It is hard, very very hard. Guys, you can do it. We can do it. Dont ruminate about your mistakes, go forward and dont look back. Be as present as you can be, and if you fail, it is okay. Just go forward and stop overthinking about the mistakes you made because of your add/adhd. Accept the disorder, and accept that your different. We are all doing a hell of a job. I love you all.
As an ADDer, former brain physiology research scientist and a medical doctor, I’ve lived the challenges and benefits of an ADD brain. I actively am spreading the word that it’s the right letters for the wrong words. It’s hard to characterize a child who can play Lego’s for three hours straight as having an attention defect, and when they are universally shown to have above average intelligence to be described as a disorder. Far better, as an honest and accurate description, to call it Attention Direction Difference. Everyone gets distracted sometimes and focus attention sometimes. ADDers are like everyone else, only more so. They (we) are more easily distracted, when not sufficiently stimulated, or hyper focused. Our pendulum between the two states just swings wider than “normal”. When I’m doing surgery, or doing complex synthetic diagnostic problem solving I am continually grateful for my Attention Direction Difference which allows me, through “hyper”focus to above “normal” levels and produce greater achievements than if I were “normal”. I do struggle w finishing ( or starting!) mundane tasks, being aware of time spans, and remembering what to do next, but in balance, the ADD has been more beneficial than harm. Pro tip: to avoid letting down the people around us due to timing or forgetfulness, try this (from my mom!): “You need to make things more important than you think they should have to be”.
brilliant. I see more in ADD and other occurrences than what meets the eye. I look for the function of it. I also look into which conditions may infliuence our brains to "move" into that direction. I cannot figure out why that is not discussed at all. It is so striking to look at it from a evolutionary as well as sociological-psychological perspektive. I have never been diagnosed with anything as I seem to be super adaptive to the environment. But as I grew older, I can see how I function differently to many, but also differently to the standard ADD or ADHS diagnosed person. And I doubt the correctness of classifying people into (just two) categories.
"You need to make things more important than you think they should have to be" Rings true for me… I care deeply about things but it isn’t always clear to others that I do. A friend once told me, It looks like I don’t think what I’m doing is important… When you described it… I am understanding more of what she meant as well. Thank-you ✨🏵️✨
I’ve never heard this described so well in a way that actually aligns with my experience. In the late 90s/early 2000s, this was the piece of the puzzle for me that was extremely confusing, and I’m grateful that I had teachers who encouraged me even if we didn’t understand everything that was going on. I have a lot of empathy for people who didn’t have these positive experiences. I’ve seen a lot of emotional scars some people walk around because they didn’t fit into the “right” box regardless whatever that box looked like.
Meh. It’s Executive Function Deficit Disorder (EFDD). That ultimately covers every single scientifically supported symptom, and it correctly identifies it as a disorder, which it is, unlike the lies these charlatans, Ratey and Hallowell, tell you. It’s as simple as that. Not “VAST,” WTF strain of crack were they shooting up when they came up with that nonsensical buffoonery? But for now it needs to stay ADHD or else you can say goodbye to insurance covering anything, and getting prescription meds for it, therapy, or any other support. Plus, we need to keep it ADHD until Ratey and Hallowell are gone from the scene, so they aren’t trying to force their way into the discussion and bully everyone into calling it VAST, which is ludicrous and worthy of ridicule. Then we can come up with a plan to keep and transfer the support from ADHD to Executive Function Deficit Disorder, as it should be, based on the definitive scientific research done by Dr. Russell Barkley and countless other respected scholars.
At 71 I find out I'm ADHD! So much misery could have been avoided. Always late, so many unfinished projects, ruminating, extra sensitive to criticism ... etc. Years of depression might have been avoided.
There is a grieving process for sure. I was 58 when I found out and the past is full of regrets and wishes. We can grieve but we can’t dwell in it or we just feel worse. What is great is knowing and using what we know to make our lives better!
As someone who was diagnosed With ADHD later in life I so appreciate shows like this that help me make sense of what I have experienced in life. Thanks for having qualified people to discuss the different mental health symptoms in a informing and educationally way
I was looking around to find out what was wrong with me years ago and I read Driven to Distraction and suddenly I realised what was up. Thank you for writing that great book.
I regularly listen to your videos/podcasts, but this one has been one of the most helpful in understanding how my thought process works. I was labeled as "gifted" and "hyperactive" in Elementary school in the 60's. Listening to Dr. Ratey explanation of ADHD has given me the words to explain my actions and thought processes in a more positive light. Thanks so much. I'm going to share this information with all my friends, especially those that work with young children. I am a retired Elementary school teacher myself. I attribute my success at helping students develop a love of learning was related my needing to make lessons active and varied, therefore most students found my classes more engaging. My out of the box teaching wasn't always appreciated by administration, but the kids and parents were grateful.
Wow I didn't know you are a dancer. My bf & I met thru Zouk. My bf has ADHD & is a fearful avoidant. We are having problems with communicating issues. That's why I've been watching videos about attachment issues then I found your videos. And your partner has ADHD. I feel kinda relieved. I'm not the only one struggling. Thank you & you dad so much for your work.
