Adhd and Abuse - Perspective?

PotentiallyAnApricot@beehaw.org to Neurodivergence@beehaw.org – 7 points –

I was (tacitly- the doctor said he “could not diagnose an adult” but my neuropsych test showed the signs) diagnosed with adhd in 2021.

This happened shortly after I escaped from a fairly emotionally and psychologically abusive relationship with someone who claimed “their adhd” was making them treat me that way. Another person, a roomate, bullied me heavily until I had to move and also attributed this behavior to “adhd”. Both of these people implied that I was intolerant for telling them their behavior hurt me, and each of them generally made my life a confusing hell for the period of time that I knew them.

I don’t think these people were lying about being neurodivergent, but I don’t think neurodivergence was the real reason for their behavior, even if it contributed to certain misunderstandings.

But I am still feeling some really weird feelings about now knowing that I have adhd myself!! It makes sense, of course it does. But I’m having a hard time celebrating this part of myself now. I always knew and loved that side of my personality until I learned it was adhd. My brain feels absolutely shredded and confused and I can’t easily think about it without feeling upset. I have fears my own diagnosis means I will be more prone to hurt people. Intellectually, i know better, but internally I can’t seem to and I find myself avoiding and hiding and not thinking about my adhd, and just feeling a lot of shame.

Has anyone else experienced this? How did you cope with it? I know these people could have just as easily said “depression” or “brown hair” or “chemtrails” were their reason for mistreating me, but I still can’t manage to sort it out on the visceral /emotional level. I really like the adhd parts of myself, but I also feel kind of afraid of them and afraid to be seen as an abuser if I talk about them, since so many abusers seem to use that tactic.

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Neurodivergence doesn’t absolve people of accountability for their actions. Everyone has their own constraints to work around. One either has to avoid getting in situations where they can’t do right by others or adapt circumstances/behaviors to avoid harm. As a person with ADHD, there’s nothing more grating than others saying “Oh you can’t expect me to take responsibility for harmful this thing I do because ADHD!”. Explanations are not excuses.

I agree.Thanks for confirming this - it helps to know other people see the same reality I do.

And even if they mess up because of any disability / Neurodivergence, that doesn't exempt them from presenting excuses

Wow you said what I was trying to say but much better. Thanks!