Dirty Laundry: Why Adults with ADHD Are So Ashamed and What We Can Do to Help

No one can hate themselves into a version of themselves that they like

INTERHEAD: when you feel like you have 100 internet browser tabs open in your brain at once

You see, we ADHDers have this rare ability to fail over and over again and never lose hope. To keep believing the next one is going to work. When people have that kind of persistence, well, the chances of something working eventually are pretty goddamn high.

(Says she will do X) + (forgets to do X) + (thinks of something else to do instead) = very happy until she remembers about X again, in which case she will have crippling anxiety.

My attention loves challenge, novelty, and unfortunately, it thrives on stress.

I was constantly torn between my desperate need to achieve my “gifted child” potential and my personal shame over the fact I couldn’t make my bed, do my washing, or take care of my finances. When you stack years of feeling like a failure on top of each other, you get a person with rock-bottom self-esteem.

It’s only by being honest that we can begin to accept these parts of ourselves, and allow others to accept them too.

When we feel loved, despite all the things we see as flaws? Well, that’s where the real healing happens.

although I know the wandering hippie of Rox’s mind will always take the scenic route, I’m always there with a map back home, via the path that needs to be walked.

It’s absolutely beautiful to share some of our most embarrassing struggles with those we love, and to let them help.

It’s time to let hyperfocus just be a thing that you do, rather than something that must be tamed in order for you to feel lovable.

Hyperfocus is an extremely intense ability to focus on a particular subject, for a duration of time that cannot be estimated. It appears on a whim, and turns off whenever it chooses.

Trying to reason with someone who is triggered will only hurt both of you.

Newsflash: shaming yourself, or allowing others to shame you, will never actually help you get better. You can’t shame yourself, or be shamed, into being more functional.

Compassion and non-judgement will bring about more positive change than shame and judgement ever will.

had learned to regulate my own emotions and had learned the ability to respond, not react.

So, although I know the wandering hippie of Rox’s mind will always take the scenic route, I’m always there with a map back home, via the path that needs to be walked.

your life purpose is not to have a super-tidy house. It’s to accept yourself and be happy.