I’m loving this conversation, and when you talked about how important and beneficial of social connection I felt my heart break because of how completely alone I feel right now. Having cPTSD from intense childhood trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and being Autistic with significant rejection sensitivity dysphoria… being in a long term relationship with a neurotypical man who came from a supportive and non-abusive family who loved me and is trying his best to support me but it’s just so hard for him to understand my experiences and my complex different brain despite our oldest daughter also being autistic and having ADHD (but I had a very late adult diagnosis so I was masking pretty much our entire relationship - unconsciously on my part). I don’t have any neurodiverse friends locally and everyone seems to ‘support’ me but no one is here. I’ve already been told by more than one therapist that I’m ‘too complex’ for them. Despite being gifted and having had a successful career, I’ve had to abandon it all after getting Chronic Fatigue Syndrome from LongCOVID. That, combined with my chronic neck and back pains and social anxiety has kept me home since the pandemic, except when I’ve been in hospital for psych treatment. I want so badly to hold hope for my future but honestly it feels so bleak. I’m not sharing this to gain sympathy. I don’t even know why I’m sharing this. Maybe just as a way to share something honest that I feel when I don’t have a space IRL to do so. I just wish it would get easier or it would stop altogether.
Hi you may want to do futher research about your illness and other issues. I have sibo, cfs symptoms, adhd and candida. I treated the sibo and now treating candida and yeah stay home all day. Some of the most important things is: social connection, practicing trauma relief through “digesting your feelings” (look up that exact phrase, I did it and it dramatically helped me. Nature walks, looking at your root gut causes and other problems to see what you can fix at the moment as well as getting help from naturopathic docs if conventional ones are useless. There is a way and you’ve got this ma’am. Keep fighting, you’re way way stronger than you think. Sending love and good health your way.
Thank your Forrest and Rick for having Dr Ratey on your podcast. I got a good review and some new insights in coping with my trait (which I like way better than disorder!) 😘 🤗
So I was having a conversation with my husband this morning and then I saw a bug and then something else caught my attention. He said focus please and I said jokingly SQUIRREL! Then I sat down to watch your video this same afternoon because at the young age of 66 I am certain that I have ADHD and what do I hear but SQUIRREL! Thank you for this wonderful discussion on ADHD.
I loved this talk! I have lots of autism spectrum characteristics, and found lots to relate to. In a society that wants us all to conform with someone's idea of "normal" it's exciting to hear neurodiverse-affirming language!
Thank you! That has clarified so much for me. All makes alot of sense. I like to think of it not as a deficit but as a difference. And we don't all fit in with the world we find ourselves in. I have always had so many ideas and I can't focus on anything for long. Recently diagnosed. On meds. Think they are helping already. My goal is to read a book and enjoy it.
9:00 As a Hunter-gatherer, ADD was very useful because of the high energy, exploring, need, wish, drivenness to try and do something new, see what’s happening, be the first and push the envelope. This is why so many of our innovators have this trait. Computers were invented by dyslexics, ADHD and autistic people. It’s all about _innovation_ - looking for something new, sticking with it, having a good idea and hopefully having enough support to follow it up. 11:40 ADHD people can be insensitive due to moving onto the next feeling, issue and idea 12:08 Cons: unexplained underachievement, wandering mind, trouble organizing and planning, trouble with time management. Pros: High degree of creativity and imagination, generosity, a unique and active sense of humor. 17:28 The medical industry is into making up new diagnoses all the time 44:55 Biophilia = human’s natural love of being in nature 48:25 Don’t discount RX medicine at all, if necessary 53:55 "It's hard for a hunter to sit in a classroom taught by a bunch of farmers, and expecting you to just be there and sit still." (the education system)
Would love to see a conversation or maybe you have one on the overlaps between those with complex chronic post-traumatic stress response or chronic stress violence at present and C-PTSR whose symptoms significantly overlap. Most people suffering with CPTSR can benefit from the suggestions of physical exercise, sports, gentle connection, dance, movement, etc. Big part of the reason I became a dancer.
Just bought the book based on listening to this. I am somewhat self diagnosing as an adult. I relate to a lot of the secondary characteristics. I think I did fine in school mostly because I did a ton of dance and theater and that was my outlet. I relate to the direct communicator style, being honest to a fault etc
🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:00 🎙️ *Introduction to the Podcast* - Introduction of the podcast hosts and guest, Dr. John Ratey, an ADHD expert. 03:51 🤔 *Common Misconceptions About ADHD* - Discussion of common misconceptions about ADHD, including skepticism about its existence. 09:52 🧠 *Benefits and Strengths of ADHD* - Highlighting the benefits and strengths associated with ADHD, such as creativity, innovation, and high energy. 14:59 🧩 *Understanding ADHD as a Trait, not a Disorder* - Reframing ADHD as a trait rather than a disorder and discussing the issue of fit. 20:20 🧠 *The Default Mode Network and Task Positive Network* - Explanation of the brain's Default Mode Network and Task Positive Network, and how they relate to ADHD symptoms. 23:41 💑 *Importance of Social Connection* - Emphasizing the crucial role of social connection and support in mental and physical health. 24:19 🧠 *Benefits of social engagement and the vagus nerve complex,* - Social engagement system's role in regulating the nervous system and calming. - Parasympathetic tone activation. - Benefits for people at the highest end of heartfelt experiences. 27:01 🤔 *Challenges of ADHD and the importance of connection,* - ADHD often leads to feeling like an outsider. - The significance of restorative emotional experiences. - Accumulation of negative experiences and its impact. 33:54 🏃♀️ *Exercise's role in improving attention and brain function,* - Exercise as a potent intervention for brain function. - Activation of the brain's thinking, memory, and learning centers. - Exercise's positive impact on mood and discipline. 