Living with & learning about ADHD
Written by: Kyrsti Lueck
Lately, when I hear people open up about their challenges with ADHD and their efforts to understand why certain tasks can feel so difficult, I’m struck by how often the same feeling surfaces again and again—confusion. Some adults described it as being “scatterbrained” or becoming confused as to why they just aren’t able to finish a simple task, others thought it was just about kids who couldn’t sit still, and a few even dismissed it as laziness. Over time, I realized that ADHD is something that many people struggle with—not just the symptoms themselves, but also the misunderstanding that surrounds it. That’s why I wanted this first blog to focus on ADHD.
ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, isn’t about being lazy or careless. It’s a difference in how the brain manages attention, impulses, and energy. For some, it shows up as forgetfulness and disorganization; for others, it’s restlessness and impulsivity. And for many, it’s a mix of both.
I remember a friend telling me, “It feels like my brain is a TV with 100 channels playing at once, and I don’t always get to choose which one I’m watching.” That really stuck with me, because it captures the lived experience better than any textbook definition can and shows just how hard the brain tries to work at all times.
One of the hardest parts about ADHD isn’t the symptoms—it’s the stigma. I’ve heard so many people say: “You just need to try harder”, “Everyone gets distracted sometimes”, and “It’s just an excuse” because many people have a hard time understanding it, but ADHD isn’t about how much effort you may give to a certain task or really anything at all. In fact, many people with ADHD put in extra effort just to keep up with everyday tasks. The problem isn’t motivation—it’s regulation. That’s a huge difference.
Think about trying to meet a deadline or even just getting ready for a day out and about when your mind keeps jumping to five other things at once. Or imagine forgetting an important appointment you’ve had planned for months, not because you don’t care, but because your brain struggles to hold onto details small or big. These challenges can affect school, work, and relationships. This can very well impact one's self-esteem. People with ADHD often feel like they’re “not good enough,” when in reality, they’re working twice as hard behind the scenes.
Something that doesn’t get talked about enough with ADHD is how many people are diagnosed with ADHD later in life. For years, ADHD was thought of as a childhood condition, so adults often went unnoticed or thought they just grew out of it. Many just simply believe they are “bad at focusing” or “too disorganized,” without realizing there is a neurological reason behind it that could be helped.
Late diagnosis can bring mixed emotions for most adults:
Relief: finally having an explanation for lifelong struggles.
Grief: wondering how life might have been different with earlier support.
Hope: knowing that it’s never too late to learn strategies and thrive.
I’ve heard adults describe the moment of diagnosis as “putting puzzle pieces together.” Suddenly, their past makes sense—the missed deadlines, the messy desks, the restless energy. And with that understanding comes the chance to move forward with compassion instead of self-criticism.
Here’s the part that doesn’t get talked about enough: ADHD also comes with strengths.
Creativity: ADHD minds often see connections others miss.
Hyperfocus: When something sparks interest, the ability to dive in deeply can be incredible.
Energy: That enthusiasm can light up a room and inspire others.
People with ADHD can come up with solutions no one else would have thought of, simply because their brains work differently.
Managing ADHD isn’t about “fixing” someone—it’s about finding strategies that work. Therapy and coaching can help build routines and self-compassion. Medication is one option, but not the only one. Tools like planners, apps, and your phones reminders can make a huge difference. And perhaps most importantly, community support helps people feel less alone.
The more openly we talk about ADHD, the less space there is for stigma to take root. Every conversation chips away at old misconceptions and makes room for a more accurate, compassionate understanding. Awareness doesn’t just educate—it empowers. It helps people recognize that ADHD isn’t a personal failure or a character flaw; it’s a neurological difference that shapes how someone experiences the world. And when that difference is met with understanding, patience, and the right support, people with ADHD don’t just get by—they thrive. Their strengths, whether in creativity, problem‑solving, hyperfocus, or unconventional thinking, have the chance to shine in ways that benefit not only themselves but the communities around them.
ADHD is far more than a diagnosis written on paper. It’s a lived experience that can be messy, nonlinear, and challenging, but also vibrant, imaginative, and full of resilience. For some, the journey begins in childhood, navigating school systems that may not fully understand them. For others, the realization comes in adulthood, bringing clarity to years of feeling “different” without knowing why. No matter when the diagnosis happens, the path forward is about learning, adapting, and embracing the unique rhythm of your mind—finding strategies that work for you, celebrating progress, and giving yourself grace along the way.
By sharing personal stories, listening to diverse experiences, and challenging outdated assumptions, we create a culture where people with ADHD feel seen rather than judged. Each honest conversation helps build a world where ADHD is understood, accepted, and supported—a world where differences are not just tolerated but valued.
***This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional therapy, therapeutic advice, or serve as a basis for diagnosis.