ADHD friends or non-ADHD'ers?

If you could choose between having an ADHD friend or non-ADHD'er who would you choose? I'd choose ADHD'er ( from a non-ADHD'ers perspective)

Claire

I think it would depend on the person. I don't give much thought as to whether my friends have disorders of any type.

Thank you so much for replying i agree however i think people with some form of mental illness are more compattionate than those without

Thank you again

Claire

As someone who has ADD I find the term "mental illness" in reference to ADD/ADHD to be more or less unnecessary. Our brains are wired differently and we process information unlike others, that is not a necessarily a bad thing. We have issues that can be frustrating to other people, time management, procrastination, organization and easily distracted. Many, especially young kids have hyperactivity issues along with social issues. Many of these traits can be controlled and improved over time with the right support and treatment plan. We are also in touch with reality, we know right from wrong. ADD is not a cause of committing crimes or hurting people. The lack of support or proper treatment can cause other issues that can in time cause serious problems. It's that term "mental illness" that society had labeled anything that involves the brain that keeps people from getting properly diagnosed and getting treatment. It's a stigma that is unwarranted because most of us with ADD happen to be highly intelligent and creative, we just process things differently.

That is brilliant thank you for that i believe it's society that makes ADHD appear to be a bad thing to have. It is just a slightly less common brain wiring and because of this it's considered a disorder. I completely agree with everything you said there i can see how it may be percieved the wrong way or that people who have it are 'lazy' or 'obnoxious' when that is far from the truth. My friend is the most sensitive person ever but has to work harder to keep up with 'the norm' who don't have this alternated brain wiring.

Thank you again

Claire

Also a Mental Illness prevents one from doing basic everyday functions like working, they can't take care off their basic responsibilities. Having ADD doesn't do that, it may make it more difficult to do some of the everyday functions but it doesn't prevent one from doing those functions unless he/she chooses. With the right treatment those functions become easier and in many cases ADD can be an asset.

Thank you for that insight, i never knew that and didn't think of it like that i really appreciate it i agree i don't think Einstein would of been able to be the success he was without his ADHD. Numerous celebs also think that ADHD is a significant part of their success

Claire

One more thing about Mental Illness. Many people with mental illnesses will also do things that are what society considers not normal. It maybe abusing drugs and alcohol, emotionally & physically abusing a spouse or their own kids.
Some people are really good at hiding their illness. We look praise people in business and entertainment for their accomplishments and success bringing joy to people, we put them on a pedestal. But behind closed doors their is a different person that the world doesn't see, the family see's something different. It's a person they don't want the world to see for fear of losing it all.
Robin Williams is a perfect example. Many people were shocked, surprised at his sudden death. I was shocked but not surprised.

Thank you for that insight that worries me deeply, this is why i do what i do for my friend cause i don't want her to EVER comit suicide. I agree it's like a mask or poker face where people like to cover up their issues or flaws by pretending everything is okay when it isn't.

It's almost as if people like to see everyone at their best at all times, even though it is impossible. And if someone is at their worst or lowest they're told to get on with it or they'll be okay when it's more complex than that.

Thank you

Claire