39:00 🌿 *Connecting with nature and the benefits of being in the wilderness,* - Copaphilia and the natural love of nature. - Forest bathing and its therapeutic effects. - Reducing self-referential processing in nature for being present. 47:22 💊 *Medication as a viable option for managing ADHD,* - Medication as a life-changing option for serious attention problems. - Minimal side effects of ADHD medications compared to caffeine. - Addressing concerns about addiction and holistic alternatives. 48:59 🧠 *Understanding ADHD and Medication* - ADHD medication can be a helpful treatment. - Medication can significantly reduce the risk of addiction in individuals with ADHD. - The decision to use medication should be considered alongside other interventions and personal circumstances. 51:18 🧒 *Non-Medication Interventions for ADHD* - Non-medication interventions, such as nurturing and connection, can be valuable for managing ADHD, especially in children. - Some individuals may not sustain non-medication interventions, making medication a practical option. - The pragmatic approach considers a range of interventions, including medication, depending on individual needs. 55:26 🧩 *Expanding the Understanding of ADHD* - ADHD is not just a deficit of attention; it involves a surplus of attention without control. - ADHD traits encompass both inconveniences and strengths, such as creativity, empathy, humor, and an inclination to innovate. - ADHD should be viewed within the context of the individual and their environment, with a focus on creating supportive surroundings. 58:12 🧬 *Brain Networks in ADHD* - ADHD brains show differences in two key networks: the task positive network (focused attention) and the default mode network (daydreaming). - Individuals with ADHD can struggle to sustain attention due to the constant pull towards daydreaming. - Hyperfocus, intense periods of concentration, can also be a characteristic of ADHD brains. 01:00:02 🌍 *Contextualizing ADHD* - Understanding ADHD as a context-based issue, not a personal deficiency, can promote empathy and better support. - Recognizing that historical contexts might have favored ADHD traits in survival can shift perspectives. - Intervention should focus on improving the fit between an individual's unique brain and their environment. Made with HARPA AI
Thank you for this wonderful episode having at the age of almost 60 just finding out what I always suspected as being neurodivergent found this very informative particularly about medication as a vegan & very active in my younger years I was always considered a “space cadet” so that didn’t really help in my case but will now consider the medication route so thank you to you all & will be buying Johns book!
Thank a lot for this info, it helped me realized that dancing really is something doable anytime with music! I've been following the podcast for years and I love the way you make many topics accessible and easy - I even send it to my French friends as youtube allows to roughly translate.. :) Keep it on!
Why do we hear nothing about the benefits of neurofeedback and ADHD/ADD? Trauma psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk is , just as I myself, enthusiastic about it. Dependency of medication disappeared in my case.
Thanks Forrest. Appreciate your podcast and the life- giving, affirming understanding it brings. A small bit of feedback from the interested but distractible corner, it is particularly difficult to keep track with what's being said when ads keep interrupting. If you were able to adjust the ad settings just for the adhd related video(s), it would be a special kindness. Gratefully.
I agree with him about most things except for saying that methamphetamines like Adderall do not come with any serious side effects or issues. They did brain scans on young men and teens on it and found that there was shrinking of the brain after 5 or more years of use and possible brain damage. I have also seen close family members that would take the ADD meds and get so jazzed up during the day they needed downers like lots of wine at night to sleep and chill out. Also have seen mood issues with anger in a different loved one, and when they were off the meds and did behavioral training and occasional herbal nootropics instead did much better than on the Rx level stuff. We should always be careful with meds and proceed when we cannot achieve with other means, and at the lowest dose and as little as possible, while continuously re-evaluating the situation. I have been an RN for 16yrs and am dubious about many drugs. While they can be life changing, just proceed with caution and know that ALL drugs do come with side effects in at least some people...there is no totally innocuous drug for all.
I masked well as twice exceptional (high/gifted IQ) but hard having PTSD from childhood trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD and rejection sensitivity dysphoria. Despite being gifted and having a Masters degree and had a successful career but my body has failed on me now can’t exercise so suffering more. I want so badly to hold hope but it isn’t looking great.
And it makes stimulant meds not work as well!! Like for 1-2 days each month I just don't feel like my meds work at all! This is likely because of the abrupt drop of estrogens and progesterone just before menses, (which also causes the pms symptoms via other routes, and there's other stuff at play like prostaglandins too) Estrogen affects dopamine receptors a lot -- especially the dopamine receptors in the striatum... So abrupt drop is rough... And progesterone (very high after ovulation due to corpus luteum, then decreases and drops off too so uterine lining will shed...) stimulates dopamine release.... But progesterone also drops to almost zero within 72 hours of period starting... So yeah it sucks because both of those hormones drop to very low levels and both of them are involved in dopaminergic pathway that is also affected by ADHD
@@puddlesplasher7 I wish I could bookmark your comment to fully read and digest multiple times - thank you so much for the detailed scientific explanation. It seems like the more we learn about dopamine in the brain, the more we realize how many different 'jobs' dopamine performs and how complex it is. Thank you!
Very informative! So glad I watched. Would have liked to hear about how temper is related? And perhaps how truma relates? ie how they put themselves in traumatic situations .
According to the DSM I've got ADHD, ODD, OCD and Major Depression so I'm rather skeptical of the DSM or how far this ADHD, ODD, Depression stuff is going.
