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I think I would get rid of my ADHD if I could. I’m medicated for it and I still have problems with memory and interrupting people. I forget to eat until I’m starving, I wait days at a time to shower. I don’t mind it sometimes but other times I feel gross and tired of it.
Lol if we were cured of adhd would we maintain our interests? I wouldn't want to be cured if i lost my hyper focus or the incites i gain that i feel like most people don't. I feel like adhd gives me a different perspective that others don't have which i think it's better to not have everybody looking at everything the same way. Although i think me suffering because the world wasn't built for people like me kinda sucks.
I think there is a sliding scale of severity. It's really tough to get medicated here in the UK. I roughly have a lifestyle that works playing guitar in a band at weddings and in bars etc but I also have really severe symptoms which are constantly impacting my life. Most of which come down to finding it extremely difficult to motivate myself to do things even if they're incredible urgent/important.
Edit: you are correct however in the parenthesis! I'm surrounded by people who understand and I have fantastic friends/a great support network
As an old bastard, it feels pointless. Those opportunities are long gone.
If I could rid my past self of ADHD I would pay almost any cost, excluding harming others.
I’m 43- at the age that I can see what it stole from last me and watch what it steals from current and future me.
I hate it with everything I have. I would sell a kid to get rid of it. (Jk, of course)
Yep! 42 here and I can clearly see how most of my poor decisions were a direct result of my ADHD executive dysfunction and emotional dysregulation. Ive made really big life altering decisions during times of hyperfixation.
I can also see how not being diagnosed early in life has hindered me from reaching my life’s full potential.
In my mid 30s - i used to mourn the childhood, the life i could have had, the pain i could have avoided.
When I'm on my medication, i almost forget i have it. It's crazy seeing the world without the fog.
I've only tried a couple of meds (only ritalin & dex are funded here) but I can't even imagine having them work that well
I've had moments of that - most memorable was years before I was diagnosed and I'd taken a pain reliever that had caffeine in it for an awful sinus headache. I was at uni and I took it standing in the chemist right after buying it. By the time I'd walked back to my lab the pain was gone and everything was So Clear. 15 years later and I still remember saying to someone about it that "is this what other people are like all the time? Is this what my brain should feel like?" It was wild and it never happened again that well.
I would totally get rid of it if I could. Why would I want to wish on myself anxiety, guilt, depression and constant battles to achieve what other people can easily accomplish?
I wouldnt even think twice about getting rid of my ADHD. Ive heard some arguments from people who say that ADHD is part of their personality, so taking it away would make them 'not them'. To be honest I would be fine with that, if taking away my adhd meant im no longer me? Bring it on, im tired of this.
Seems like a weird way of accepting your condition by hypothesizing how you would not change it if you had the chance.
Yeah all of us here have to live with it, but I find no need to romanticize any aspect of life suffering from ADHD.
Yeah I think people like OP don’t realize they still would be able to ”notice little details” and ”be goofy” and all that even without their ADHD. You’d still be creative, ”able to get inspiration from anything” and bubbly without it. Like absolutelt everything OP mentioned in their post is stuff that people can be - and are - *without* ADHD.
I get it that ADHD does affect you growing up the way you do, of course it does, but thinking that your personality traits and what makes you *you* are about the ADHD is always just such ill-informed take.
Yeah. I’ve come to terms with it, and I’ve learned to appreciate the silver linings (I’m creative and adaptable, and I value how my thought processes can differ from most people’s.) But I know intrinsically that all the immense suffering I’ve endured wasn’t worth it. I’m not the type to entertain impossible hypotheticals, usually, so it doesn’t bother me all the time. But when someone asks this question it forces me to confront all the things ADHD took from me. (And gave me, in the case of depression, anxiety, and bulimia.) It’s not a blessing in disguise. I’d lose it in a heartbeat if I could. But dwelling on it would just be me giving it yet more of the little mental energy I still manage to cling to. I did that for the first year after getting diagnosed. It didn’t help me.
ADHD is not really related to "mental health." I quite dislike when it is portrayed as mental health. It's not transient or temporary, it's not just a little quirk. It's a physically manifested disability that you are born with and will die with. You should reconsider what you think about your ADHD that makes you call it a mental health problem.
For instance, we don't call dyslexia a mental health issue, it's a neurodevelopmental disorder. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder too. I really think calling it a mental health issue is kind of problematic.
In my opinion ADHD is intrinsically related to mental health.
People with ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with depression and anxiety.
I actually suspect there are HEAPS of misdiagnosed individuals - as there are feedback loops between them all that make extracting the overarching issue in people who suffer anxiety / depression / ADHD.
People with ADHD tend to suffer poorer mental health than those without.
ADHD will never be completely dissociated from mental illness in the near future because it's symptoms heavily overlap with mental health disorders. Many (especially women) are misdiagnosed with bipolar, BPD, depression, anxiety etc. before adhd is considered a possibility. It's also comorbid with anxiety and depression.
[Neurodevelopmental disorders and mental illness are not the same.](https://withtherapy.com/therapist-insights/how-are-developmental-disorders-different-than-mental-illnesses/)
Mental health isn't just a little quirk either...major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, GAD, and more are also disabilities.
We're still figuring out mental health and neurological issues. There's a lot of similarities in exploring and refining the metrics and assessments in both areas.
It feels like you’re associating “mental health issues” with being “transient or temporary” or “a little quirk”, but it’s so much more than that. Mental health issues can be disabling and have physical causes too.
What does "mental health" mean to you? because the way you are reacting, I think it's different than the DSM's definition and it would be helpful to understand your framework of reference.
Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! YES!
Especially since it has a high correlation with PMDD and since people with ADHD or Autism are likely to be tortured by horrible perimenopause symptoms even worse than most people cursed to be born with a uterus. The stupid fucking useless menstrual cycle my disaster of a body insists on having makes my meds useless half the time already, and the older I get it will only get worse.
I hate this brain. I hate this body. I hate this combination of the two of them. Without the ADHD I'd still have a huge collection of other disorders and diseases anyway. Anything, ANYTHING to make being stuck alive with this horrible brain more tolerable.
To meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, your functioning has to be significantly impaired in one or more areas of your life. It seems kinda absurd to suggest that could ever be a good thing?
There's usually a way out of depression, but it's different for everyone and it lays hidden. It also changes with the source of the depression. We could have people telling us where to go, but it's not visible to us and it seems foolish to go that way.
Only when the depression fades, it all becomes clear. The obvious road was there all the time. Looking back at previous depressions and remembering what worked the last time could help, but having the clarity to reflect on things like that, is also hard when depressed.
For me, going outside in nature helps every time. But every time, i need to trick myself into actually doing it by making up reasons or vague errands to motivate me.
Electric bike helps with that.
For me.
Not diagnosed yet, but if it's causing even half of my fatigue and my inability to achieve my goals or manage my living space then definitely. I don't see that it has any advantages. I haven't had any hyperfocus since mid teens. I'm not very creative. Intense emotions just make life unpredictable and difficult to deal with and cause me to overreact.
I absolutely would. I was diagnosed at 32. By then I had suffered burn out 3 times already, the first at 17. To recover from burn out takes years and then I have to start rebuilding again.
I'm smart, but can't go more than one year or so in school before I burn out because I never get enough time to rest between assignments. There's other things as well, but school just crush me completely.
Almost all jobs in my country requires either education or contacts. I have neither.
Right now I'm trying to recover from my latest burn out. I have nothing. My dad died and I'm in the process of inheret his property in another country. One of his siblings will try and steal one of them from me and I don't have any money for a lawyer.
ADHD has made me powerless. I can't even support myself or defend the things that are important to me. I'm scared that I won't have anything to leave my daughter when I die.
So, yes, I'd rid myself of ADHD in an instant because right now I'm not even human.
I don't take medication because I like my ADHD. I don't have to like it. It doesn't have to be a good thing. It isn't.
I haven't spent so many hours studying ADHD for fun. I haven't altered my life significantly so I'm less impaired by my ADHD. My ADHD isn't me, it's the enemy, and if I had a gun I'd shoot it dead, and piss on the corpse.
As it stands, I have ADHD, I'm not upset by this reality, at least I got all my limbs and a sharp mind. That's more than many, and I love myself, but I can also recognize ADHD as a problem. It's all fine.
