Helping each other

I’m also new to this site and began reading posts because I thought I may have ADHD, inattentive type. Fortunately, my “symptoms” seem very mild in comparison to the problems that others have described, so I’m probably just more of a scatterbrain/daydreamer as opposed to someone with real ADHD. As for Joe’s question (assuming you are referring to the one about feeling grateful for a job), I’m not sure anyone knew how to answer it. It didn’t seem clear to me what he was asking. I gleaned he felt resentful and that he was feeling like he was being treated like a charity case at his job and wanted to know if other people felt the same way. While I have not had problems maintaining employment, I myself feel grateful for having a job at all in this economy. I didn’t have anything helpful to offer him so I didn’t respond. I think in general, people on this board tend to be very helpful and supportive. Maybe if Joe reposted and was more clear with what he was asking, others would jump in to offer information and support. It is a nice and informative board, Barbara. Please stick around.

Hello, new too

Sorry - it looks like I was mistaken on several counts. I meant to comment on Louis, not Joe. Also, I was confused as to how this bulletin board is formatted. I thought replies would be on the main page, but I see they are filed with the original e mail.
Just another day of confusion for someone with ADD !!

Barb

Hi all, esp “New too”,

Your message stated that “Fortunately, my “symptoms” seem very mild in comparison to the problems that others have described, so I’m probably just more of a scatterbrain/daydreamer as opposed to someone with real ADHD. ” My reaction to your statement was twofold: 1) if you’re concerned, and have the medical /financial resources, go get tested! This isn’t a contest to see who has the most severe case of ADHD. Heck, if you and I both had broken bones, lets say that yours was a compound fracture of your femur and I “only” broke my collar bone—wouldn’t we both NEED treatment? Since ADHD can be considered an “invisible” disability, it doesn’t mean it is not real, or is not in need of treatment. (I hope I’m not coming across as too harsh, I’m trying to “be in your corner.)

You also mentioned about another person that “… I gleaned he felt resentful and that he was feeling like he was being treated like a charity case at his job and wanted to know if other people felt the same way. While I have not had problems maintaining employment, ..” Well, me too. I have a good job that is an unusually good fit for my ADD. I have a grand time performing my assignments, but when I have to interact with other people, occasionally I get stared at like I’m an alien. Or, worse people i respect and admire look at me like I’m *slow* and don’t get the issue. When in reality, I’ve zoomed past them and have to retrace my steps to SHOW them the thought pathway that gets to the final answer (I have a pretty good correct percentage too). Also, since I don’t think in nice, neat little rows, sometimes I SEE an answer, and it takes me awhile to figure out how I got there. Lucky for me, I’m a bit of a bulldog and early in my career someone explained to me that intelligences are not all the same and to just stick to my guns.

I suppose I’m trying to say that we, ADHD’ers, don’t fit in nice little squares. We’re round pegs in a square puzzle. It feels darned lousy sometimes. The turning point for me to get diagnosed was in a meeting where the client (a smart and easy-to-work with person) stated a problem. I immeidately assured him that the “problem” was already allowed for in the project. But, since I talk like I think sometimes, the client started to restate the problem; he assumed that I was not making sense to him because *I* didn’t really understand what he meant. My boss stepped in and said “Let me explain what she was trying to say.” Later, when asked my boss told me, in a kind way, that I am given to terrific insights and good ideas, but I shoot them out of my mouth like buckshot. He simply restates the ideas in a sequence more easily diagestable for someone not used to my methods. Talk about feeling depressed. After that meeting, I went to the dr that had urged me to get a diagnosis for myself…and voila! I am severely ADHD.

Much luck to all,
Dawn

well thank yopu so much Dawn for that lovely explanation about we ADDers hahaha that was a really nice post Dawn. Good explanation,