October is ADHD Awareness Month and it is meant to highlight the research and clinical studies that have been obtained throughout the year to bring more effective treatments to life. ADHD, also called attention-deficit disorder, is described by the CDC as children, or adults, having, “trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (may act without thinking about what the result will be), or be overly active.” Due to ADHD Awareness Month, I believe it is not only important to acknowledge those with ADHD, but also those who have connections to people with this disorder.
I myself do not have ADHD, but my best friend of 19 years does, we will call her J. J and I met when I was less than a year old, and she is a year older than me. We have basically been friends since birth and we have grown up together. We have gone through every stage of life by each other’s side. First school dances, first boyfriends, practically first everythings. Keep in mind that we are now 19 and 20-years-old and are still best friends to this day. We speak on the phone and text everyday despite our colleges being 118 miles away from each other.
Since we are still friends to this day, it is apparent that her ADHD has not impacted our friendship negatively, but it was important for me to understand how her brain works and to be patient with her.
Growing up, it was hard for J to sit down and watch a movie or to do a task for long periods of time. Yes, when I was younger I grew frustrated at this, but now I have learned that being patient with her and understanding that it is not her fault has helped me, as well as our friendship, grow. Having a friend with ADHD has taught me a lot about life and other people. I have come to realize that not everyone’s brain functions the same as mine and that is okay.
In the present day, I keep in contact with her daily and I now have a boyfriend who also struggles with ADHD. Thanks to J, I have the capabilities of being patient with him and I am understanding towards his spaciness and absent-mindedness.
Ultimately, my goal for my career is to become a pediatrician. I want to become a doctor who focuses on the health of infants, children, and young adults because I feel that I have become an open-minded and patient person. My friendship with J has helped me grow in many ways and I know that we will be friends forever.
So, from my personal experience, being in a relationship with someone who has ADHD, or being best friends with someone who has ADHD is not a struggle, instead it is a blessing. People who have ADHD can give a different perspective on the world and help you become patient and open-minded. Do not shut a partner or friend down who has ADHD, instead address them with open arms because I promise you that you can learn something.