This is a complex question. The answer is different for each situation. We need to ask ourselves, why am I sharing? What feelings do I have about ADHD? Am I embarrassed? Ashamed? Happy? Grateful? How close am I with the person, people or family? What motivates me to share my ADHD and personal history?
I’ve enclosed a few articles that may be helpful.
My personal experience was that some people are really supportive, and others are not. When I interviewed, I was always afraid that I wouldn’t get the job if I disclosed my ADHD history. When I did share at work, there were mixed results, some places were very supportive, others were not. I had one colleague say, “Buck up Buttercup” when I asked to let me know when I was off track, and they didn’t help at all. When I working in the hospital many people were willing to point out how I might communicate differently.
The bottom line is that this is complicated. Dr Ari Tuckman points out that we can’t “put the cat back in the bag” once we share. Perhaps we should consider sharing symptoms and specific situations first. Maybe, I have troubles getting deadlines finished. Can you assist me with a specific portion of this project? Or can you help we with reminders?
Very importantly, can we trust the person not to embarrass us with this information? There are myths and misconceptions in our world and it can lead to lack of understanding, or loss of jobs or loss of friendships or loss of trust.
Whatever you decide, look before you leap.
Blessings
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