For the last couple of years I have thought my son has ADHD but it didn't really seem bad enough to start researching until this past year. Once I started researching it I had a start realization that much of what it said also described me. In a way, it was a reassuring diagnosis; like, I'm not just a crazy person. And all those times that I've had foot in the mouth moments or was constantly late or constantly unorganized or constantly talking or constantly not finishing projects I started... and on and on... had a reason, and it wasn't because I was weak or unmotivated. That was reassuring. But along with that came overwhelming feelings of frustration. All of a sudden I noticed every little ADD thing that I did and felt like it was wrong or bad and that I needed to not do it. To add to that, I was just tired of having another label to add to "what's wrong with me". So, I started delving into research. I read articles, books, facebook posts for women with adhd, and anything I could and can (still am) get my hands on. Not only was I trying to figure out my ADD/ADHD, I was also trying to figure out how to help my son who constantly forgot his homework, couldn't stay organized at all, was struggling to finish assignments at school and had a hard time sleeping at night. Now, I say this in the past tense. However, I'm still trying to figure those things out to help both him and me.
Living with ADHD has made it hard sometimes to "live yellow". It's hard to be consistent. It's hard to be organized and follow through on goals. It's hard to muddle through the million thoughts a second. The best thing I have going for me is that I don't give up. I keep trying. Each day is a new chance to make and accomplish goals. And the more research I do the more I learn about how to successfully live with ADHD and how to identify and use my unique strengths that come from having ADHD. So, I thought I'd share some of my favorite resources on ADHD!
Online Resources:
ADDitude Magazine: Strategies and support for ADHD and LD
http://www.additudemag.com/
CHADD: Children and adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
http://www.chadd.org/
Books:
Queen of Distraction
Terry Matlen
Healing ADD
Daniel Amen
ADD in Intimate Relationships
Daniel Amen
