ADHD Awareness Month

I achieved my goals. I progressed through university in the same way I got through my GCSE’s and A-levels: a lot of procrastination, followed by a few days of chaos, late nights and a fair amount of coffee.  

It’s no surprise that I have ADHD. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is possibly the worst name for the condition, in my opinion. I don’t have a deficit in attention, I have specific interests which I can engage in with immense focus. The word hyperactive gives the impression of someone who is bouncing off the walls, which I don’t. Rather I overthink situations, have a million thoughts and can receive multiple inputs of information at once. 

In basic terms, ADHD is understood to exist due to a lack of available dopamine within the brain. Dopamine being a hormone and neurotransmitter responsible for memory, mood, attention, sleep and learning, to name a few. Funnily enough, these are many of the symptoms of ADHD.  

ADHD is often misunderstood and seen as mostly negative symptoms. So, whilst raising awareness of a condition I live with, I thought I’d share some of my positive traits which allow me to be the best version of myself.  

• Calm under pressure: It is thought that many people with ADHD (diagnosed or un-diagnosed) are attracted to high-stress jobs, as many can remain calm under pressure, and this is certainly true in my role here with Devon Air Ambulance. 

• A people person: I am often regarded for my willingness to help anyone, being aware and caring for the needs of those around me, my positive and creative outlook.  

• Emotional intelligence: People with ADHD can often pick up on very subtle clues of another’s behaviour and will often recognise how another individual is feeling before others.  

• Hyperfocus: This is often described as the super-power of ADHD. Being able to focus so intensely on a topic in a way that others could only dream of.  

• Adaptability: Being adaptable is often crucial in many jobs, particularly as part of the clinical team at Devon Air Ambulance. That hyperactive brain of mine is constantly processing information and coming up with 400 different ways to achieve the same goal. Sometimes, option 350 is the one that works.  

These are only a few of the many positive traits I have which are influenced by my ADHD. In fact, without ADHD, I wouldn’t be the same person and may not even be in the position to be writing this blog in the first place.  

Yes, having ADHD can be hard, and trying to break down the stigma and perception of ADHD is also hard. Those that have ADHD have a choice. Either you allow the negative symptoms to absorb you, fall into the stigma and negative perception of ADHD. Or you work on yourself. Identify your strengths and weaknesses and be aware of them. Play to those strengths and develop mechanisms to tackle your weaknesses, and ultimately achieve the goals you want to achieve.’ 

Thank you so much to Aaron for sharing his story with us for ADHD Awareness Month. We are so glad to have you and your passion, empathy and enthusiasm with us all at Devon Air Ambulance.