Living with Extreme ADHD: The Power and Plight of Executive Dysfunction
Living with extreme Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is as complex as the disorder itself. Not only do I live with this condition, but my friend Emily and many of my favorite people also navigate their lives around it.
“As part of our journey, we grapple with a common foe: executive dysfunction. This insidious aspect of ADHD often leaves us feeling overwhelmed and immobilized, even when faced with a plethora of choices. With executive dysfunction, our brains are bombarded with a myriad of options. Instead of facilitating decision-making, however, this abundance of choice often triggers paralysis. It’s as if our brains say, “You know which one you should choose? None of them.”
The obstacle isn’t the lack of options, but rather an overload that makes it seem more prudent to simply sit down or even lie down, instead of deciding on a course of action.
However, not all who have extreme ADHD respond the same way to this challenge. Take Emily, for instance. Somehow, she manages to juggle multiple tasks effortlessly despite her diagnosis.
Emily is a whirlwind of activity, taking care of the kids, attending meetings, squeezing in hair appointments, making calls, sending texts, taking photos, and even making videos. All the while, she’s dealing with the same executive dysfunction that leaves some of us feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
I’ve often marveled at Emily’s seemingly superhuman ability to navigate her day with ADHD. How she can accomplish so much despite the same mental roadblocks that leave me fatigued just from thinking about them is beyond me.
After all, studies suggest that thinking alone consumes up to 10% of our energy. Yet, Emily’s ability serves as a reminder that ADHD manifests differently in everyone, and what may be a stumbling block for one person might not be the same for another.
Living with extreme ADHD and executive dysfunction is a daily battle. It’s filled with highs and lows, achievements and challenges. It requires understanding and compassion, both for ourselves and for others who share our journey.
To learn more about ADHD and other related disorders, visit Beyond Sober and Sober Not Sober. Remember, you are not alone in this, and together, we can navigate the complexities of ADHD and beyond.
K O H D I | Beyond Sober
