We all have our moments of manic highs where we can’t seem to get anything done. Or periods of time where it just seems impossible to pay attention to much else.
For most people, these are just temporary things we experience: maybe we’re lacking sleep or are hopped up on too much caffeine. For others, it may be a more persistent thing like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or attention deficit disorder (ADD).
In this article, we look at famous people with ADHD, and how they’ve learned to manage it.
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What Is ADHD?
One of the reasons why spotting the signs of ADHD can be quite difficult is because they can often be attributed to other learning disabilities like dyslexia. With that said there are generally three telltale symptoms that characterise ADHD:
- Impulsiveness
- Inattention
- Hyperactivity
ADHD can be diagnosed as early as childhood, yet due to some lingering stigma attached to the disorder (alongside a poor understanding or attribution of what makes it what it is), it’s not uncommon to only be diagnosed with it much later in life.
The history of ADHD was one of misunderstanding and negativity, but research into the condition and widespread advocacy has helped society deal with this phenomenon much better.
Make no mistake: it can still be a challenging thing to live with. But there are some remarkable people that have shown that it’s not only possible to manage the symptoms but can excel in their chosen fields.
Famous People With ADHD
Jamie Oliver
One of Britain’s most famous celebrity chefs, Jamie Oliver, was diagnosed with ADHD during his childhood. He has since advocated for the use of diet and proper nutrition toward managing the symptoms.
Justin Timberlake
A successful singer, songwriter, and actor, Justin Timberlake hasn’t really said much about living with ADHD. He’s only briefly said that it’s difficult to manage with his OCD, but given his stellar career in music, it’s reasonable to assume that he’s found a good way to deal with the usual symptoms.
Michael Phelps
Another one of the celebrities with ADHD, Michael Phelps was given his diagnosis at the age of 9. Fortunately, medication and his love for the sport helped him cope. “I think the biggest thing for me, once I found that it was okay to talk to someone and seek help, I think that’s something that has changed my life forever,” he says. “Now I’m able to live life to its fullest.”
Karina Smirnoff
A World Trophy champion, this famous dancer channels her excess energy through her love of dancing. “Like most adults, my schedule is very busy. My day is filled with 10-hour dance rehearsals for my television show, teaching choreography, dancing in shows, and constant travel”, she says. “With improvement in my ADHD symptoms, I can focus on finishing what I start.”
Adam Levine
Adam Levine had a particularly difficult time with his ADHD as a kid, though efforts from his parents and medication helped with his symptoms somewhat. He always stresses the need to have a good social support group when it comes to dealing with those who have ADHD: “ADHD isn’t a bad thing, and you shouldn’t feel different from those without ADHD”, he wrote. “Remember that you are not alone. There are others going through the same thing.”
will.i.am
This singer knows the mental effort it takes to deal with ADHD—but thankfully, he’s also found a way to manage it. “I’ve got all this stuff in my head at the same time as I’m doing stuff and I don’t know how to stop or slow down. But it’s all good because I know how to control it.”
Simone Biles
One of the most promising young athletes of our time, Simone Biles knows that living with ADHD can be a little challenging. In fact, knowledge of her condition spread rapidly once she got tested for the medicine she was taking for it. “I have ADHD and I have taken medicine for it since I was a kid”, she wrote on Twitter. However, she doesn’t let it stop her from performing her best.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve seen some famous people with disabilities like ADHD, I hope that you’ll have a newfound appreciation for the people who deal with conditions like these. At the end of the day, it’s just a diagnosis – and it will never stop people from doing or being the best they can be.
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