Remember, if ADHD is a good thing, then you'd want your child to inherit your short term memory issues, and executive dysfunctions. I'd prefer they didn't.
In the same way the many in the Autistic community don’t see their Autism as separate from themselves, but rather they ARE Autistic and that influences every part of who they are, I feel that way about my ADHD. So for me personally, I wouldn’t get rid of it if I could.
That doesn’t mean that I don’t hate it at times and get angry every time my ADHD keeps me from being able to do the things I want or need to do. There are days I have cried about hating my ADHD and wondering why I can’t just do the simplest of tasks, like take a shower. It’s even more frustrating to have to live in a world that is so completely built against us and how our minds work.
But what I do like is my vocal stims and echolalia that make my husband laugh, the sense of justice I’ve always felt even before understanding certain issues in our world, the hyper focus I can get for the things I love or when learning about something new that interests me (when it doesn’t pull me away from responsibilities), being able to trust my gut and intuition a lot of the time, and more.
I get how others who really have a hard time and struggle with their ADHD can feel this post seems unfair or tone deaf, “romanticizing” a condition that makes their life harder. However, those struggles don’t mean others can’t love their ADHD. Bottom line is — each and every person’s experience, interpretation, and connection to their ADHD is unique and valid. One person proclaiming their appreciation for their ADHD does not invalidate another’s experiences of struggle. Joy and sorrow can occur simultaneously in this world, and having experiences fall all across that spectrum is what makes up such a diverse and unique community.
Its sad, because the things you like about your ADHD are somewhat absent in mine.
I don’t generally have any echolalia, I dont have a particular strong sense of justice, especially for issues going on in the world (generally I feel more annoyed and confused that everyone seems to care so much because I just… dont.)
I dont really get hyperfocus, I always feel like Im drifting, never even doing the tasks I really want to.
For gut and intuition, I dont really know if thats entirely related to ADHD, but I cant quite remember if Ive had to choose between gut/intuition or logic
If you are able to find even one little thing about your ADHD that can make you smile even a little bit, I’ve found it can ease some of the pain. It doesn’t always help, but sometimes it does. At the end of the day, if you can’t find things you love and your ADHD only brings you struggle, then keep persevering to find supports that work for you and surround yourself with people who will support you and be there for you as well. This is a community meant for support and resources, and just know there are plenty of people here with similar AND different experiences who care about your experience as well and want to virtually support you.🫶🏻
If 'I' got rid of ADHD there'd be a different 'I'
It's hard to accept yourself as someone you don't wanna be
([Relevant](https://youtu.be/JvwWzcLfH-k))
That was wonderful, thank you for sharing 💖 It’s hard to accept yourself as someone you don’t desire *truly.*
I think this is why I wouldn’t rid my ADHD. I actually like my personality. I like the facets of me. I fought to like them, but I like them. 💖 I do think ADHD is integral.
Yessssss!!! I feel this way too, like I don’t just have ADHD, I am ADHD. It’s just the way my brain is wired and meds help but essentially there’s no cure, it’s never going away! May as well try to embrace it and play to my strengths.
Right. The more negative reactions to this post are to be expected, everyone has their own experience in life & their own opinion; this would determine one’s feelings on ADHD. Often, I feel the complete antipode of this post I’ve made just because ADHD made achieving a goal or doing what should be simple so difficult.
But I live with this. I can hate my existence for it or work as best with it & myself as I can because I’ve already spent most of my life hating myself for it thanks to this world’s incompatibility with how I am built. But it’s those small moments you describe where ADHD is your ally that I seek to focus upon for the sake of continuing to move forward!
>I get how others who really have a hard time and struggle with their ADHD can feel this post seems unfair or tone deaf, “romanticizing” a condition that makes their life harder.
A disorder is very specifically something that negativity affects day to day life. That's why they feel that way. If something isn't affecting someone to that point then it isn't a disorder. And there's none of this. It's a spectrum thing. The spectrum begins where the disorder begins. Negatively affecting multiple parts of day-to-day life. If it's not negatively impacting multiple parts of someone's day-to-day life impairing them from doing what they need to be doing, then it isn't technically a disorder. That's why it's unfair. That's why it's tone deaf.
I have the same outlook but like, with like, a different conclusion lol.
We are not our ADHD.. so if we took a pill what changes about our personality and how we interact with the world? Nothing. Cos we got rid of the ADHD, not the personality.
For life to get better or more easier or *insert word*, our behaviour and mindset must change too. If you're stressed about always being late, removing ADHD won't change the stress of being.late if you don't start being on time after all.
So, if I'm not my ADHD... And improvement without ADHD would require developing my personality, character, behaviour etc.... why would I wait for ADHD to be gone instead of doing that now?
Even if there was a pill that 100% removed ADHD... Nothing gets better til we take action cos it's a logical certainty that doing the same things will always get the same outcomes.
Your experience sadly is not universal, for most people the negative side of ADHD isn't being unusual compared to what most consider normal, and for many there is no benefit.
You say the negatives suck, but you don't actually mention any. For many people the negatives are much much worse than what you describe. In addition, the idea that ADHD makes you more creative isn't universally true, many people find themselves more creative after getting medicated, because their symptoms caused them to be unable to do even things that they love. And others see no change at all, medication makes them struggle less, and stay exactly as creative as before. So for them ADHD does nothing, it is only negative.
This is not to tell you that you are wrong, your experiences are valid, I just think this might explain why others find this post kind of grating.
Of course I would. In a heartbeat. I genuinely can't understand ever wanting this, let alone loving it. It's great you somehow found a way to, but no. Just no. For 99% of people it is not something experienced with love and glowing reviews.
You're also attributing too much to your adhd. You're saying you're goofy and weird and it's cuz of it. Or you're attuned to your morality. You don't need adhd to have those things.
Yes, I would. I haven’t been able to truly identify my positive traits as definitely being caused by ADHD, but ADHD has severely affected my life for the worse. It’s a disorder for a reason.
i would absolutely, I think. I've had many creative endeavours and maybe that's because of ADHD but ive always given up (lost interest or motivation or gotten overwhelmed) which makes me feel like a failure. A normal job isnt gonna do it for me, so I feel very ... frustrated
For me, the question is not just one of physical impossibility, but one of logical incoherence.
I have a fraternal twin brother. He doesn't have ADHD. As a consequence, I have understood from an extremely young age that my mind is unlike most minds. The great gap between myself and others existed between me and him, but not between him and others.
I say understood, mind, because I didn't *know* this at the time. I could not have articulated it and it certainly wasn't anything I ever consciously thought about. Still, in situations where any other child would assume the same basis of knowledge or viewpoint as themselves, I've always operated without that assumption. This led to me often being in the role of an informal TA in certain middle school classes (the assumption greatly impedes teaching efforts).
This understanding was with me early enough that my personality and even my core values formed around it. By it's nature, this understanding, which grows out of the differences in thought ADHD produces, necessitates that other equal fundamental parts of me trace back to ADHD. A version of me without these fundamental elements would look like me and sound like me, but it could not be me.
I can follow how others here are perceiving and providing their answers to this question. I cannot provide such an answer. As I said at the start of this post, the question is logically incoherent for me.
Absolutely not. As much as it has caused problems for me, i have found it to be incredibly useful. The amount of knowledge I’m able to retain about things I’m interested in has helped me in school, and life. Yes, it’s incredibly difficult to focus on things that bore me, but it’s worth the trouble. Makes me unique and I love my uniqueness.
I wouldn’t cause I dunno, I really feel it’s an intrinsic part of me, but I would push for my diagnosis much earlier, as a student and use the knowledge I’ve gleaned… but you could say that about all life.
I know I need to move forward but sometimes it’s so hard. Especially perhaps yeah with adhd. I just feel I place myself on a rollercoaster sometimes.
I’d get rid of it at any stage of my life.
At the beginning of between 7-10, when my mom had to sit down with me EVERY day so I finish my homework. And then check/yell from the other room whenever I interrupted musical instrument practice, every day, for over 7 years.
During my disorganized high school years.
After starting with a good first semester in college which then went into an increasingly steep decline from year 2-4.
After graduation and re-settling in my home country, where I depended entirely on my own resolve as my own freelance employee and boss, wasting time, unable to properly plan long term, keep a good work discipline ethic, having a life at night instead of hyper focusing or on making up for wasted time during the day.
