not a superpower.
Being 5 x more likely to die by suicide than non adhd population is not a superpower. 


 

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