Thank you for another fantastic podcast. Especially the comments about it being context specific. I didn't really struggle in Education, (including medical education). But since the world had been so heavily digitalised I'm no longer managing. Becoming a Mim to a child with ADHD and latterley lack of Oestrogen in menopause have also been huge factors. But I wonder how I would be now if the world wasn't so digitalised, so rigid and so impersonal. Fitting a certain box seems more important than individuality in the 21st century. It's great to hear the views on excercise. I've always been active and really need high adrenaline activities like mountain biking to function well. I even run for 5 minutes in my kitchen to get my brain going before I work. I am about to try medication however, as it's so hard to function in the morning and my brain works best in the evening. It used to work well all day!!😊
We have to do what works for us. Glad you found it for you. For my husb it’s sports and long distance cycling. Outdoor activity is shown to help ADHD a lot.
It's not that easy.... I mean anxiety also qualifies for SSI ... But guess what, it's not easy for most people to meet the qualifications of severity for SSI
They are doing the same thing in UK with pip disability payments which is can you feed wash and travel easily which after burning more than 300 plus meals missing countless busses losing jobs etc I should qualify for but nope not that easy. But you'll see other people who you are shocked to find out they have ADHD as they cope 100% and they're on 100% pip? The system seems rigged.
I believe it depends on how it's worded whether someone gets approved. There are many who get approved for psychiatric conditions that had someone knowledgeable help them fill out the application. This is why there are some getting denied and some being approved who seem functionable. To me, it seems unbelievable for someone to get denied with a schizophrenia diagnosis. This is really sad. I think if you research this, you'll find it to be true.
I am pianist, teaching in three countries Germany, Iran, and USA, since I was teaching piano in Germany, I did not see any ADHD student, also in Iran, I thought for 15 years at music school also privet but I didn’t see any during my teaching. But in America I had at least 30 students that the doctors diagnosed them ADHD. Would you tell me why? Thanks
There’s a theory that the people to emigrated to America probably had a high propensity for what we now call ADHD - low tolerance for boredom, high impulsivity, entrepreneurial mindset, willingness to take risks etc. So if ADHD is inheritable/ genetic then a nation of immigrants might well have a gene pool with a greater predisposition for ADHD. This theory would not really be applicable for African Americans whose ancestors did not choose to migrate so, if ADHD is as prevalent in the African American community as it is in people of European decent it would undermine this theory.
Do you think, we are more susceptible to drugs, because we want to have more control over our moods. Because we have so little control, and if gives the illusion we do.?
I wish people would stop suggesting meditating. Maybe I have a form of ADHHD, but meditating would be equivalent to being buried alive. The agony of being trapped with your thoughts, ON PURPOSE?! If I even could, I dont get how it helps.
Every single ADHD trait is a symptom of childhood trauma/emotional neglect. I wonder what the correlation between the ACE score and ADHD would show. My non-professional guess is it is strongly correlated…Js.
I disagree, though I believe trauma would significantly worsen symptoms. My mother has ADHD, I have ADHD, my son has ADHD, and my 6 year old daughter is showing symptoms of ADHD. Our childhoods haven’t been perfect but there’s no serious trauma in any of our childhoods. ADHD isn’t even a mental illness, it’s a neurological “disorder” that also has benefits. As he mentioned in the video it’s an evolutionary survival instinct that still lingers in some families. That being said, maybe there is an epigenetic factor that causes ADHD to continue to be present in the newer generations…..so like if somebody’s ancestors experienced a traumatic event (like WWII,the holocaust, slavery), their trauma actually activates certain genes that can be passed on. So maybe intergenerational trauma could be a factor since ADHD is a survival instinct. That’s what I think could be explored. ADHD is something you are born with, you can’t develop it, so that’s why I don’t think childhood trauma would cause it. Especially considering there are actually some advantages with adhd (enhanced creativity, hyper focus) and you can be a very happy, non-traumatized individual with the condition. ADHD does share some common symptoms with Borderline Personality Disorder (impulsivity, emotional disregulation) but BPD comes with anxiety and depression. ADHD does not, though anxiety and depression are common comorbid conditions to ADHD. BPD is a mental illness that can be linked to childhood trauma and attachment issues. Thought I don’t think that childhood trauma have been officially labeled as a cause.
Thank you for sharing. I think the definition of trauma that I speak of needs to be more widely discussed, Childhood trauma isn't what most people think. It stems from Attachment Theory and how we were able to attach to our caregivers. Trauma also refers to the widespread emotional neglect that plaques this Planet. We don't know what we don't know.
@@terrahillman151 Gabor Mate writes about this in his book Scattered Minds. What he says in the book makes a lot of sense to me, However one his arguments that the rise in ADHD can’t be down to changes in the genome misses the fact that many people like me were never diagnosed until late middle age. My school reports though are almost textbook ADHD. I wept when I went back and read them. One reach said “she can produce very good work but it’s as though she needs an adult standing over her. It’s seems almost impossible for her to motivate herself” and “her disorganisation means she’s late everywhere”…. “She has excellent ideas if only she could get them down on paper.” I definitely had attachment/ attunement trauma in my childhood, as did my brother, as did my mother. It’s hard to know how much all our ADHD behaviours are due to genetics or attachment/ attunement trauma. It may be very chicken and egg.