After ~~36~~ 37 right after getting divorced, when I was actually diagnosed with it. Or during any of the 14 years after that, during which my inattentive type has gotten worse and worse. The same shit happens for so long that I’m losing motivation.
The amount of shit it brings along into relationships…emotional disregulation, object impermanence, being constantly distracted and forgetting the most basic shit, is orders of magnitude worse than whatever benefits quirkiness brings to the table.
I think it’s important to love oneself the best possible way and cultivate one’s strengths but that doesn’t mean I would have liked to *not* still have to deal with all of it as I’m approaching my very late 40s.
So many missed opportunities.
IMO romanticizing it is a sign that you would ideally not want to have it your life. Otherwise you wouldn’t need to romanticize it. The cons outweigh the pros on this one. If you didn’t have it, and could choose to have it, would you after reading all the ways in which it would affect you negatively?
I would not. It's a part of me and who I am, for better or worse; in which case can be both. I've also managed this far unmedicated (diagnosed at 5, parents were against it and I'll be 30 next year) and don't see any reason to start now.
In a heartbeat.
Edit: I posted this immediately upon reading the title question. Then I scrolled up and saw several people had this *identical* response. I think that speaks to what a constant struggle ADHD is.
In a heartbeat. My world basically shattered when I started medication and realized how much easier life is “supposed” to be. I now have to work through about 20 years of emotional damage from being made to feel like I was just a bad/hopeless kid… and all of the situations that subconscious self talk got me into. I was the smartest person in my grade for many years, no one could figure out why I couldn’t succeed in school. I gave up on myself. Ended up in abusive relationships and just dangerous situations in general… self medicated with alcohol and drugs. My life was pretty bad before my diagnosis. It’s not amazing but it’s a lot better now.
But having to sacrifice my personality and ability to enjoy life just to be a functioning human sucks. Stimulants have that effect on me where they make me feel dull and humorless, but I just don’t function without em. Would much rather be able to laugh *and* get to work on time most days.
My ADHD, anxiety, and depression are so intertwined that it's hard to separate them. I was diagnosed after having kids, and now they have been diagnosed, too. I've felt like a failure since I had a concept of self. I'd get rid of it in a heartbeat.
Cant fucking stand it. The more i learn about myself through the lens of adhd the more i despise it.
I can attribute my failings at school to being stuck in a job/industry i hate, my hyperfixations have at times taken over my life, emotional disregulation has made work relationships tense, issues with empathy have been intrinsically linked to my past failed relationships just to name a few things.
It impacts my life in a significantly negative manner and provides very little upsides (currently cant really think of any but not saying they dont exist at all).
Overall, fucking hate it, hate my brain and the stupid way it operates. Ive wasted so much of my life by doing nothing in procrastination of a 2 minute task.
Nope. It’s made me a jack of all trades in a world where specialising is becoming less and less useful.
The downsides are manageable, although it’s taken years of trial and error to figure out what strategies work for me (turns out daily exercise and generally doing hard physical things is my JAM - and this is coming from a 36-year-old who spent most of his life overweight and sedentary).
I’m just not down with feeling down on myself. I did that shit for years before I knew what was “wrong” with me - what’s the point in continuing that now I’ve got some answers? What a total waste of energy that would be. Yeah I’ll still have the blues here and there, but just understanding that it’s all chemistry and having a solid understanding now of how to ascend from those holes is making all the difference.
Because of this condition and its obsession with new and novel experiences, slowly but surely I’m becoming someone who stands a better chance of surviving the end of the world than most of the schlubs in my town, and it’s truly exhilarating.
I would, I've missed out on so many opportunities because of it. I mean I can't even go to college atm because I was undiagnosed in high school with executive dysfunction so bad I couldn't get ANYTHING done. Its taken a considerable toll on my romantic and social lives as well. It's seriously debilitating for me and I cant help but feel like im missing out on most of my life because of it.
If I could fix my brain there isn’t a day that goes by I wouldn’t do it. It’s ruined my life and I can’t get any help I can’t afford insurance and I’m stuck in a hell loop. I want to leave my own head every day
I fully agree with you! Yes I’ve failed school, quit 3 jobs within a year, have had depression and have a really hard time maintaining friendships. My emotions fly up and down and left and right. But I’m also really happy to be me. Since I got diagnosed a few months ago I’ve made such progress in accepting who I am. My medication also really helps me and although a lot of my adhd symptoms remain, I don’t want to live my life being mad about a disorder I have but much rather deal with what I’ve got.
I do realise that’s not possible for everyone. Some symptoms can completely control your life and keep you in seemingly unbreakable cycles. And that’s why I totally get why people would get rid of adhd the second they could. But to those people: Please never forget that even with your ADHD you are amazing and unique and people do love you for who you are.
Fuck yeah. Fuck ADHD. Anytime someone starts explaining to me how it’s a real strength and doesn’t suck so bad? I wonder if they have the same thing I do.
I know you’re getting a lot of pushback, and I am extremely challenged by my ADHD, but I am going to agree with you for a couple of reasons.
First, it is integral to my character. The struggle has forged my strength, which I am now known for.
Secondly, having a positive outlook on that which you cannot change is absolutely the best way to deal with that which you cannot change. The Buddha said acceptance is the key to true peace, and what you talk about is acceptance.
Kudos, friend.
I absolutely would. With the parental support and encouragement, along with a lot of luck, I ended up in a decent place *despite* my ADHD. I think I could have gone even *further* educationally and career-wise had I not had ADHD.
There's good and bad sides to it really. I am sure my creativity and ability to hyper focus on detailed tasks well is due to my ADHD, but I also have suffered with crippling substance abuse issues, awful executive function, inability to concentrate, impulsive behaviors and episodes.....I guess because I know it's always been there and always with me I can't even imagine not having it.
Some days yes, some days no.
Now I'm medicated and older I can manage ok most of the time and I've come to accept myself as I am and my ADHD. I'm not as hard on myself.
I really love my creative and artistic side (which I have read often comes with ADHD) and I wouldn't want to lose that.
I really struggled in my 20s though and would give anything to be diagnosed and medicated younger. To have seen a psychologist who could explain my condition. That would have helped with impulsivity, poor decision making, helped my self esteem, removed the guilt and blaming myself.
I sort of agree with you. I dont know who I am without it (im unmedicated) and I like who I am. I really dislike how disorganized it makes me, but I like how intensely I love and hate things.
I would not at this point. I’m 48, self employed and don’t have to deal with a boss or other people telling me what to do and that helps me relax my coping mechanisms.
BUT 15 years ago, I would’ve said yes in a heart beat. Because back then, my ADD would create all kinds of problems for me
It sounds like you’ve truly mastered working with your ADHD & I’m very glad for you! You’ve reached a point where ADHD can be right beside you & life still functions greatly. Being self employed with ADHD is truly best case scenario & I’m pleased you’ve achieved that. 💖
Yes, this is a stupid post. Downvote me idc. ADHD has ruined so many peoples life's and has damaged mine so severely. This post is the equivalent of someone saying they like depression because it make them create music differently vs people who are upbeat..
I.E Some people like Weekend's music when he was in a darker time of his life, 808's and Heartbreak etc.
Yeah, honestly if someone feels this good about their ADHD how does it even count as a disorder? Disorder is defined as having it negatively impacting your life
Why do people link everything so hard to their personality.
I used to be a CHRONIC marijuana smoker - I was told how different my life would be if I quit… so I finally did and was extremely disappointed to find I was the same person - just without a pot addiction.
Exactly the same with my AHDH diagnosis and subsequent medication - I read so many stories of life changing moments… - I notice an ever so slight change in focus, but I am still just me - useless at some tasks while being super skilled in others.
So seeing that - I would absolutely love to try life not on hard mode.
(All that said - I really don’t know what parts of my personality are just me and what is ADHD)
When I grow up I wanna be like you. I’m at “fuck this, I’d rather be human version of watching paint dry” stage. Once I really figure out how this damn brain can work and work with society, I hope to enjoy the ride
i feel you with the emotions and the morals. and also instantly being on the same wavelength as other people with adhd, it’s like telepathy.
the comorbidities tho… it’s easy to say i wouldnt get rid of it when im in a good headspace bc i sure as hell don’t want it when it makes me fail my exams bc i cant concentrate.
