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The hidden struggles of adults with ADHD
Adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) share the challenges of living with the condition in a world that doesn’t yet understand them.
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Venettia had problems completing tasks in high school because of her ADHD. (JP/Courtesy of Venettia Olga)
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ometime in mid-2019, Bandung resident Venettia Olga, who usually goes by her last name, was feeling overwhelmed by a combination of academic and personal problems. Feeling it might be a serious issue, she sought professional help. A psychiatrist diagnosed her with bipolar disorder and, two months later, with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
“At first, I complained about my roller-coaster mood. After the doctor asked me an extensive set of questions, including about how my childhood was, he gave a diagnosis of ADHD,” Olga, a 24-year-old recent graduate, told The Jakarta Post.
People with ADHD tend only to engage with activities and topics they find interesting. If a task isn’t enthralling for them, it tends to take a notable amount of effort to complete it.
“In junior high school, I [suffered from the symptoms of] ADHD. Even if I knew something was important, I hardly did it,” she said.
As one grows older, executive function becomes more important, including in professional environments. Having difficulty balancing priorities is one of the signs of executive function weakness. This is precisely what happened to psychologist and mental health advocate Anastasia Satriyo, 30, who was diagnosed with ADHD in December 2018.
“I have the energy to do things I like. But I have trouble when I’m asked to write a report by the clinic [where I practice],” said Anastasia. “People may think that individuals with ADHD have difficulties in their school years. To me, adult life is more challenging because I’m obliged to do some things I’m not fond of.”
Another big struggle for Anastasia has been forgetfulness.
