Before I was ever diagnosed with any medical or mental problems, I knew little about ADD or mental disorders. I was quick to judge, and would think to myself, “This is just an excuse for bad behaviour or a person who just wants sympathy and attention”. So yes I just need to remember that I was guilty of the same things that I saw in others.

It is frustrating to not be understood, and I still have alot things I don’t understand. I do understand you, and agree on your point. Thank you Ellen!

I agree with you 100% There is no upside to publicly outing oneself. I found that out when I was first diagnosed. However, for me it's now six years down the road since my diagnosis. I have a greater understanding of my condition. I have a greater sense as to whom I can share this information with. I'm also at a stage of life where I don't care too much what others may think of me and, quite honestly, I'm outing myself for my sake. I'm tired of hiding it. I'm tired of not being able to talk about it. Again, I pick and choose my audience but I'm the one who is driving this train. It actually give me a greater sense of freedom and control.

This probably isn't going to be a popular opinion, but I just don't see any upside in publicly self-identifying as someone with a "condition." Some people understand, but some don't – and as others have found out, the people who don't understand sometimes like to use your self-identification as a weapon against you. The minute you give yourself to them neatly packaged as "ADD," you give them a potent rock to throw at you. Personally, I just don't think the risk is worth it.

Your approach makes sense. Some of it comes down to ones comfort level but also what you feel is appropriate. There's definitely no right answer concerning this issue.

Thats a wise decision I think. I learned this myself. I must take into consideration, the possible negitive results that may occur, before I speak about anything when I am working for one of the thousands of customers I have had to meet. I do alot of my work for home-owners that live close to and work for the Univ. Of Okla. Many of them are from different states(or nations around the world),that are well educated professers at the college.

I can spot a, what I call an “Intellectual self consumed nightmare” pretty quick. If I mention A.D.D. about myself, they most likely will respond with a comment that they think is a clever way to say ADD is a myth, and I am just too intellectualy below them to realize this. Heres the translation; He’s just a carpenter in Okla. that most likey dropped out of school in the 3rd grade, and thats why He’s having His problems. And that’s that……Which is absolutely un-true. I would’nt be the profession carpetner I am without finishing school and learning some of the most important things that require a good deal of math(algabra,physics…etc). I dare not point out to this customer the difference between his salary as a professer, and mine. I’m just an old hillbilly carpenter whith ADD. That knows when to not talk to certain people. I learned that the hard way though, because I am an ADDer…lol

There have been a few instances when I felt compelled to mention my A.D.D. and have, for the most part, not regretted doing so. But there have been times when I mentioned it to a small group of people and, well, you don't always know how to interpret their silence. I've become much more comfortable with the silence by ignoring it, pretending it didn't happen, or by pretending that the silence doesn't mean anything (some people don't really know what to say in response).

Right now, outing myself is kind of like wearing a new suit. I take it out of the closet, wear it for a particular occasion, and then put it back in the closet. I'm getting much more comfortable, and much closer, to wearing that "suit" every day.