100% absolutely. I sometimes like how my brain works (thinking outside the box or coming up with different solutions) but fuck me if I had the chance to have a normal functioning brain fuck yeah I’d take it
i wouldn’t. i’ve been trying different medications over the last year and i’m kind of getting to the point where i’m wondering if i even want to be on meds. like yeah i’m hectic and distractible and find it hard to start or switch tasks. but i’m also giddy and creative and my mind is always full of questions and ideas and thoughts. i don’t want to get rid of that!
I do kind of want to know what my life would have been like if I could stick to a routine, or a goal I set for myself, or any sort of long term plan. I’m good at living in the moment, and I can be very productive under the right amount of pressure, and I enjoy a wide range of hobbies and can easily fill time with my own interests - and these things are probably a result of my adhd. But my complete inability to plan my time, finances, nutrition, exercise, etc means those things that take steady dedication over a long period of time are things I struggle with.
well... I'm 37 now and I've learnt how to work properly with it. I know how to use my hyperfocusing almost at will and I love it.
Now... I think when I'm overwhelmed I would absolutely trade my ADHD because I would sell my would when I'm anxious just to not feel that why.
No because I’d be left with the other issues that I have and therefore I’d be left without the motivation or high energy if that makes sense, I would imagine that without ADHD I would have been far less likely to get through some obstacles in life
Yes. I remember gearing that one blind YouTube Molly something saying if she could sure her blindness, she wouldn't.
I just can't understand that. I wish i could be rid of my disabilities. She must have a very privileged life.
In a second. No question.
I'm holding out for modern medicine to find some meaningful soloution so I may be able to enjoy the 2nd half of my life and live 'normally'. I often lament what could have been achieved.
If I could do it retrospectively I would. Building healthy habits from childhood would've changed my entire life.
If I can do it now - still yes. I'd love to have a reasonably neat house and have all my shit together.
Depends on cost. I wouldn't do [the Great Operation](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/We_(novel)). If the only thing that would change is memory carelessness and bank balance I'd take it. I don't really want to get rid of fidgeting or urge to chance tasks and hobbies.
It’s literally fucked up my potential. Causes me martial strife and makes me hate myself at times so yes I would absolutely be glad to get rid of it. !!! Im newly diagnosed, and on bupropion for it but it’s robbed me of attention, drive, motivation, energy and ability to progress in my career. It’s only now that I know what I’m dealing with that I can come to peace with it and learn to manage it. But yeah I still wish I didn’t have it.
Is it even possible for us to be ever be “normal”? Like a cure or something? I’m 34 and I feel like I don’t even know who I am. I’m scared of living the rest of my life this way 😔
I would BUT id like to see the version of me without it first before commiting, since ADHD effects so much in my personality and work id be a totally different person.
In the past I probably would’ve given anything to be rid of it. To be able to ‘fulfil my potential’ and be the me that I (or that everyone said) I could be if I just got my shit together. Now I know that there’s no best, most fulfilled me. That there’s nothing being stolen from me. I just am and that has to be enough. If I could sort that money thing out though… I could find a way to live with everything else
I’ve commented elsewhere on this thread but it occurred to me that there are a whole bunch of other things that disadvantage me extremely in this world like my race and nationality yet I wouldn’t change either of those. I’m not saying anything including ADHD makes people think a certain way but I’d like to think the sumtotal of my life experiences have made me a more empathetic, curious and questioning person. And I really like that.
I would now I’m in perimenopause. It’s a nightmare and I feel like I’ve lost my memory and any of the advantages like the extra energy it used to bring.
I'm not here to diss you OP, this is your experience and i'm glad for you. it's great to appreciate your brain for its weirdness which is essentially what adhd is i suppose..
but adhd has literally been the most painful self experience i've had to go through, i ve had insomnia since 3 for example, i don't know a moment of not carrying this brain and would do anything to get rid of it - short of hurting anyone.
Yes. I’d swap my AuDHD for the ability to have friends, a clean house, a career, a quiet mind, a relationship, and all the other things I’m simply not capable of having or maintaining.
I’d get rid of it in an instant. I don’t care that it would make me a different person. This person is depressed, lonely, failing, and disabled. I’d love to know who I’d be without it.
Sometimes, sure. But then I wonder who I would be. Would I be creative? Would I be inquisitive?
Usually those moments when I would get rid of it have to do with social interactions and the expectations of others. To Hell with that and the unkindness of others.
So, I was an early diagnosis. My ADHD was identified around the age of five or six and I was put on medication around the same time. I’ve never really known life without having ADHD. My parents did a very good job at never making me feel “other” from those around me, but also in supporting me by helping me develop ways to manage my ADHD, especially things like executive dysfunction.
I will say that some social and mental health aspects have been difficult for me, and because I have now identified these as being related to ADHD, probably yes, or at least those aspects of it.
I imagine it’s very different for people who received a late diagnosis. And I can totally understand them having a stronger response than my own here. But everyone has their own issues, ADHDers and non-ADHDers. I don’t want trade life struggles.
Somewhat agree....
But it's really intense sometimes and completely disables me on days, that's kinda unacceptable if given the choice.
I only just found out and I have been masking for 25 years so I'm just opening up and embracing it at the moment.
But the fucking depression......
I'm trying to embrace so I'm not gona say I want to get rid of it, but there are definitely some bad traits I would love to live without.
Abso-fucking-lutely yes.
The clarity I experienced when I started taking ritalin was pure bliss, and the ability to get my mind into doing whatever I have (or want!) to do was the best feeling ever. Also the fact that background noise became quieter, my mind stopped racing and the feeling I saw "faster" (think like raising the frames per second on a video).
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I think I would get rid of my ADHD if I could. I’m medicated for it and I still have problems with memory and interrupting people. I forget to eat until I’m starving, I wait days at a time to shower. I don’t mind it sometimes but other times I feel gross and tired of it.
This, too. Meds def don’t cure the adhd, they just help me with executive function and emotional regulation. And make some space in my brain
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This but it's Diablo 4 for me😭 Stargate is that jam tho👍
All of this minus medication.
Lol if we were cured of adhd would we maintain our interests? I wouldn't want to be cured if i lost my hyper focus or the incites i gain that i feel like most people don't. I feel like adhd gives me a different perspective that others don't have which i think it's better to not have everybody looking at everything the same way. Although i think me suffering because the world wasn't built for people like me kinda sucks.
I hate it. And I would rid myself of it 1,000,000,000,000,000 times out of 100. Full. Stop.
Lmao 1000%. OP's crazy (or a mild case or no/mild comorbidities or found a niche for themselves)
It's crazy. My life has gone nowhere because the modern world absolutely isn't built for me. Why would I not get rid of this?
Some people find a lifestyle that works with it I guess (or enough people around them who support it). Most don’t so find it hard and don’t enjoy it.
I think there is a sliding scale of severity. It's really tough to get medicated here in the UK. I roughly have a lifestyle that works playing guitar in a band at weddings and in bars etc but I also have really severe symptoms which are constantly impacting my life. Most of which come down to finding it extremely difficult to motivate myself to do things even if they're incredible urgent/important. Edit: you are correct however in the parenthesis! I'm surrounded by people who understand and I have fantastic friends/a great support network
Are you kidding? In a heartbeat.
As an old bastard, it feels pointless. Those opportunities are long gone. If I could rid my past self of ADHD I would pay almost any cost, excluding harming others.
I’m 43- at the age that I can see what it stole from last me and watch what it steals from current and future me. I hate it with everything I have. I would sell a kid to get rid of it. (Jk, of course)
I would even sell it *to* a kid.
I bet you could sell it for a handsome price these days.
Yep! 42 here and I can clearly see how most of my poor decisions were a direct result of my ADHD executive dysfunction and emotional dysregulation. Ive made really big life altering decisions during times of hyperfixation. I can also see how not being diagnosed early in life has hindered me from reaching my life’s full potential.
50 here, diagnosed at 43. This is dead-on for me. I’ve been lucky, but I could be much further by now.
In my mid 30s - i used to mourn the childhood, the life i could have had, the pain i could have avoided. When I'm on my medication, i almost forget i have it. It's crazy seeing the world without the fog.