There is no disorder. I highly recommend you read ‘The Child Whisperer’ by Carol Tuttle. I believe it will be really beneficial and life changing to understand your family traits better and embrace the gifts and natural tendencies you have. There is no neurotypical person, that is a modern day myth. There are four types of natural energy in this world and we as humans are a unique combination of all four. The dominant type is what shows up as the way we move, the way we think, and feel and all of our natural tendencies, she describes them perfectly accurately. 💖👌🏻 The type 1 energy accurately describes the natural ADHD traits in a positive way. I have witnessed these traits being shamed by people/parents of a different energy type as it’s not how they think, feel and move in the world. This is especially so if the parent has their own limiting beliefs, programming and childhood trauma they have yet to work through.
Yes, I see your former guest Gabor Mate is one in which I believe does not believe ADHD is real. He believes it only is related to traumatic experiences.
I'd be interested in talking with Dr. Maté about this topic specifically, but I think this is an overstatement of his views. You can find his webpage of resources related to ADHD here: drgabormate.com/adhd/ His argument isn't so much that ADHD "isn't real," but that it's a collection of symptoms originating from childhood stresses rather than genetics. This doesn't mean it isn't biological in nature, as the expression of genes is affected by what happens in a person’s life. As per usual, there's an interplay between nature and nurture. Gabor explicitly presents ADHD as a disorder that contains various traits and tendencies, he just has a difference of view on what causes it.
What?? No, he’s admitted for many years to have struggled with ADHD. He even admits the effects it had on his marriage and as a father. Watch some of his talks.
I get it, it's a funny joke, and I'm self-deprocating about it occasionally with close friends... 🗝️: **WITH CLOSE FRIENDS** BUT‼️Way to end on a LOW NOTE - STIGMATIZING AND SHAMING everyone here watching. Some will laugh, but shouldn't you be prepared to prevent the 5-10% like me who HATE the stigma. It's ruined my career. It's ruined my relationships.. Shame is traumatic.
Everything in this planet is created from the four basic elements. These elements form the compounds and influence the dynamics of other elements, forming the building blocks of everything and everyone. These for elements are nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon. We are each a unique combination of these. The first type of brain has a natural gift for ideas and the belief that they can make it happen. The second type of brain has a gift for gathering details and making a plan. The third will push forward into action, let’s get to work and get it done. The fourth has a gift for perfecting in this world, here’s how we can make it better. Having a unique nature, gift and talent that not only adds great value to our own life, but contributes to the wholeness of humanity working in harmony. Quite often we judge and are judged for the very gift nature endowed us with to be a weakness and a flaw. This starts in childhood and carries into adulthood and forms our personality and limiting beliefs. These adaptations from our natural self create dis-ease in our mind and body and addiction, until we can heal. Knowing your natural gifts and talents will be amazingly supportive and freeing. As humans, we have the same potential to live in balance with ourselves and each other. The difference between us and the rest of the natural world is our vast thinking mind that creates opinions, conditions, values, and judgements in reference to who we are, how we act, what we say, what we do and how we live our lives. We have created a lot of false right and wrong against which we measure ourselves and our children’s core true nature. 💖
@@katiegreenwood8738 And yet I was the ONE child consistently wandering the halls after the bell rang because my ADHD brain doesn't "get" time, and when I go to my ADHD support group it's like going to a biological family reunion after being a swan raised by ducks. There's a fine line between promoting a pet theory and invalidating a group of people who already struggle to be believed and accepted.
It is hard, very very hard. Guys, you can do it. We can do it. Dont ruminate about your mistakes, go forward and dont look back. Be as present as you can be, and if you fail, it is okay. Just go forward and stop overthinking about the mistakes you made because of your add/adhd. Accept the disorder, and accept that your different. We are all doing a hell of a job. I love you all.
You to mate
Love you too bro
As an ADDer, former brain physiology research scientist and a medical doctor, I’ve lived the challenges and benefits of an ADD brain. I actively am spreading the word that it’s the right letters for the wrong words. It’s hard to characterize a child who can play Lego’s for three hours straight as having an attention defect, and when they are universally shown to have above average intelligence to be described as a disorder. Far better, as an honest and accurate description, to call it Attention Direction Difference. Everyone gets distracted sometimes and focus attention sometimes. ADDers are like everyone else, only more so. They (we) are more easily distracted, when not sufficiently stimulated, or hyper focused. Our pendulum between the two states just swings wider than “normal”. When I’m doing surgery, or doing complex synthetic diagnostic problem solving I am continually grateful for my Attention Direction Difference which allows me, through “hyper”focus to above “normal” levels and produce greater achievements than if I were “normal”. I do struggle w finishing ( or starting!) mundane tasks, being aware of time spans, and remembering what to do next, but in balance, the ADD has been more beneficial than harm.
Pro tip: to avoid letting down the people around us due to timing or forgetfulness, try this (from my mom!): “You need to make things more important than you think they should have to be”.
❤
brilliant. I see more in ADD and other occurrences than what meets the eye. I look for the function of it. I also look into which conditions may infliuence our brains to "move" into that direction. I cannot figure out why that is not discussed at all. It is so striking to look at it from a evolutionary as well as sociological-psychological perspektive. I have never been diagnosed with anything as I seem to be super adaptive to the environment. But as I grew older, I can see how I function differently to many, but also differently to the standard ADD or ADHS diagnosed person. And I doubt the correctness of classifying people into (just two) categories.
