[FrenchLop]

I've known I have ADHD for a good while now. The question is, should I tell my swimming coach? I feel like it would be a little weird, but he might appreciate the explanation..... But I also don't want him to treat me any differently. What do you guys think?

[kanasi]

Do you have a specific reason that he needs to know? Unless it causes trouble for either of you or your team (if you're on one), I'm not clear on why you'd like to tell him.

It's hard to comment on whether it's a good idea without any context, but my initial reaction without knowing anything is to say you should keep it to yourself. If you're having specific swimming-related difficulties that you need accommodations for, then that would be a reason to tell him-- and to ask for those accommodations of course.

[kadultmama]

I can relate. It's funny, if a friend came to me and told me they had to take medication to help them accomplish daily things better I would never judge them and tell them they were brave and I was proud of them for doing what they needed to do to get through their day....

However, for some reason I think I don't deserve that grace and should be better (not then her but able to overcome stuff on my own) I know, crazy.

Anyway, I am embarrassed and sad that I need meds to function like a normal person should be able to function - so finally I just blurted it out to my boyfriend and I was petrified. He however, was very understanding and we talk about it more and more as I become comfortable. My biggest fear is it changing my personality and I also feel really serious. for instance the paris attacks and media following was overwhelming.

I also told my bestfriend (who lives very far away unfortunately) was... well its about damn time. you're such a good writer, i've been waiting to see you pull it together and start again =)

haven't told family, but i'm thinking of searching for local support groups. don't know if this helps, but you're not alone in the discomfort of making it public. hang in there.

[alwaysin6thgear]

Originally Posted by FrenchLop

I've known I have ADHD for a good while now. The question is, should I tell my swimming coach? I feel like it would be a little weird, but he might appreciate the explanation..... But I also don't want him to treat me any differently. What do you guys think?

You say you have "known" you have ADHD for a while, the question is have you been diagnosed with ADHD? if you have not been properly diagnosed with ADHD then there is no reason to tell anyone, except your parents, that you think you may have it. And even if you do there is no reason that you should have to tell your coach as it is a private matter and really none of his business. And if you did tell him why should he or anyone treat you any different? Finding out you have ADHD should be a weight off your shoulders, now you know the reason why you have difficulties in some area's. If there is anyone you should tell it would be your school nurse and only if you are taking medication. Having ADHD doesn't make you less of a person, although ADHD has it's negative effects, and they get worse the longer one goes undiagnosed, it also has many positive effects. People with ADHD/ADD are not stupid in fact most have very high IQ's. What we do is our brain processes information differently, many times we want to do one thing but our brain prevents us from doing the way we want and when we want. Medication helps with the focus and slows our racing mind down but we also have to force ourselves to stay on the task at hand. I recently read a comment from a doctor ( who is well known and has ADHD) who was explaining to a young patient, who he had just diagnosed with ADHD, what it was. He said " A person with ADHD has the brain of a Ferrari, very powerful but with brakes from a bicycle. The negative stigma of having ADHD usually comes from people who know nothing about it and if they claim they do its usually very minimal information that was passed on to them from someone else who doesn't have it. The key to dealing with it successfully is educating yourself, the resources are abundant. Your school may have a policy about athletes filling out a medical form prior to playing sports, if you are taking medication for ADD you should let your schools nurse know. They are the ones that clear students to play sports and usually they are the only ones that know whats on your medical form. Your coach has know reason to know and your not obligated to tell him.