Danish version - see above!
For the second consecutive year there will be focused on ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) by a series of activities across Europe from September 20-27. You have the opportunity to help raise awareness and understanding of ADHD. ADHD has long been and, unfortunately, still is surrounded by stigma, myths and misinformation, propagated by the media’s and social networking sites.
Now is the time to get to the facts. ADHD affects children, adole-
scents and adults and their families 24 hours a day. Many live with guilt and shame about feeling different. That really must change.
Generalization about ADHD and people with ADHD must stop and the individuals be accepted for the talents and qualities that he or she possess. We must show greater acceptance and understanding for their challenges. People with ADHD are different just like everyone else.
Many people with ADHD are able to work and operate on equal terms with others if given timely necessary help, support and under-
standing. This requires a targeted approach, where the individual will be involved and have influence on the overall course of treat-
ment. There is no “one-size-fits-all"-solution. Based on the indivi-
dual and an effort tailored to the individual, it could save the commu-
nity a major economic burden in the future and we will all be able to fully enjoy these unique personalities.
Consequences of failure or improper treatment of adults with ADHD can at its worst result in failure to finish an education, inability to maintain a job, different kinds of abuse, crime, and family break-
ups. Fortunately, it is far from all who experience this. However, anxiety, frustration, low self-esteem, depression and extreme lack of structure and oversight are often dominating everyday life for people with ADHD.
Treatment for ADHD is very effective and need not always involve medication. If medication is used in the treatment of ADHD, it should be combined with psychoeducational training, comprehensive strate-
gies for solving everyday challenges, and perhaps even cognitive behavioral therapy.
There is hope for a good life with ADHD and we can all help nurture that hope by trying to understand what it means to live with ADHD.
Here are some examples of what you can do to make a difference:
• Please invite everyone you know to join the Facebook page ADHD Awareness Week 2009 and post the link on your page
• Tell people you trust about your own ADHD, then they can put a familiar face on ADHD. That will help break down the stigma
• Tell your child/family menber, your partner/spouse, friend or colleague who has ADHD, what you really appreciate and like about him or her ….. even better ….. write it on a card for them to keep and look at, when they are feeling blue
• Join the debate on ADHD Awareness Week 2009 and use the wall to express your thoughts, personal experiences and hopes for a better future as inspiration and encouragement to the people with ADHD and their loved ones
• Go to your local library and ask them to exhibit books on ADHD
• Ask your local newspaper to write about ADHD and ADHD Awareness Week
• Talk about ADHD in your school, in your youth club, at your leisure club, in your workplace, to friends and family
• Write about ADHD on your website and on different conversation forums (Facebook, Twitter, MSN, etc.)
• Write the local politicians in your municipality what you experience by having ADHD, what you really want them to understand about ADHD, and what support and tools could make your life more manage-
able and your life more fruitful
• Ask for a meeting with the Mayor in your hometown and tell him or her about your life with ADHD.
ADHD Awareness Week was already last year a great success. Let’s make it even greater this year!
Please join the ADHD Awareness Week 2009 on Facebook here.
We can all help shape the debate, support and put stamp on the campaign for greater awareness, understanding and acceptance of ADHD.
Kind regards,
Charlotte
For further information and questions concerning ADHD please contact the ADHD Association in your country.
ADHD Awareness Week is working on promoting knowledge, understanding and acceptance of children, adolescents and adults with ADHD and their families.