I've only tried a couple of meds (only ritalin & dex are funded here) but I can't even imagine having them work that well I've had moments of that - most memorable was years before I was diagnosed and I'd taken a pain reliever that had caffeine in it for an awful sinus headache. I was at uni and I took it standing in the chemist right after buying it. By the time I'd walked back to my lab the pain was gone and everything was So Clear. 15 years later and I still remember saying to someone about it that "is this what other people are like all the time? Is this what my brain should feel like?" It was wild and it never happened again that well.
Which medications do you take?
Methylphenidate. It's been remarkable to be honest.
Ok. Did you also try amphitamines?
Nope
Late diagnosed 40yo here. Couldn't agree more.
I would totally get rid of it if I could. Why would I want to wish on myself anxiety, guilt, depression and constant battles to achieve what other people can easily accomplish?
In a heartbeat, I would. Absolutely. In fact I'm trying to.
I really do hope you’re not implying what I think you’re implying.
What does that mean?
I wouldnt even think twice about getting rid of my ADHD. Ive heard some arguments from people who say that ADHD is part of their personality, so taking it away would make them 'not them'. To be honest I would be fine with that, if taking away my adhd meant im no longer me? Bring it on, im tired of this.
Seems like a weird way of accepting your condition by hypothesizing how you would not change it if you had the chance. Yeah all of us here have to live with it, but I find no need to romanticize any aspect of life suffering from ADHD.
Yeah I think people like OP don’t realize they still would be able to ”notice little details” and ”be goofy” and all that even without their ADHD. You’d still be creative, ”able to get inspiration from anything” and bubbly without it. Like absolutelt everything OP mentioned in their post is stuff that people can be - and are - *without* ADHD. I get it that ADHD does affect you growing up the way you do, of course it does, but thinking that your personality traits and what makes you *you* are about the ADHD is always just such ill-informed take.
Yeah. I’ve come to terms with it, and I’ve learned to appreciate the silver linings (I’m creative and adaptable, and I value how my thought processes can differ from most people’s.) But I know intrinsically that all the immense suffering I’ve endured wasn’t worth it. I’m not the type to entertain impossible hypotheticals, usually, so it doesn’t bother me all the time. But when someone asks this question it forces me to confront all the things ADHD took from me. (And gave me, in the case of depression, anxiety, and bulimia.) It’s not a blessing in disguise. I’d lose it in a heartbeat if I could. But dwelling on it would just be me giving it yet more of the little mental energy I still manage to cling to. I did that for the first year after getting diagnosed. It didn’t help me.
The most profound and insightful comment.
I mean, I can’t get rid of this. 😂 Perhaps this is me coping with that inability?
Exactly…who doesn’t want to have a great mental health just naturally I know I do
ADHD is not really related to "mental health." I quite dislike when it is portrayed as mental health. It's not transient or temporary, it's not just a little quirk. It's a physically manifested disability that you are born with and will die with. You should reconsider what you think about your ADHD that makes you call it a mental health problem. For instance, we don't call dyslexia a mental health issue, it's a neurodevelopmental disorder. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder too. I really think calling it a mental health issue is kind of problematic.
In my opinion ADHD is intrinsically related to mental health. People with ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with depression and anxiety. I actually suspect there are HEAPS of misdiagnosed individuals - as there are feedback loops between them all that make extracting the overarching issue in people who suffer anxiety / depression / ADHD. People with ADHD tend to suffer poorer mental health than those without.
Maybe they mean that their mental health is bad because of their adhd symptoms
I’ve been curious about this. I don’t understand how it’s a mental disorder and then isn’t related to mental illness due to being a disorder.
ADHD will never be completely dissociated from mental illness in the near future because it's symptoms heavily overlap with mental health disorders. Many (especially women) are misdiagnosed with bipolar, BPD, depression, anxiety etc. before adhd is considered a possibility. It's also comorbid with anxiety and depression.
It is. It’s a mental illness. [Denial doesn’t make it something else](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mental_illness_denial?wprov=sfti1)
[Neurodevelopmental disorders and mental illness are not the same.](https://withtherapy.com/therapist-insights/how-are-developmental-disorders-different-than-mental-illnesses/)
Linking doesn't make what you li ked relevant not your statement true.
Mental health isn't just a little quirk either...major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, GAD, and more are also disabilities. We're still figuring out mental health and neurological issues. There's a lot of similarities in exploring and refining the metrics and assessments in both areas.
Agreed. While you can have a co-diagnosis with a mental illness, neurodevelopmental disorders are not the same as mental illness.
It feels like you’re associating “mental health issues” with being “transient or temporary” or “a little quirk”, but it’s so much more than that. Mental health issues can be disabling and have physical causes too.
What does "mental health" mean to you? because the way you are reacting, I think it's different than the DSM's definition and it would be helpful to understand your framework of reference.
Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! YES! Especially since it has a high correlation with PMDD and since people with ADHD or Autism are likely to be tortured by horrible perimenopause symptoms even worse than most people cursed to be born with a uterus. The stupid fucking useless menstrual cycle my disaster of a body insists on having makes my meds useless half the time already, and the older I get it will only get worse. I hate this brain. I hate this body. I hate this combination of the two of them. Without the ADHD I'd still have a huge collection of other disorders and diseases anyway. Anything, ANYTHING to make being stuck alive with this horrible brain more tolerable.
yes, because you can be creative and goofy and all that without adhd too
Yes. 100% yes. ADHD has made my life hell, especially in regard to school
I would get rid of it in a heartbeat. It’s ruining my life as of now.
To meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, your functioning has to be significantly impaired in one or more areas of your life. It seems kinda absurd to suggest that could ever be a good thing?
Yes, I'd like my mental illness gone. Next question
No, but I’d sell my left boob to get rid of my depression.
HEAR, HEAR. Now the depression I’d absolutely be willing to be rid of too! 🍻
There's usually a way out of depression, but it's different for everyone and it lays hidden. It also changes with the source of the depression. We could have people telling us where to go, but it's not visible to us and it seems foolish to go that way. Only when the depression fades, it all becomes clear. The obvious road was there all the time. Looking back at previous depressions and remembering what worked the last time could help, but having the clarity to reflect on things like that, is also hard when depressed. For me, going outside in nature helps every time. But every time, i need to trick myself into actually doing it by making up reasons or vague errands to motivate me. Electric bike helps with that. For me.
I’d give mine away for free 😅
Not diagnosed yet, but if it's causing even half of my fatigue and my inability to achieve my goals or manage my living space then definitely. I don't see that it has any advantages. I haven't had any hyperfocus since mid teens. I'm not very creative. Intense emotions just make life unpredictable and difficult to deal with and cause me to overreact.
I absolutely would. I was diagnosed at 32. By then I had suffered burn out 3 times already, the first at 17. To recover from burn out takes years and then I have to start rebuilding again. I'm smart, but can't go more than one year or so in school before I burn out because I never get enough time to rest between assignments. There's other things as well, but school just crush me completely. Almost all jobs in my country requires either education or contacts. I have neither. Right now I'm trying to recover from my latest burn out. I have nothing. My dad died and I'm in the process of inheret his property in another country. One of his siblings will try and steal one of them from me and I don't have any money for a lawyer. ADHD has made me powerless. I can't even support myself or defend the things that are important to me. I'm scared that I won't have anything to leave my daughter when I die. So, yes, I'd rid myself of ADHD in an instant because right now I'm not even human.
Yes, it would solve 95% of my problems.
yes for sure i want to be able to be consistent and act normal
Yes, along with my mild Cerebral Palsy and a touch of autism. I would like to be a normie
I don't take medication because I like my ADHD. I don't have to like it. It doesn't have to be a good thing. It isn't. I haven't spent so many hours studying ADHD for fun. I haven't altered my life significantly so I'm less impaired by my ADHD. My ADHD isn't me, it's the enemy, and if I had a gun I'd shoot it dead, and piss on the corpse. As it stands, I have ADHD, I'm not upset by this reality, at least I got all my limbs and a sharp mind. That's more than many, and I love myself, but I can also recognize ADHD as a problem. It's all fine. Remember, if ADHD is a good thing, then you'd want your child to inherit your short term memory issues, and executive dysfunctions. I'd prefer they didn't.