"You need to make things more important than you think they should have to be" Rings true for me… I care deeply about things but it isn’t always clear to others that I do. A friend once told me, It looks like I don’t think what I’m doing is important… When you described it… I am understanding more of what she meant as well. Thank-you ✨🏵️✨
I’ve never heard this described so well in a way that actually aligns with my experience. In the late 90s/early 2000s, this was the piece of the puzzle for me that was extremely confusing, and I’m grateful that I had teachers who encouraged me even if we didn’t understand everything that was going on. I have a lot of empathy for people who didn’t have these positive experiences. I’ve seen a lot of emotional scars some people walk around because they didn’t fit into the “right” box regardless whatever that box looked like.
Meh. It’s Executive Function Deficit Disorder (EFDD). That ultimately covers every single scientifically supported symptom, and it correctly identifies it as a disorder, which it is, unlike the lies these charlatans, Ratey and Hallowell, tell you.
It’s as simple as that. Not “VAST,” WTF strain of crack were they shooting up when they came up with that nonsensical buffoonery?
But for now it needs to stay ADHD or else you can say goodbye to insurance covering anything, and getting prescription meds for it, therapy, or any other support. Plus, we need to keep it ADHD until Ratey and Hallowell are gone from the scene, so they aren’t trying to force their way into the discussion and bully everyone into calling it VAST, which is ludicrous and worthy of ridicule.
Then we can come up with a plan to keep and transfer the support from ADHD to Executive Function Deficit Disorder, as it should be, based on the definitive scientific research done by Dr. Russell Barkley and countless other respected scholars.
At 71 I find out I'm ADHD! So much misery could have been avoided. Always late, so many unfinished projects, ruminating, extra sensitive to criticism ... etc. Years of depression might have been avoided.
I hope you find s community of supportive friends through exercise at the Y or elsewhere and move forward in strength through knowlege and self love.
There is a grieving process for sure. I was 58 when I found out and the past is full of regrets and wishes. We can grieve but we can’t dwell in it or we just feel worse. What is great is knowing and using what we know to make our lives better!
As someone who was diagnosed With ADHD later in life I so appreciate shows like this that help me make sense of what I have experienced in life. Thanks for having qualified people to discuss the different mental health symptoms in a informing and educationally way
I was looking around to find out what was wrong with me years ago and I read Driven to Distraction and suddenly I realised what was up. Thank you for writing that great book.
I regularly listen to your videos/podcasts, but this one has been one of the most helpful in understanding how my thought process works. I was labeled as "gifted" and "hyperactive" in Elementary school in the 60's. Listening to Dr. Ratey explanation of ADHD has given me the words to explain my actions and thought processes in a more positive light. Thanks so much. I'm going to share this information with all my friends, especially those that work with young children. I am a retired Elementary school teacher myself. I attribute my success at helping students develop a love of learning was related my needing to make lessons active and varied, therefore most students found my classes more engaging. My out of the box teaching wasn't always appreciated by administration, but the kids and parents were grateful.
Wow I didn't know you are a dancer. My bf & I met thru Zouk. My bf has ADHD & is a fearful avoidant. We are having problems with communicating issues. That's why I've been watching videos about attachment issues then I found your videos. And your partner has ADHD. I feel kinda relieved. I'm not the only one struggling. Thank you & you dad so much for your work.
I’m loving this conversation, and when you talked about how important and beneficial of social connection I felt my heart break because of how completely alone I feel right now. Having cPTSD from intense childhood trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and being Autistic with significant rejection sensitivity dysphoria… being in a long term relationship with a neurotypical man who came from a supportive and non-abusive family who loved me and is trying his best to support me but it’s just so hard for him to understand my experiences and my complex different brain despite our oldest daughter also being autistic and having ADHD (but I had a very late adult diagnosis so I was masking pretty much our entire relationship - unconsciously on my part). I don’t have any neurodiverse friends locally and everyone seems to ‘support’ me but no one is here. I’ve already been told by more than one therapist that I’m ‘too complex’ for them. Despite being gifted and having had a successful career, I’ve had to abandon it all after getting Chronic Fatigue Syndrome from LongCOVID. That, combined with my chronic neck and back pains and social anxiety has kept me home since the pandemic, except when I’ve been in hospital for psych treatment. I want so badly to hold hope for my future but honestly it feels so bleak. I’m not sharing this to gain sympathy. I don’t even know why I’m sharing this. Maybe just as a way to share something honest that I feel when I don’t have a space IRL to do so. I just wish it would get easier or it would stop altogether.
I read your post and I get you very much. I hope you feel more hopeful soon- because it always does become more hopeful if you wait it out:/
I just want to let you know you are seen, heard, by a person on the internet. Sending positive vibes. You aren’t alone, in that many feel as you do.
Look into pain free you with dan buglio if you are still struggling with pain. I healed from chronic pain from it. I also had autism and adhd:)
Hi you may want to do futher research about your illness and other issues. I have sibo, cfs symptoms, adhd and candida. I treated the sibo and now treating candida and yeah stay home all day. Some of the most important things is: social connection, practicing trauma relief through “digesting your feelings” (look up that exact phrase, I did it and it dramatically helped me. Nature walks, looking at your root gut causes and other problems to see what you can fix at the moment as well as getting help from naturopathic docs if conventional ones are useless. There is a way and you’ve got this ma’am. Keep fighting, you’re way way stronger than you think. Sending love and good health your way.
