A Morsel of Genius Definitions:
ADHD: Every variant of attention deficit disorder. I prefer ADD, but obviously, that’s a word itself, with its own meaning.
The 95%: It estimated that between 5 and 10% of the population have adhd. For the purposes of this blog, I decided the claim the lowest number, 5%, because it gives us a more unique identity. So when I’m discussing the majority of people who do not have adhd, I call them “the 95%”.
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A little about me. I’m sure I’ll be updating this page a few more times until I feel I get it right (such and adder).
I’m not sure if this blog is trying to figure out what it is, or I’m trying to figure out who I am. It’s probably a little of both. This blog is a hodgepodge of many things, because the author (myself) is a hodgepodge of many different things. Aren’t we all?
In September 2007, I was diagnosed with ADHD. After months of traditional “talk” therapy, my shrink (and I use that term fondly, she’s brilliant and caring) said it was possible that I may have adhd. We had been talking about my problems with time management, organization, and relationships, but many of the same topics and troubles kept coming up regardless of what I did attempting to improve them. We talked about how it has been this way my whole life! She had me do a bunch of IQ tests, and explained how a psychologist assesses a (basic) relevant understanding of a person’s IQ based on topics discussed, word usage, thoughts, etc. (I don’t remember the details). She said based on my IQ, I shouldn’t be having these problems.
She referred me to a psychiatrist who also tested me. We discussed medications. He recommended using stimulants because they have proven to be the most effective treatment. I was a bit hesitant, because the last thing I needed was to be all rev’d up. He explained how they work and that in actuality, they should help me calm down. Sure enough, I’m calmer, more focused, and feeling better about myself than I ever have!
It’s tough as an adult to find out you have adhd. At first, I was elated! I had felt, my whole life, like I was living in a bubble, kicking and screaming to get out. But with all my might and willpower, all I would do is stretch the bubble. I just couldn’t break free.
I don’t feel that way anymore. It’s amazing! Absolutely amazing!
But then there was that stretch of depression about it. What about my childhood? Why didn’t anyone help me then? Will I be on meds forever? And on and on … I still haven’t told anyone about it other than my closest friend and my mom and dad, and it was a few months before I told them. The rest of my family, friends, co-workers, etc. still don’t have a clue. I’ve been very private about it, just like I am with most things. Well …
Today is a new day! My name is Mike Todd, and I have adhd!
About THIS blog:
To be continued …
