[Ad Intra]

So apparently I had ADHD. I was tested for it at 17, and at the time the person said that I may have it, and I did it would be mild. The testing was done through a psychological evaluation. Later I was told by someone else (a counselor who read the psych eval) that I did have ADHD. Oddly though, nothing was done about it. Anyways, I'm ashamed to have ADHD. I think of it as something bad and just a label for hyperactive kids. I just feel dirty having that label. Odd thing is that I didn't start having problems with inattention until I found my mom dead (at 6) and later on, was abused (at 11).

[CANDC]

Ad Intra, I am sorry you suffered trauma and abuse as a child. No one should have to go through that. ADHD or any dx is just a label. There is a person with an illness. There is nothing demeaning about that.

Have you ever talked about these traumas with a therapist that specializes in abuse or trauma? No matter what the dx, these kinds of trauma usually have a big impact on how we live our lives and relate to others.

You are a survivor and I know that is not always easy. I respect you for your honesty and your determination. You are really a wonderful person trying to find a way to be more fully you. Keep on being who you really are.

[kanasi]

Hi, Ad Astra. I'm sorry to hear you've been through so much. (ADHD probably reaches its worst at the stressful times in a person's life, incidentally.) As CANDC, folks with ADHD are perfectly good people like anybody else. I'm sure you will realize (deep down) there's nothing to be ashamed of, and grow more accustomed to managing ADHD, in time.

[Cynical4096]

(1) You were told that you MAY have MILD adhd- not a confirmation of the diagnosis.

(2) A Councillor told you you have ADHD?

Also you talk about various traumas. To me it is not clear what you may or may not have, and I am not sure how you can be clear, but you certainly may need help with the traumatic experiences.

You should also definitely talk to a professional to is qualified to tell you whether or not you have ADHD, but only a qualified doctor can prescribe meds.

If you do have ADHD you should likely be on meds (if its pronounced) but it does seem you may have trauma related issues also.

You certainly do not deserve to feel ashamed of yourself, whatever the case.