Writing and ADD, do they mix?
As much as every writer loves to write, we all know of the struggles the artform brings along with it. Writing is hard and many give up along the way. But what if you have Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)? What is ADD, and how does that impact your writer’s life?
Several years ago I met someone who’d been diagnosed with ADD, now officially called Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder predominantly inattentive type (ADHD-pi). Although I’d heard about it before, I hardly knew what it was, so I asked. He explained it to me, what it was, the traits and how he experienced it. It was sort of shocking because it felt like he was describing me.
After that, I started digging, doing my own research. I had to get to the bottom of what AD(H)D was and what it possibly meant for me. If I had it, it would explain so incredibly much about my life. I couldn’t ignore it.
What is ADD?
ADD is a subtype of AD(H)D where traits can mostly be described as having trouble concentrating, easily being distracted, and forgetfulness due to brain differences. It is believed that some of it is caused by a different way of processing neurotransmitters such as dopamine. There are many other traits which are common in people with ADD and it’s not all bad. We’re often also creative, open-minded and/or spontaneous.
AD(H)D is classified as a developmental disorder in the DSM, which means you’re born with it, and you won’t “grow out of it” as some popular myths will make you believe. You can however, to some degree, learn to deal with the cons, and make use of the pros. This does not mean that we necessarily will pass as neurotypical (someone without any mental illness or mental disorder), but we can live happy and healthy lives if we’re allowed to be ourselves.
What it’s like to write with ADD
As you may have guessed ADD has quite the influence on my life. In fact, every aspect of it. It influences how I interact with my friends, how I function at work, at home, how I experience my passions, everything. That includes my writing, in negative as well as positive ways. I’ll be talking how ADD impacts my writing in my next blog post, which will be published tomorrow, on Sep-21.
Have got something to share about writing with ADD? Leave a comment or use the hashtag #WritingWithADD and/or #actuallyADD