This has been my problem for the past 2-3 months, family doesn't believe in it, they joke around, I had my mother's friend talk to me about stopping meds, my aunt doesn't like it, my uncle thinks I'm a drug addict, and it goes on.

Anyway to explain this to them so they can understand, none were born in this country except me. I might just keep my mouth shut and just go on with my way and don't mention anything to them about ADHD. Cause then it becomes a joking matter. I had very severe ADHD all my life. I have every symtom on the list, except for wetting the bed.

T-Bass

T-Bass,
I also have been diagnosed 2-3 months ago and am on concerta. What I learned about telling people is that I'm not going to tell to many people. Just a few close friends. Some people seemed real good about it, others not so good. So I'm keeping it quiet. That's where I am. I think it's an individual choice.
John

T-Bass

I think most people are just too uninformed on the ADD issue. My brother was dx this summer and my parents laughed it off (when he wasn't around). The doctor that he saw basically did the same thing though, so I don't know who can be told and who can't. I also have every symptom and always have, but for these reasons I've never said anything.

T-Bass,

Families are very complicated things. I have been the black sheep all my life and just recently have felt that my family is accepting who I am. Have patience and stick to those who do believe and care when it comes to dealing with your ADHD issues.

One suggestion would be to get information about ADD in their mother tongue. Many of the good books about ADD have been translated into other languages. I know I have a number of them in German. Maybe they would understand it better reading about it in their own language.

I know that I always get more information about such matters out of my english books.

Hang in there!

Kim

I've been very selective who I have mentioned my ADD tendencies to. I talked with my step-mom when I first started to figure all of this out. She whole hearted agreed with me with all of my research and I asked my dad a lot about my childhood quirks so I could remember what I did. I don't talk with my mom anymore so I couldn't ask her about it...she wouldn't be receptive eventhough I'm pretty positive she's a raging Adult ADD'er. I just brought it up with my husband and he seems to be pretty receptive to my being ADD because it 'splains a ton about things I do and my quirks. I have talked with my husband's boss who knew me before he started to work with his company. He's an admitted Adult ADDer and we joke about how we are. LOL

Maybe when I step up to the plate and get myself to a doctor for an official diagnosis I will tell my DH's side of the family. Most of them are in the health care industry and are very down to earth. I think they will take it very well and be supportive. Friends...maybe depending on close they are and my relationship to them. Clients...no way unless they fall into the friends catagory.

It's an individual choice t-bass.

My mom or dad don't believe in it. I'm born overseas and so is my family.
And boy oh boy we aren't telling it to any1 else.
I have friends who are doctors who don't believe in it. Be selective, if you know it's a social stigma.....then don't bother but don't limit yourself in life cause of others...it's your lfie not the life of the others....

TC

Hi, I understand where you are coming from, and I too until recentlly, didn't really believe in the adhd thing to much and got offencive in the past when a couple people thought I was. Then I accidenly came across some info on it, read it, started researching it, and Wow, I couldn't believe it, I am classic. Have been all my life, now I wish I could have found out sooner, so I wouldn't have made so mess out of my life. When I told my mom about it she doesn't believe in it either, she admits, I've always walked to a different beat, but she thinks I should be stronger. I told her, her raiseing me the way she did, is the only thing that has kept me half way straight, or I'd probably be in jail or some crap.LOL Although she gave me some of her ritalin to try, (she has narcolpsy) I believe also that maybe if your faimly was givin some good info. they could understand. Maybe they could see, this is a problem for you. I learned long time ago not to care to much about what others think of me, but I know it's important to you for your faimily to understand. good luck