(Photo: Scrunchy17)
Someone recently told me that if I have a problem, I should own it. That specific problem is ADHD, and right now, I’m owning it. Most of the people closest to me know that I have it, but I haven’t really gone out and told the world about it. In fact, until now, I generally kept it on a “need to know” basis. I think many people that know me see the symptoms and chalk it up to “it’s just how he is.” It’s pretty obvious, though, if you’re a fellow ADHDer. Am I impulsive? Yes! Hyperactive? Yes. Do I have problems with focus and punctuality? Yes! The list goes on and on, but I’ll get into that later.
I was diagnosed last summer, at the age of 28, after consulting with a few different health professionals. I told them I had been experiencing the symptoms for a long time, at least as far back as 2006, when I had two seizures just prior to getting out of the Marine Corps. The obvious trigger for my ADHD appeared to be the seizures. However, a part of me believes it was there even longer, just masquerading under the structure of military life. Plus, I remember instances late in my high school years, before joining the Corps, where I frequently exhibited signs of ADHD.
It was a huge relief to give a name to the problem that had plagued me for so long. All the inconsistency, procrastination, forgetfulness, disorganization, and the insane highs and lows throughout the day… The random times where I appeared to be “spazzing out” or when I’d do/say things without thinking… All the problems I had with communication… The relationships that were impacted… The lack of follow-through and continuous shifting of interests… To finally have an explanation for it all, regardless of my age, was exhilarating!
One of the interesting things I realized after being diagnosed was how ADHD had affected my career. I have actually been very successful in IT, as a Network Engineer and even now as a Network Security Engineer. It could’ve been due to the bouts of hyper-focus while studying for certifications, or the need to constantly switch jobs throughout most of my career, always moving to something greater and gaining tons of experience on the way. On the downside, though, I have no doubt that I’ve been seen by some employers as a passer-by. Not to mention that my ADHD symptoms have definitely shown themselves in past projects.
Amidst my journey through IT, I also tried many times to get back into the flow of writing, something I loved to do when I was younger and still like to do. I even established this blog as a way to find my platform as a writer, albeit short fiction, poetry, how-to’s, or whatever. I’ve managed to write a couple ebooks throughout the years, but I do have a dream of someday being a NY Times Bestselling Author. I also have dreams of being a millionaire. Hence, my dilemma… My interests rapidly change. The one constant throughout it all? My ADHD.
Going forward, this blog will be more of a “home base” for me than a writer’s platform. Along with the stuff I already write about, I plan to share my experiences with ADHD and its influence in every major area of my life. Ultimately, I want you to know that you can still live and be successful in life , regardless of your circumstances or dilemmas. You can still pursue your passions and dreams in life, even if there’s more than one.
