ADHD: Another Day Has Disappeared

Hello, all.

First off, I would like to apologize for the postponement of the planned comic strip panels. As is typical for me, I seem to have gotten caught in an anxiety-driven, downward spiral, which has been increasingly difficult to pull myself out of. Welcome to the wonderful world of ADHD. 🥴 Okay, so I guess now is as good a time as any for me to address my dealings with this debilitation and discuss how it pertains to this publication.

As most of you probably know, ADHD actually stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. It is a neurobiological disorder that is said to affect 11 percent of children and at least 4 percent of all adults and is characterized by difficulties with attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. However, many people are still unwilling to accept ADHD as an actual disability. Some of them still hold to the erroneous notion that hard work and discipline are all that are needed to overcome what both the National Institute of Mental Health and the American Psychological Association have concluded is a real medical disorder.

ADHD, or ADD (as it was called when I was diagnosed with it), like any other mainstream mental illness, can impact various aspects of life, from personal relationships to academic performance and employment. Children with ADHD may encounter difficulties in school, struggle with organizational skills, and have trouble making and maintaining friendships. Adults with ADHD often face challenges in the workplace, with time management, and maintaining relationships.

Another lesser-known aspect of ADHD, however, and one of the main reasons for my decision to write this article, is an increased probability of homelessness. Of course, not everyone with ADHD will become homeless, but research suggests that individuals with ADHD are at a higher risk of experiencing homelessness than those without the condition. Here then, are some of the factors contributing to this correlation.

Impulsivity and Risk-Taking Behavior:

One of the key traits associated with ADHD is impulsivity. This impulsive behavior can lead individuals to make hasty decisions, often without considering the long-term consequences. This tendency towards impulsivity may contribute to financial mismanagement, job instability, and strained relationships – all potential precursors to homelessness.

Educational Challenges:

ADHD can pose significant academic difficulties, affecting concentration, organization, and time management skills. These challenges may hinder educational achievements, making it harder for individuals with ADHD to pursue higher education and secure stable employment opportunities. The resulting financial strain can further increase the risk of homelessness.

Additional Mental Health Issues:

People with ADHD often experience higher rates of comorbid mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. These co-occurring disorders can exacerbate the challenges faced by individuals with ADHD, also leading to a higher likelihood of unstable housing situations.

Is it any wonder why adolescents, who already have their hands full dealing with school and the pressures of puberty, might find the added stress of ADHD entirely overwhelming? It should then come as no surprise that many of these teens later find themselves on the streets and in over their heads. If they are lucky, they may find themselves in the company of peers who can point them in the direction of resources that can offer shelter, support, and solidarity.

All of which brings me to…

Okay, so I was eventually able to get A.I. to create a few usable characters, but the background I ended up having to do by hand… and that also contributed to my extensive delay in posting this.

Sorry to end this mid-sentence, “but” I have a few other obligations to tend to. Still, I’ll try not to go as long between posts next time. As always, your support is greatly appreciated. Simply click on an item that interests you and follow the instructions that appear.

See you next time! ^_^