"I have ADHD" vs "I am ADHD"

[Lunacie]

Originally Posted by Loonette

It's just a matter of what form of the word is used. There is a difference, for example, between the word "diabetic" and the word "diabetes". One wouldn't properly say "I am diabetes", but it is correct to say "I am diabetic".

Also, one would not say, "I am autism," but it is correct to say, "I'm autistic".

Etc.

But to say "I am ADHD," well, if one expands the abbreviation fully, it doesn't make grammatical sense: "I am attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder".

I am not a disorder. I might have a disorder, but I am not the entire disorder.

Well, this question has come up in these forums before, and my example
was to show that since there isn't any way to change ADHD the way you
can specify "diabetic" vs "diabetes", then it's one of those terms that
should express both ideas. It's the same idea as the execption that proves
the rule?

[Dizfriz]

Originally Posted by Loonette

Dizfriz, I see what you are saying. My point, however, is merely grammatical.

I caught this but something of possible focus; how we talk to ourselves, our self talk, internal private language often determines how we understand, process and feel. This is the basis of Cognitive Therapy as proposed by Beck and Ellis and is powerful in impact and implications.

"I am ADHD" and "I have ADHD" may be important internal constructions and the phrasing is important in determine how an individual will deal with the disorder. The same thing in labeling ADHD is a psychiatric disorder or a mental illness, for example, can lead to totally different understanding and outlooks by the person involved.

I guess my stress here is that it is not only a grammar issue-an artifact of the English language perhaps; but it also can be a powerful determinant on how the individual will handle their ADHD.

Interesting on so many levels, glad you brought it up.

Dizfriz

[Lunacie]

Originally Posted by Dizfriz

I caught this but something of possible focus; how we talk to ourselves, our self talk, internal private language often determines how we understand, process and feel. This is the basis of Cognitive Therapy as proposed by Beck and Ellis and is powerful in impact and implications.

"I am ADHD" and "I have ADHD" may be important internal constructions and the phrasing is important in determine how an individual will deal with the disorder. The same thing in labeling ADHD is a psychiatric disorder or a mental illness, for example, can lead to totally different understanding and outlooks by the person involved.

I guess my stress here is that it is not only a grammar issue-an artifact of the English language perhaps; but it also can be a powerful determinant on how the individual will handle their ADHD.

Interesting on so many levels, glad you brought it up.

Dizfriz

Speaking only for myself, although I've certainly seen other posters
mention this, it was a great relief to know that these issues weren't
something I could "try harder" and change about myself. They are part of
me, and I'm not to blame for having a hard time listening to a lecture, for
reading a large block of boring text in a textbook, or not remembering to
turn in homework or even do it - as I felt blamed in school and ended up
blaming myself for the next 40 years after I graduated.

[spunkysmum]

I'm a grammar freak extraordinaire, but I use the phrase "am ADHD" from time to time, knowing right well it isn't grammatically correct, but not really caring since we're all among friends here.

[Loonette]

Originally Posted by spunkysmum

I'm a grammar freak extraordinaire, but I use the phrase "am ADHD" from time to time, knowing right well it isn't grammatically correct, but not really caring since we're all among friends here.

Yeah, it's not a life or death situation. Just something I notice.

I mean, really, sometimes I don't capitalize the personal pronoun "I"... it ain't no big deal. (eep! Did you see what i just did?)

[spunkysmum]

I can haz ADHD?

[spunkysmum]

Originally Posted by Loonette

Yeah, it's not a life or death situation. Just something I notice.

I mean, really, sometimes I don't capitalize the personal pronoun "I"... it ain't no big deal. (eep! Did you see what i just did?)

LOL, I actually have fun using grammatically incorrect expressions at times. Like, talking like Festus Haggen.

OMGosh! I just found this!

[Loonette]

Originally Posted by spunkysmum

LOL, I actually have fun using grammatically incorrect expressions at times. Like, talking like Festus Haggen.

OMGosh! I just found this!

I dun never heer'd of Festus Haggen, til now, but from what I see, I like his style.

I, too like using non-grammar from time to time. (Well, okay, maybe a lot of times).

I've been known to mix up all kinds of accents and dialects, in writing as well in speech. Why, check out this semi-insane blog entry:

http://holy-sheepdip.blogspot.ca/201...an-eccent.html

[spunkysmum]

Originally Posted by Loonette

I dun never heer'd of Festus Haggen, til now, but from what I see, I like his style.

I, too like using non-grammar from time to time. (Well, okay, maybe a lot of times).

I've been known to mix up all kinds of accents and dialects, in writing as well in speech. Why, check out this semi-insane blog entry:

http://holy-sheepdip.blogspot.ca/201...an-eccent.html

Watch some Gunsmoke reruns sometime, he'll turn up.

Hehehehe.....I have always liked the expression holy sheepdip.

[Drewbacca]

I'm the face of ADHD... except for when I'm not.

[Conman]

up to know ive usually acknowledged it as 'i have' but still as something that is me. from now on ill use 'i am'!