Word of the Week #416:
One of the weirdest things of living with ADHD or neurodivergence or mental illness is that it affects so much of who we are that we may be tempted to relinquish a lot of responsibility regarding our actions and patterns of behaviour.
I’m sure we have all done this as well as observed this in others, right?
“Of course my sleep pattern is erratic. I have ADHD.”
“Of course I cancelled on you at the last minute. I am depressed.”
“Of course I annoy you all the time. I’m a Gemini.”
Okay, the last one may have been a little more bogus than the others… though unfortunately not less common.
And yes, the first one is definitely one I can relate to. And there have actually been studies linking ADHD to erratic sleep patterns, and erratic patterns in most aspects of our lives.
So, what does this mean? Does ADHD warrant erratic behaviour? If this is I am wired on a fundamental level, why do I need to fight it?
Well, as it would turn out, there is a good reason to…
ADHD doesn’t suddenly make my eyes immune to hours and hours of continuous strain that piled up over the decades.
ADHD doesn’t make my limbs immune to the wear and tear caused by my random bouts of hyperactivity.
ADHD doesn’t make my pancreas immune to cycles of starving and overeating.
ADHD doesn’t separate my actions from their consequences.
We do have certain inclinations, and many of them are hardwired within us. That is true. However, the body does keep a record. And as I approach an age where more and more of these bills start coming due, the more wary I become.
It’s not the easiest, but I have found some ways to help me cope. Let’s see how it goes.