Spark has been such a positive influence on me, an amazing guest
Thank you all so much ❤
Thank your Forrest and Rick
for having Dr Ratey on your podcast. I got a good review and some new insights in coping with my trait (which I like way better than disorder!) 😘 🤗
Just realized this podcast is a year old 🤭 it came into my feed at just the right time!
Oh boy ... your voice just make me feel calmer❤
So I was having a conversation with my husband this morning and then I saw a bug and then something else caught my attention. He said focus please and I said jokingly SQUIRREL! Then I sat down to watch your video this same afternoon because at the young age of 66 I am certain that I have ADHD and what do I hear but SQUIRREL! Thank you for this wonderful discussion on ADHD.
I loved this talk! I have lots of autism spectrum characteristics, and found lots to relate to. In a society that wants us all to conform with someone's idea of "normal" it's exciting to hear neurodiverse-affirming language!
Thank you! That has clarified so much for me. All makes alot of sense. I like to think of it not as a deficit but as a difference. And we don't all fit in with the world we find ourselves in. I have always had so many ideas and I can't focus on anything for long. Recently diagnosed. On meds. Think they are helping already. My goal is to read a book and enjoy it.
9:00 As a Hunter-gatherer, ADD was very useful because of the high energy, exploring, need, wish, drivenness to try and do something new, see what’s happening, be the first and push the envelope. This is why so many of our innovators have this trait. Computers were invented by dyslexics, ADHD and autistic people. It’s all about _innovation_ - looking for something new, sticking with it, having a good idea and hopefully having enough support to follow it up.
11:40 ADHD people can be insensitive due to moving onto the next feeling, issue and idea
12:08 Cons: unexplained underachievement, wandering mind, trouble organizing and planning, trouble with time management. Pros: High degree of creativity and imagination, generosity, a unique and active sense of humor.
17:28 The medical industry is into making up new diagnoses all the time
44:55 Biophilia = human’s natural love of being in nature
48:25 Don’t discount RX medicine at all, if necessary
53:55 "It's hard for a hunter to sit in a classroom taught by a bunch of farmers, and expecting you to just be there and sit still." (the education system)
This was incredibly helpful to me. Thank you so very much.
The comment about wanting to share the great weather was so sweet, made me smile ❤
Would love to see a conversation or maybe you have one on the overlaps between those with complex chronic post-traumatic stress response or chronic stress violence at present and C-PTSR whose symptoms significantly overlap. Most people suffering with CPTSR can benefit from the suggestions of physical exercise, sports, gentle connection, dance, movement, etc. Big part of the reason I became a dancer.
Just bought the book based on listening to this. I am somewhat self diagnosing as an adult. I relate to a lot of the secondary characteristics. I think I did fine in school mostly because I did a ton of dance and theater and that was my outlet. I relate to the direct communicator style, being honest to a fault etc
Thank you so much for creating, producing, and sharing this excellent interview!
🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation:
00:00 🎙️ *Introduction to the Podcast*
- Introduction of the podcast hosts and guest, Dr. John Ratey, an ADHD expert.
03:51 🤔 *Common Misconceptions About ADHD*
- Discussion of common misconceptions about ADHD, including skepticism about its existence.
09:52 🧠 *Benefits and Strengths of ADHD*
- Highlighting the benefits and strengths associated with ADHD, such as creativity, innovation, and high energy.
14:59 🧩 *Understanding ADHD as a Trait, not a Disorder*
- Reframing ADHD as a trait rather than a disorder and discussing the issue of fit.
20:20 🧠 *The Default Mode Network and Task Positive Network*
- Explanation of the brain's Default Mode Network and Task Positive Network, and how they relate to ADHD symptoms.
23:41 💑 *Importance of Social Connection*
- Emphasizing the crucial role of social connection and support in mental and physical health.
24:19 🧠 *Benefits of social engagement and the vagus nerve complex,*
- Social engagement system's role in regulating the nervous system and calming.
- Parasympathetic tone activation.
- Benefits for people at the highest end of heartfelt experiences.
27:01 🤔 *Challenges of ADHD and the importance of connection,*
- ADHD often leads to feeling like an outsider.
- The significance of restorative emotional experiences.
- Accumulation of negative experiences and its impact.
33:54 🏃♀️ *Exercise's role in improving attention and brain function,*
- Exercise as a potent intervention for brain function.
- Activation of the brain's thinking, memory, and learning centers.
- Exercise's positive impact on mood and discipline.
39:00 🌿 *Connecting with nature and the benefits of being in the wilderness,*
- Copaphilia and the natural love of nature.
- Forest bathing and its therapeutic effects.
- Reducing self-referential processing in nature for being present.
47:22 💊 *Medication as a viable option for managing ADHD,*
- Medication as a life-changing option for serious attention problems.
- Minimal side effects of ADHD medications compared to caffeine.
- Addressing concerns about addiction and holistic alternatives.
48:59 🧠 *Understanding ADHD and Medication*
- ADHD medication can be a helpful treatment.
- Medication can significantly reduce the risk of addiction in individuals with ADHD.
- The decision to use medication should be considered alongside other interventions and personal circumstances.
51:18 🧒 *Non-Medication Interventions for ADHD*
- Non-medication interventions, such as nurturing and connection, can be valuable for managing ADHD, especially in children.
- Some individuals may not sustain non-medication interventions, making medication a practical option.
- The pragmatic approach considers a range of interventions, including medication, depending on individual needs.
55:26 🧩 *Expanding the Understanding of ADHD*
- ADHD is not just a deficit of attention; it involves a surplus of attention without control.
