Power of Connection

If people told me 5 or 6 years ago that leading groups and being part of groups was going to be something I was doing I would have told them they were crazy. Like many people with ADHD social situations have always been challenging to me. I’m also an introvert by nature and prefer to be by myself a lot of the time.

Over the past couple of years I have slowly begun participating in groups and actually getting a lot from the groups. I have also been getting positive feedback from members of the groups I lead and manage at ADDClasses.com. Like myself it’s the people who were the most hesitant to join the groups that seem to get the most out of them.

Connecting with other people who have ADHD is so beneficial for people with ADHD. It’s estimated that about 5% of the population has ADHD so it’s no wonder many people with ADHD have trouble fitting in with the rest of the world. The good news is that the people with ADHD are getting together and sharing experiences and support.

If you are a person with ADHD and have not begun interacting with other people who have ADHD I strongly suggest you do so! If you aren’t quite ready to join an in person support group or attend a conference there are other options! You do not need to feel so alone anymore!

Sites like ADD Forums are a great place to find support and connect with others online. ADHD Coaching programs like the ADD Coaching Club, Adult ADD BootCamp and the ADD Book Club help people with ADHD learn better ways of living with ADHD while at the same time connecting with others who are in similar situations!

I know there are some people who think the Internet has caused society to become more isolated. When it comes to people with ADHD I think the opposite is true. The Internet has helped so many people with ADHD connect with others and not feel so alone. It also helps people with ADHD take the next step and find in person support too!

How has connecting with other people who have ADHD helped you?

Comments

[Mike Doyle]

I agree that ADDers can find real benefits in common company with each other. I happen to be one half of an ADD couple. My boyfriend was diagnosed as a child (we're both 37). But at first we didn't know about my ADD...so you can imagine the rocky start we had.

Once we learned of my ADD, everything suddenly made sense, both in my life and in our relationship. It's odd to think that ADD could bring two people together, but it did for us.

I totally understand the importance of fellowship with other ADDers now--when we see our common symptoms, foibles, and challenges come up, we laugh about them now. The power of both of us "getting it" is almost impossible to describe. We have this safe space between us now that used to be a minefield (and as a boon, he's managing his ADD better now, too).

Maybe the best part of knowing other ADDers in person is you get to see ADD is manageable and your problems with it are normal and shared by others. It won't help you go back in time and pay that Visa bill you swore you paid last month. But hearing back from someone, "Ha! For me it's always my Discover bill!" makes life with ADD feel a heck of a lot more normal.

[Merry]

Hi
I attended a seminar today called SHUT UP AND MOVE ON. Called SUMO for short - go figure!
It was a great joy to realise that as an ADHD Adult I do that all the time! We juggle complex issues and information, we cope with lots of information and have great ideas on how make things work and get that, while sometimes we have to make ourselves reflect, we do it to great effect!
I know I have developed SO MANY coping strategies over the years without even realising it but HEY they work for me and that means I don't drive people too crazy. ADHD in England is an unknown - but there are Consultants who get it and are willing to listen. I love sites and forums like this as it helps to know that we are just getting on with our lives and, on the quiet, are pretty bloody marvellous as well.
Keep up the good work Tara.
Merry x

[Nicki]

I wish for a connection with people with ADHD. I'm part of a family of a lot of people who probably have ADHD but don't admit it, and I'm the only one diagnosed (four times by different doctors in different ways, so I know for SURE!) but I still often feel like an alien because the others around me think I'm just using it as an excuse or to get attention. (I have it more severe than others in my family!) I've tried joining support groups (there's 1 or 2 in my area) but the problem is I forget to go, get too nervous to go, or don't have enough time to go! I'm going to check out some of the sites you've recommended here though....