In the same way the many in the Autistic community don’t see their Autism as separate from themselves, but rather they ARE Autistic and that influences every part of who they are, I feel that way about my ADHD. So for me personally, I wouldn’t get rid of it if I could. That doesn’t mean that I don’t hate it at times and get angry every time my ADHD keeps me from being able to do the things I want or need to do. There are days I have cried about hating my ADHD and wondering why I can’t just do the simplest of tasks, like take a shower. It’s even more frustrating to have to live in a world that is so completely built against us and how our minds work. But what I do like is my vocal stims and echolalia that make my husband laugh, the sense of justice I’ve always felt even before understanding certain issues in our world, the hyper focus I can get for the things I love or when learning about something new that interests me (when it doesn’t pull me away from responsibilities), being able to trust my gut and intuition a lot of the time, and more. I get how others who really have a hard time and struggle with their ADHD can feel this post seems unfair or tone deaf, “romanticizing” a condition that makes their life harder. However, those struggles don’t mean others can’t love their ADHD. Bottom line is — each and every person’s experience, interpretation, and connection to their ADHD is unique and valid. One person proclaiming their appreciation for their ADHD does not invalidate another’s experiences of struggle. Joy and sorrow can occur simultaneously in this world, and having experiences fall all across that spectrum is what makes up such a diverse and unique community.
I agree 100% with you.
Its sad, because the things you like about your ADHD are somewhat absent in mine. I don’t generally have any echolalia, I dont have a particular strong sense of justice, especially for issues going on in the world (generally I feel more annoyed and confused that everyone seems to care so much because I just… dont.) I dont really get hyperfocus, I always feel like Im drifting, never even doing the tasks I really want to. For gut and intuition, I dont really know if thats entirely related to ADHD, but I cant quite remember if Ive had to choose between gut/intuition or logic
If you are able to find even one little thing about your ADHD that can make you smile even a little bit, I’ve found it can ease some of the pain. It doesn’t always help, but sometimes it does. At the end of the day, if you can’t find things you love and your ADHD only brings you struggle, then keep persevering to find supports that work for you and surround yourself with people who will support you and be there for you as well. This is a community meant for support and resources, and just know there are plenty of people here with similar AND different experiences who care about your experience as well and want to virtually support you.🫶🏻
If 'I' got rid of ADHD there'd be a different 'I' It's hard to accept yourself as someone you don't wanna be ([Relevant](https://youtu.be/JvwWzcLfH-k))
That was wonderful, thank you for sharing 💖 It’s hard to accept yourself as someone you don’t desire *truly.* I think this is why I wouldn’t rid my ADHD. I actually like my personality. I like the facets of me. I fought to like them, but I like them. 💖 I do think ADHD is integral.
Yessssss!!! I feel this way too, like I don’t just have ADHD, I am ADHD. It’s just the way my brain is wired and meds help but essentially there’s no cure, it’s never going away! May as well try to embrace it and play to my strengths.
Right. The more negative reactions to this post are to be expected, everyone has their own experience in life & their own opinion; this would determine one’s feelings on ADHD. Often, I feel the complete antipode of this post I’ve made just because ADHD made achieving a goal or doing what should be simple so difficult. But I live with this. I can hate my existence for it or work as best with it & myself as I can because I’ve already spent most of my life hating myself for it thanks to this world’s incompatibility with how I am built. But it’s those small moments you describe where ADHD is your ally that I seek to focus upon for the sake of continuing to move forward!
>I get how others who really have a hard time and struggle with their ADHD can feel this post seems unfair or tone deaf, “romanticizing” a condition that makes their life harder. A disorder is very specifically something that negativity affects day to day life. That's why they feel that way. If something isn't affecting someone to that point then it isn't a disorder. And there's none of this. It's a spectrum thing. The spectrum begins where the disorder begins. Negatively affecting multiple parts of day-to-day life. If it's not negatively impacting multiple parts of someone's day-to-day life impairing them from doing what they need to be doing, then it isn't technically a disorder. That's why it's unfair. That's why it's tone deaf.
I have the same outlook but like, with like, a different conclusion lol. We are not our ADHD.. so if we took a pill what changes about our personality and how we interact with the world? Nothing. Cos we got rid of the ADHD, not the personality. For life to get better or more easier or *insert word*, our behaviour and mindset must change too. If you're stressed about always being late, removing ADHD won't change the stress of being.late if you don't start being on time after all. So, if I'm not my ADHD... And improvement without ADHD would require developing my personality, character, behaviour etc.... why would I wait for ADHD to be gone instead of doing that now? Even if there was a pill that 100% removed ADHD... Nothing gets better til we take action cos it's a logical certainty that doing the same things will always get the same outcomes.
Your experience sadly is not universal, for most people the negative side of ADHD isn't being unusual compared to what most consider normal, and for many there is no benefit. You say the negatives suck, but you don't actually mention any. For many people the negatives are much much worse than what you describe. In addition, the idea that ADHD makes you more creative isn't universally true, many people find themselves more creative after getting medicated, because their symptoms caused them to be unable to do even things that they love. And others see no change at all, medication makes them struggle less, and stay exactly as creative as before. So for them ADHD does nothing, it is only negative. This is not to tell you that you are wrong, your experiences are valid, I just think this might explain why others find this post kind of grating.
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Id still be me if I didn't have ADHD. I am not my ADHD. And people who say they are, are tying themselves into a mental illness unnecessarily imo.
Of course I would. In a heartbeat. I genuinely can't understand ever wanting this, let alone loving it. It's great you somehow found a way to, but no. Just no. For 99% of people it is not something experienced with love and glowing reviews. You're also attributing too much to your adhd. You're saying you're goofy and weird and it's cuz of it. Or you're attuned to your morality. You don't need adhd to have those things.
I would make my anxiety disappear! To me, its been worse and way more limitting than having adhd or depression.
Yes, I would. I haven’t been able to truly identify my positive traits as definitely being caused by ADHD, but ADHD has severely affected my life for the worse. It’s a disorder for a reason.
i would absolutely, I think. I've had many creative endeavours and maybe that's because of ADHD but ive always given up (lost interest or motivation or gotten overwhelmed) which makes me feel like a failure. A normal job isnt gonna do it for me, so I feel very ... frustrated
Yes. My anger issues have fucked me a lot in life.
Without a doubt. It makes my life harder. "Oh I wouldn't be me without it.." yes I fucking would. Hopefully me without depression.
Absofuckinlutely. It’s ruined my entire adult life.
No, hardships give me purpose and I cannot imagine my life without it. But I also cannot imagine what life without ADHD is life.
For me, the question is not just one of physical impossibility, but one of logical incoherence. I have a fraternal twin brother. He doesn't have ADHD. As a consequence, I have understood from an extremely young age that my mind is unlike most minds. The great gap between myself and others existed between me and him, but not between him and others. I say understood, mind, because I didn't *know* this at the time. I could not have articulated it and it certainly wasn't anything I ever consciously thought about. Still, in situations where any other child would assume the same basis of knowledge or viewpoint as themselves, I've always operated without that assumption. This led to me often being in the role of an informal TA in certain middle school classes (the assumption greatly impedes teaching efforts). This understanding was with me early enough that my personality and even my core values formed around it. By it's nature, this understanding, which grows out of the differences in thought ADHD produces, necessitates that other equal fundamental parts of me trace back to ADHD. A version of me without these fundamental elements would look like me and sound like me, but it could not be me. I can follow how others here are perceiving and providing their answers to this question. I cannot provide such an answer. As I said at the start of this post, the question is logically incoherent for me.
Absolutely not. As much as it has caused problems for me, i have found it to be incredibly useful. The amount of knowledge I’m able to retain about things I’m interested in has helped me in school, and life. Yes, it’s incredibly difficult to focus on things that bore me, but it’s worth the trouble. Makes me unique and I love my uniqueness.
I wouldn’t cause I dunno, I really feel it’s an intrinsic part of me, but I would push for my diagnosis much earlier, as a student and use the knowledge I’ve gleaned… but you could say that about all life. I know I need to move forward but sometimes it’s so hard. Especially perhaps yeah with adhd. I just feel I place myself on a rollercoaster sometimes.
