The day I realized the difference between ADHD and laziness

The day I realized the difference between ADHD and laziness

Last summer, I finally started on the path to victory in the constant battle of nagging I always heard. "Why are you so lazy?" was the nagging from my parents, teasing from friends, and even questions I asked myself. But since that day, my life has taken a completely different course. It was the day I was diagnosed with ADHD.

That day started no differently than any other. As I woke up in the morning, I reorganized in my mind the plans I had made the night before. "Today, I really need to finish what I have to do!" I told myself as a promise. However, as always, reality flowed contrary to my will. I spent an hour lounging in bed watching YouTube videos, and another hour contemplating what to eat in front of the refrigerator. As the morning passed and afternoon arrived, I sat in front of my computer, disappointed in myself for not having accomplished anything.

But that day was a little different. I received a message from a friend. "Are you maybe ADHD?" At first, I brushed it off with a laugh. But that comment kept lingering in my mind. So I searched for "ADHD symptoms" on the internet. Huh? This sounds like me?

I realized that my impulsive nature, difficulty sticking to plans, easily getting distracted, and trouble concentrating are typical symptoms of ADHD. In that moment, a sudden realization struck me: "Oh, I wasn't lazy after all!"

I went straight to a specialist for an examination. The results were as expected. ADHD. As soon as I was diagnosed, I ran to my parents and shouted, "See, I wasn't lazy! I had ADHD!"

My parents initially looked surprised, but they soon understood. Since then, my daily life began to change gradually. I learned effective time management and concentration improvement techniques through consultations with doctors. I also improved little by little while undergoing medication treatment. Most importantly, I started to understand and accept myself.

Now I have learned how to steadily carry out the plans I made, and the people around me have started to acknowledge my changes. Above all, I no longer hear the word "lazy," which has made me feel much more at ease. And I realized that ADHD and laziness are different. ADHD is caused by functional issues in the brain, whereas laziness is not simply a matter of lack of will.

I hope that through this experience, many people will not be misunderstood like me. Just understanding the difference between laziness and ADHD can positively change the lives of many people. So I live diligently today as well. Even if the path is a little slower and more difficult, I trust myself and move forward. I am continuing my journey to overcome ADHD and find my true self.