Most people likely have a simple understanding of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; it is often regarded as something that does not even exist. Many educated doctors sincerely believe that ADHD is entirely fake and an amalgamation of different mental illnesses. The entire world must recognize it as an illness that affects academic performance. People need to beware aware of how complex ADHD is.
This year, many students with ADHD have the peculiar challenge of completing online classes.
A document published in 2018 on Georgia State’s website features good advice for students with ADHD and what their accommodations entail. Besides giving spare time to finish assignments, the institution offers academic coaching, which I believe will help with consistent studying habits.
The resources are there, but I am not entirely sure how adequate the help may be.
ADHD has been with me since birth. I took Vyvanse, a popular ADHD stimulant, for the better part of my childhood. I willfully stopped taking it during my sophomore year of high school.
Being off of medication awakened my creative aspirations, which is part of the reason I’m writing this right now. Unfortunately, I now have to face life and its hefty responsibilities with a wild, naked brain.
Nowadays, my brain has to conquer the hellscape of online classes. How am I supposed to further my college career by primarily using my computer when the internet is where I waste the most time? My routine of going to class, studying in the library and hanging out with friends is long gone.
It has been a struggle. I’ve also noticed my motivation steadily declining since the start of the fall semester.
Due to my increased stagnancy and lack of encouragement, I believe more conversations need to happen concerning ADHD’s comorbidity with other mental illnesses. My mention of my emotional situation is not an official self-diagnosis by any means. I just took notice of some worrisome mental changes. These could be a sign of the times, as the world’s added pressures have immensely decreased my morale.
ADDitude Magazine is a publication about the various effects of ADHD written and reviewed by doctors and academic scholars. Their research states that “roughly half of all people with ADHD also have a second condition — like learning disabilities, depression or anxiety — that requires separate treatment.”
Among the secondary conditions can be obsessive-compulsive disorder, oppositional defiant disorder and language disabilities.
ADHD should not be taken lightly compared to other mental disorders and illnesses. It is very frustrating to lose focus and have life worsened by distractibility consistently. The condition is far more nuanced than commonly perceived.
ADHD should not just be regarded as the “bad behavior” disease. Unfortunately, so many children associate their condition with having proper conduct in the classroom. ADHS is a mental illness that will be with them for the rest of their lives. The overall simplistic perception of ADHD needs to be stifled.