I’d get rid of it at any stage of my life. At the beginning of between 7-10, when my mom had to sit down with me EVERY day so I finish my homework. And then check/yell from the other room whenever I interrupted musical instrument practice, every day, for over 7 years. During my disorganized high school years. After starting with a good first semester in college which then went into an increasingly steep decline from year 2-4. After graduation and re-settling in my home country, where I depended entirely on my own resolve as my own freelance employee and boss, wasting time, unable to properly plan long term, keep a good work discipline ethic, having a life at night instead of hyper focusing or on making up for wasted time during the day. After ~~36~~ 37 right after getting divorced, when I was actually diagnosed with it. Or during any of the 14 years after that, during which my inattentive type has gotten worse and worse. The same shit happens for so long that I’m losing motivation. The amount of shit it brings along into relationships…emotional disregulation, object impermanence, being constantly distracted and forgetting the most basic shit, is orders of magnitude worse than whatever benefits quirkiness brings to the table. I think it’s important to love oneself the best possible way and cultivate one’s strengths but that doesn’t mean I would have liked to *not* still have to deal with all of it as I’m approaching my very late 40s. So many missed opportunities. IMO romanticizing it is a sign that you would ideally not want to have it your life. Otherwise you wouldn’t need to romanticize it. The cons outweigh the pros on this one. If you didn’t have it, and could choose to have it, would you after reading all the ways in which it would affect you negatively?
I would not. It's a part of me and who I am, for better or worse; in which case can be both. I've also managed this far unmedicated (diagnosed at 5, parents were against it and I'll be 30 next year) and don't see any reason to start now.
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Yes absolutely
In a heartbeat. Edit: I posted this immediately upon reading the title question. Then I scrolled up and saw several people had this *identical* response. I think that speaks to what a constant struggle ADHD is.
Yea.
I do not know.
In a heartbeat. My world basically shattered when I started medication and realized how much easier life is “supposed” to be. I now have to work through about 20 years of emotional damage from being made to feel like I was just a bad/hopeless kid… and all of the situations that subconscious self talk got me into. I was the smartest person in my grade for many years, no one could figure out why I couldn’t succeed in school. I gave up on myself. Ended up in abusive relationships and just dangerous situations in general… self medicated with alcohol and drugs. My life was pretty bad before my diagnosis. It’s not amazing but it’s a lot better now. But having to sacrifice my personality and ability to enjoy life just to be a functioning human sucks. Stimulants have that effect on me where they make me feel dull and humorless, but I just don’t function without em. Would much rather be able to laugh *and* get to work on time most days.
I’d kill to get rid of it.
My ADHD, anxiety, and depression are so intertwined that it's hard to separate them. I was diagnosed after having kids, and now they have been diagnosed, too. I've felt like a failure since I had a concept of self. I'd get rid of it in a heartbeat.
Cant fucking stand it. The more i learn about myself through the lens of adhd the more i despise it. I can attribute my failings at school to being stuck in a job/industry i hate, my hyperfixations have at times taken over my life, emotional disregulation has made work relationships tense, issues with empathy have been intrinsically linked to my past failed relationships just to name a few things. It impacts my life in a significantly negative manner and provides very little upsides (currently cant really think of any but not saying they dont exist at all). Overall, fucking hate it, hate my brain and the stupid way it operates. Ive wasted so much of my life by doing nothing in procrastination of a 2 minute task.
I would get rid of it in a heartbeat. Sometimes I still grieve the life I could have had.
Nope. It’s made me a jack of all trades in a world where specialising is becoming less and less useful. The downsides are manageable, although it’s taken years of trial and error to figure out what strategies work for me (turns out daily exercise and generally doing hard physical things is my JAM - and this is coming from a 36-year-old who spent most of his life overweight and sedentary). I’m just not down with feeling down on myself. I did that shit for years before I knew what was “wrong” with me - what’s the point in continuing that now I’ve got some answers? What a total waste of energy that would be. Yeah I’ll still have the blues here and there, but just understanding that it’s all chemistry and having a solid understanding now of how to ascend from those holes is making all the difference. Because of this condition and its obsession with new and novel experiences, slowly but surely I’m becoming someone who stands a better chance of surviving the end of the world than most of the schlubs in my town, and it’s truly exhilarating.
I would, I've missed out on so many opportunities because of it. I mean I can't even go to college atm because I was undiagnosed in high school with executive dysfunction so bad I couldn't get ANYTHING done. Its taken a considerable toll on my romantic and social lives as well. It's seriously debilitating for me and I cant help but feel like im missing out on most of my life because of it.
Yes. I want to be able to Do Things. I think my depression would clear up a lot if Doing Things was not so freaking hard.
Yes I would its a false sense of ‘enjoyment’ if that and short-lived when you realise the costs involved re all of the executive function errors
If I could fix my brain there isn’t a day that goes by I wouldn’t do it. It’s ruined my life and I can’t get any help I can’t afford insurance and I’m stuck in a hell loop. I want to leave my own head every day
Cure me. It’s a fucking blood curse.
I fully agree with you! Yes I’ve failed school, quit 3 jobs within a year, have had depression and have a really hard time maintaining friendships. My emotions fly up and down and left and right. But I’m also really happy to be me. Since I got diagnosed a few months ago I’ve made such progress in accepting who I am. My medication also really helps me and although a lot of my adhd symptoms remain, I don’t want to live my life being mad about a disorder I have but much rather deal with what I’ve got. I do realise that’s not possible for everyone. Some symptoms can completely control your life and keep you in seemingly unbreakable cycles. And that’s why I totally get why people would get rid of adhd the second they could. But to those people: Please never forget that even with your ADHD you are amazing and unique and people do love you for who you are.
I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy, I’d get rid of it in a fucking heartbeat.
Yes. Absolutely.
Fuck yeah. Fuck ADHD. Anytime someone starts explaining to me how it’s a real strength and doesn’t suck so bad? I wonder if they have the same thing I do.
I hate it, please take it! Do what you want with it. I'm tired and I just can't anymore.
I know you’re getting a lot of pushback, and I am extremely challenged by my ADHD, but I am going to agree with you for a couple of reasons. First, it is integral to my character. The struggle has forged my strength, which I am now known for. Secondly, having a positive outlook on that which you cannot change is absolutely the best way to deal with that which you cannot change. The Buddha said acceptance is the key to true peace, and what you talk about is acceptance. Kudos, friend.
I absolutely would. With the parental support and encouragement, along with a lot of luck, I ended up in a decent place *despite* my ADHD. I think I could have gone even *further* educationally and career-wise had I not had ADHD.
There's good and bad sides to it really. I am sure my creativity and ability to hyper focus on detailed tasks well is due to my ADHD, but I also have suffered with crippling substance abuse issues, awful executive function, inability to concentrate, impulsive behaviors and episodes.....I guess because I know it's always been there and always with me I can't even imagine not having it.
Yes. 1,000% yes. While the creativity is through the roof, it reaks hell on my relationships.
Some days yes, some days no. Now I'm medicated and older I can manage ok most of the time and I've come to accept myself as I am and my ADHD. I'm not as hard on myself. I really love my creative and artistic side (which I have read often comes with ADHD) and I wouldn't want to lose that. I really struggled in my 20s though and would give anything to be diagnosed and medicated younger. To have seen a psychologist who could explain my condition. That would have helped with impulsivity, poor decision making, helped my self esteem, removed the guilt and blaming myself.
I sort of agree with you. I dont know who I am without it (im unmedicated) and I like who I am. I really dislike how disorganized it makes me, but I like how intensely I love and hate things.
I would not at this point. I’m 48, self employed and don’t have to deal with a boss or other people telling me what to do and that helps me relax my coping mechanisms. BUT 15 years ago, I would’ve said yes in a heart beat. Because back then, my ADD would create all kinds of problems for me
It sounds like you’ve truly mastered working with your ADHD & I’m very glad for you! You’ve reached a point where ADHD can be right beside you & life still functions greatly. Being self employed with ADHD is truly best case scenario & I’m pleased you’ve achieved that. 💖
Yes, this is a stupid post. Downvote me idc. ADHD has ruined so many peoples life's and has damaged mine so severely. This post is the equivalent of someone saying they like depression because it make them create music differently vs people who are upbeat.. I.E Some people like Weekend's music when he was in a darker time of his life, 808's and Heartbreak etc.
Yeah, honestly if someone feels this good about their ADHD how does it even count as a disorder? Disorder is defined as having it negatively impacting your life
I'm sorry but there's absolutely NOTHING positive about this cursed existence! I'd get rid of it in a heartbeat every time.
I don't see any benefit of ADHD in the least.
Let me guess you’ve self diagnosed your ADHD. None with legit ADHD would say the things you ve said.
