What I Wish My Family Knew About Me and my Adhd

Growing up in a household that ADHD was considered a character defect, really wasn't all that fun. Especially when you try over and over again to explain how the stigma often attached to having ADHD, has such a harmful effect on you, and the only result was either getting smacked or being made to feel as if it was your fault.
Even though society has come a long way in certain things, when it comes to mental health issues there really hasn't been as much change as there should be. People still have a very narrow minded and uneducated mindset, when they view mental health problems for what they really are.
Which is a valid medical condition, and absolutely nothing else, it's especially important for parents and basically anyone who shapes the mind of a child who is diagnosed with a mental health issue. They can either give that person the skills they need to succeed in life, or do things and say things that cause mild to severe long term damage. 

Throughout that individual's life, let's take it a look at a few things that a parent can do in order to effectively help their child, and get past their negative preconceived notions about a very serious issue.

• Stop looking at ADHD as if it is a character defect, see it from their perspective. When I was first diagnosed even before I was diagnosed, I'd be meant to feel alone and unworthy because instead of having a parent trying to understand. I had two parents who made me feel like I was a piece of garbage, when I would attempt to explain my frustrations. Instead of doing that, teach your child to understand themselves and to build healthy coping strategies and habits. In order for your child to have a healthy and strong foundation base, throughout their life.
• Don't let various forms of cognitive biases affect the way you view your child and the importance of seeking the proper medical or psychological support. We are what we let into our lives,when you let the wrong things in, especially when the person does not know any better. Those negative influences can have horrible consequences for an individual's life, and make it that much more difficult to accept the proper support.
• Teach them how to deal with failure. What I mean is that, show them it's ok not to be perfect, and to learn from mistakes. Instead of letting them dwell on those mistakes, that way they learn to overcome them.
• Teach them to recognize and learn the difference between mental health facts and mental health myths. Also that sometimes it's alright to walk away from a conversation, especially when that conversation is abusive and harmful to the person.
• The Importance of understanding that medication is vital, and one aspect is using proper prescription drug adherence.
• Teaching them boundaries, for themselves and the world around them.
• Helping them get a stronger sense of self awareness and self acceptance
• Teaching them the importance of healthy relationships
• Lastly teaching them that having emotional reactions is normal, and doesn't make them a bad person. Instead teach them to understand their emotions and things that make them react the way they do
• Also educate yourself on your child's condition, and the various ways that impact them within themselves and also the outside world. So you can also have a solid idea of what they are going through, in their life.
• Don't let other parents dictate your child's treatment, or tell you that having a child with ADHD is the parents fault.

Basically do what is good for your child, if you have hesitations, instead of using Google or YouTube or self proclaimed experts for advice. Ask your child and also ask the child's doctor or therapist questions, or voice your concerns to them.When your child sees that when you have concerns, that you voice them to your doctor, your showing them the importance of having an open and honest relationship with your doctor is. Just like when you display unhealthy habits, that sets an example for your child.

In conclusion do what is best for your child, based on facts and qualified professionals, instead of leaving your child's well-being to self proclaimed experts who know absolutely nothing about your child's condition and medical history. 
By doing  a few simple things, you can make your child's life better,granted that they'll still have rough times but with a little understanding and patience and education. You'll make your child's life a whole lot better, by doing what they need to develop the proper tools and coping mechanisms to have a good life and the strength to deal with obstacle with a lot more ease.