Living With ADHD
Follow an interview from an anonymous GPHS student about their experience of iving with ADHD and how it has impacted their life and education with this monthly mental health column. Scroll to the bottom for an opportunity to share your struggles and experiences for our upcoming issues.
MENTAL HEALTH : Living with adhd
Interview Conducted By Deenie Bulyalert
Disclaimer: This article discusses sensitive information regarding mental health that some people may feel uncomfortable with reading. Statements made in this article may trigger those faced with the same challenges. However, the goal of this article is to help those who may be struggling and to shed light on the struggles of different mental disorders.
We all have beautiful stories. This is one of them. Everyone's experiences are different, but your feelings are valid. You are strong, amazing, and a person with an interesting story, no matter what it may be.
If you need immediate mental health help, then The Scroll strongly urges you to contact Grants Pass High School's mental health counselor, Kris Stuart, at the following link: kstuart@grantspass.k12.or.us
Why have you decided to tell your story?
To share what its like to have ADHD, and maybe give someone else some tips to help with their ADHD.
I was diagnosed sometime in elementary school. I don't remember the feelings I had towards being diagnosed.
If you were, when were you diagnosed? How did being diagnosed make you feel?
How does ADHD look for you/ how does it feel for you?
Having lots of energy when I feel like I should be tired. Having to fight impulsivity every day. Not always having a voice in your head that causes you to second guess doing something stupid. Feeling like you have to do everything all at once, but being so overwhelmed you start a task, but get distracted by another one and do that one instead and so on, never getting any tasks done. Being hyper-focused on the things I like or want to talk about. Being very distractible.
Wake up, get ready for school, go to school. Work on college stuff and scholarships after and during school. Hang out with friends every once and a while. Participating in Robotics after school on Tuesday and tutoring a Thursday. Participating in NHS based activities and NHS. Going to senior events.
How does a regular day look like for you now that we are back in person?
How did being in an online format impact you? Did having ADHD make it harder?
Online school kept me from being able to see people in person, which made me sad, but also helped have more time to do homework and run. ADHD did not make online school harder
Anything involving multitasking.
Are there tasks that are easier for others but can be incredibly hard for you?
What was one of the lowest points you have faced while dealing with this illness and how did you get better?
When I was in middle school, I used to crash off meds after I got home from school, and have an emotional breakdown. Me, my parents, and my doctor found a different drug, which kept me from crashing off of the meds in the afternoon, after school.
Running, biking, and other physical activity. Medications. Coffee.
How do you cope with having ADHD now?
What are some misconceptions that you don’t like?
People with ADHD are not as distractible as you think we are. Just because someone isn't hyper, jumpy, and fidgety doesn't mean they don't have ADHD. Having ADHD doesn't make you stupid.
Seek out medical help, treatment, and advice. Do all you can to help with your ADHD and control it.
What would you like to say to those who may be in the same position?
If you would like to share your story please fill out the form below!
If you are a student I have interviewed in the past and you want to do an update on how you are doing, then please do not hesitate to email me. We want to hear from you again.
Resources for Help:
Grants Pass High School Has Licensed Therapists:
Kris Stuart- Mental Health Counselor
Mr. Baxter - Options Specialist Counselor
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
1-800-273-8255
Crisis Text Hotline:
US: Text HOME to 741741 to be connected with a Crisis Counselor
They are there to help. If you need it, please ask. You do not have to fight this battle alone.