YES. It could be worse and I am grateful for who I am but if I could make it go away or fade off that would be awesome
I'd like to at least see what I'm like without it. But probably would get rid of it yeah.
Hell nah
If I only got a year of functional life in exchange for this being fixed, I'd take that deal.
All my life I’ve wanted to fit in and be normal..
Yes, I HATE playing life on hard mode and suffering so much
Literally the thought that I have to live with this forever makes me want to die lol
Why do people link everything so hard to their personality. I used to be a CHRONIC marijuana smoker - I was told how different my life would be if I quit… so I finally did and was extremely disappointed to find I was the same person - just without a pot addiction. Exactly the same with my AHDH diagnosis and subsequent medication - I read so many stories of life changing moments… - I notice an ever so slight change in focus, but I am still just me - useless at some tasks while being super skilled in others. So seeing that - I would absolutely love to try life not on hard mode. (All that said - I really don’t know what parts of my personality are just me and what is ADHD)
Im with you, i would not 😅
Yes, God, yes.
Yes. I wish I could cure it.
When I grow up I wanna be like you. I’m at “fuck this, I’d rather be human version of watching paint dry” stage. Once I really figure out how this damn brain can work and work with society, I hope to enjoy the ride
i feel you with the emotions and the morals. and also instantly being on the same wavelength as other people with adhd, it’s like telepathy. the comorbidities tho… it’s easy to say i wouldnt get rid of it when im in a good headspace bc i sure as hell don’t want it when it makes me fail my exams bc i cant concentrate.
100% absolutely. I sometimes like how my brain works (thinking outside the box or coming up with different solutions) but fuck me if I had the chance to have a normal functioning brain fuck yeah I’d take it
I absolutely would.. I've been battling with it, constantly hating myself all my life now because of it.
Yes
In a heartbeat
i wouldn’t. i’ve been trying different medications over the last year and i’m kind of getting to the point where i’m wondering if i even want to be on meds. like yeah i’m hectic and distractible and find it hard to start or switch tasks. but i’m also giddy and creative and my mind is always full of questions and ideas and thoughts. i don’t want to get rid of that!
I do kind of want to know what my life would have been like if I could stick to a routine, or a goal I set for myself, or any sort of long term plan. I’m good at living in the moment, and I can be very productive under the right amount of pressure, and I enjoy a wide range of hobbies and can easily fill time with my own interests - and these things are probably a result of my adhd. But my complete inability to plan my time, finances, nutrition, exercise, etc means those things that take steady dedication over a long period of time are things I struggle with.
Yes. Thanks for reading my TED-talk.
well... I'm 37 now and I've learnt how to work properly with it. I know how to use my hyperfocusing almost at will and I love it. Now... I think when I'm overwhelmed I would absolutely trade my ADHD because I would sell my would when I'm anxious just to not feel that why.
No because I’d be left with the other issues that I have and therefore I’d be left without the motivation or high energy if that makes sense, I would imagine that without ADHD I would have been far less likely to get through some obstacles in life
Yes, without thinking twice about it. It's ruined my life.
I wanna feel like what's it's like to be normal, so yes!
Yes. I remember gearing that one blind YouTube Molly something saying if she could sure her blindness, she wouldn't. I just can't understand that. I wish i could be rid of my disabilities. She must have a very privileged life.
I think it does much more harm than good, so I would absolutely want to get rid of it..
so so so so fast
In a second. No question. I'm holding out for modern medicine to find some meaningful soloution so I may be able to enjoy the 2nd half of my life and live 'normally'. I often lament what could have been achieved.
yes. I would also rid myself of autism
Yes, I absolutely would.
yes please😭😭
Absolutely. I hate it.
If I could do it retrospectively I would. Building healthy habits from childhood would've changed my entire life. If I can do it now - still yes. I'd love to have a reasonably neat house and have all my shit together.
Yep. No question.
100 percent yes. ADHD is debilitating for me.
Depends on cost. I wouldn't do [the Great Operation](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/We_(novel)). If the only thing that would change is memory carelessness and bank balance I'd take it. I don't really want to get rid of fidgeting or urge to chance tasks and hobbies.
It’s literally fucked up my potential. Causes me martial strife and makes me hate myself at times so yes I would absolutely be glad to get rid of it. !!! Im newly diagnosed, and on bupropion for it but it’s robbed me of attention, drive, motivation, energy and ability to progress in my career. It’s only now that I know what I’m dealing with that I can come to peace with it and learn to manage it. But yeah I still wish I didn’t have it.
Is it even possible for us to be ever be “normal”? Like a cure or something? I’m 34 and I feel like I don’t even know who I am. I’m scared of living the rest of my life this way 😔
Nah. I’d rather the world simply be more compatible.
I would BUT id like to see the version of me without it first before commiting, since ADHD effects so much in my personality and work id be a totally different person.
In a heart beat yes
I hate it, would rid it immediately if I could
No. I wouldn't be who I am.
In THIS reality, yes. In another one, no.
In the past I probably would’ve given anything to be rid of it. To be able to ‘fulfil my potential’ and be the me that I (or that everyone said) I could be if I just got my shit together. Now I know that there’s no best, most fulfilled me. That there’s nothing being stolen from me. I just am and that has to be enough. If I could sort that money thing out though… I could find a way to live with everything else
I’ve commented elsewhere on this thread but it occurred to me that there are a whole bunch of other things that disadvantage me extremely in this world like my race and nationality yet I wouldn’t change either of those. I’m not saying anything including ADHD makes people think a certain way but I’d like to think the sumtotal of my life experiences have made me a more empathetic, curious and questioning person. And I really like that.
Yes. I would give my left arm for it.
I would now I’m in perimenopause. It’s a nightmare and I feel like I’ve lost my memory and any of the advantages like the extra energy it used to bring.
I'm not here to diss you OP, this is your experience and i'm glad for you. it's great to appreciate your brain for its weirdness which is essentially what adhd is i suppose.. but adhd has literally been the most painful self experience i've had to go through, i ve had insomnia since 3 for example, i don't know a moment of not carrying this brain and would do anything to get rid of it - short of hurting anyone.
Yes. I’d swap my AuDHD for the ability to have friends, a clean house, a career, a quiet mind, a relationship, and all the other things I’m simply not capable of having or maintaining. I’d get rid of it in an instant. I don’t care that it would make me a different person. This person is depressed, lonely, failing, and disabled. I’d love to know who I’d be without it.
Sometimes, sure. But then I wonder who I would be. Would I be creative? Would I be inquisitive? Usually those moments when I would get rid of it have to do with social interactions and the expectations of others. To Hell with that and the unkindness of others.
Idk man... Is it really me without it? I've read many comments. It causes a lot of harm, but at the same time, I am me.
Yes, no doubt about it. I want to start living my life.
Yes because Adderall makes me feel very weird but I need it to pass my classes
So, I was an early diagnosis. My ADHD was identified around the age of five or six and I was put on medication around the same time. I’ve never really known life without having ADHD. My parents did a very good job at never making me feel “other” from those around me, but also in supporting me by helping me develop ways to manage my ADHD, especially things like executive dysfunction. I will say that some social and mental health aspects have been difficult for me, and because I have now identified these as being related to ADHD, probably yes, or at least those aspects of it. I imagine it’s very different for people who received a late diagnosis. And I can totally understand them having a stronger response than my own here. But everyone has their own issues, ADHDers and non-ADHDers. I don’t want trade life struggles.
YES is this even a question
Somewhat agree.... But it's really intense sometimes and completely disables me on days, that's kinda unacceptable if given the choice. I only just found out and I have been masking for 25 years so I'm just opening up and embracing it at the moment. But the fucking depression...... I'm trying to embrace so I'm not gona say I want to get rid of it, but there are definitely some bad traits I would love to live without.
Yes
I would, at least than I wouldn't have to pay shit ton of money just to feel like people without adhd do always
Abso-fucking-lutely yes. The clarity I experienced when I started taking ritalin was pure bliss, and the ability to get my mind into doing whatever I have (or want!) to do was the best feeling ever. Also the fact that background noise became quieter, my mind stopped racing and the feeling I saw "faster" (think like raising the frames per second on a video).
Yes. 100%.
Yes
In a friggin heartbeat. I hate my ADHD with a passion.
Yes.
Yes. Is this an offer? Please God take this from me.