- ADHD traits encompass both inconveniences and strengths, such as creativity, empathy, humor, and an inclination to innovate.
- ADHD should be viewed within the context of the individual and their environment, with a focus on creating supportive surroundings.
58:12 🧬 *Brain Networks in ADHD*
- ADHD brains show differences in two key networks: the task positive network (focused attention) and the default mode network (daydreaming).
- Individuals with ADHD can struggle to sustain attention due to the constant pull towards daydreaming.
- Hyperfocus, intense periods of concentration, can also be a characteristic of ADHD brains.
01:00:02 🌍 *Contextualizing ADHD*
- Understanding ADHD as a context-based issue, not a personal deficiency, can promote empathy and better support.
- Recognizing that historical contexts might have favored ADHD traits in survival can shift perspectives.
- Intervention should focus on improving the fit between an individual's unique brain and their environment.
Made with HARPA AI
Thank you for this wonderful episode having at the age of almost 60 just finding out what I always suspected as being neurodivergent found this very informative particularly about medication as a vegan & very active in my younger years I was always considered a “space cadet” so that didn’t really help in my case but will now consider the medication route so thank you to you all & will be buying Johns book!
Thank a lot for this info, it helped me realized that dancing really is something doable anytime with music!
I've been following the podcast for years and I love the way you make many topics accessible and easy - I even send it to my French friends as youtube allows to roughly translate.. :)
Keep it on!
Excellent discussion. Thank you
Very clear ADHD lesson 👏🏿
Why do we hear nothing about the benefits of neurofeedback and ADHD/ADD? Trauma psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk is , just as I myself, enthusiastic about it. Dependency of medication disappeared in my case.
Thank you guys ❤
Thanks Forrest. Appreciate your podcast and the life- giving, affirming understanding it brings. A small bit of feedback from the interested but distractible corner, it is particularly difficult to keep track with what's being said when ads keep interrupting. If you were able to adjust the ad settings just for the adhd related video(s), it would be a special kindness. Gratefully.
QUESTION :
"Hyper-focused mode"
(vs "default mode"
and ..)
..how does it differ from "good at meditation" ?
excellent work, guys, wonderful content. informative, thorough, useful, enjoyable to listen to.
I agree with him about most things except for saying that methamphetamines like Adderall do not come with any serious side effects or issues. They did brain scans on young men and teens on it and found that there was shrinking of the brain after 5 or more years of use and possible brain damage. I have also seen close family members that would take the ADD meds and get so jazzed up during the day they needed downers like lots of wine at night to sleep and chill out. Also have seen mood issues with anger in a different loved one, and when they were off the meds and did behavioral training and occasional herbal nootropics instead did much better than on the Rx level stuff. We should always be careful with meds and proceed when we cannot achieve with other means, and at the lowest dose and as little as possible, while continuously re-evaluating the situation. I have been an RN for 16yrs and am dubious about many drugs. While they can be life changing, just proceed with caution and know that ALL drugs do come with side effects in at least some people...there is no totally innocuous drug for all.
I masked well as twice exceptional (high/gifted IQ) but hard having PTSD from childhood trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD and rejection sensitivity dysphoria. Despite being gifted and having a Masters degree and had a successful career but my body has failed on me now can’t exercise so suffering more. I want so badly to hold hope but it isn’t looking great.
Hang in there and continue making connection! You aren't alone❤
delightful way to teach the latest of the latest findings about this that affects me too :) mil gracias
Great timing on this video, my ADHD symptoms are out of control since Friday (the good ol PMDD/PMS combo).
I've noticed PMS reaaaaallly makes my own ADHD worse. So nice to know I'm not alone in that. :)
And it makes stimulant meds not work as well!! Like for 1-2 days each month I just don't feel like my meds work at all!
This is likely because of the abrupt drop of estrogens and progesterone just before menses, (which also causes the pms symptoms via other routes, and there's other stuff at play like prostaglandins too) Estrogen affects dopamine receptors a lot -- especially the dopamine receptors in the striatum... So abrupt drop is rough... And progesterone (very high after ovulation due to corpus luteum, then decreases and drops off too so uterine lining will shed...) stimulates dopamine release.... But progesterone also drops to almost zero within 72 hours of period starting... So yeah it sucks because both of those hormones drop to very low levels and both of them are involved in dopaminergic pathway that is also affected by ADHD
@puddlesplasher7 yep I have heard that too! My non stim meds also dont work before my period! Its rough
@@puddlesplasher7 I wish I could bookmark your comment to fully read and digest multiple times - thank you so much for the detailed scientific explanation. It seems like the more we learn about dopamine in the brain, the more we realize how many different 'jobs' dopamine performs and how complex it is. Thank you!
Very informative! So glad I watched. Would have liked to hear about how temper is related? And perhaps how truma relates? ie how they put themselves in traumatic situations .
Read Dr Gabor Mate’s book on it.
According to the DSM I've got ADHD, ODD, OCD and Major Depression so I'm rather skeptical of the DSM or how far this ADHD, ODD, Depression stuff is going.
I’ve heard that there is a link between ADHD and childhood trauma? What is your opinion about this? It would be wonderful to make a video about this.
Thank you for another fantastic podcast. Especially the comments about it being context specific. I didn't really struggle in Education, (including medical education). But since the world had been so heavily digitalised I'm no longer managing. Becoming a Mim to a child with ADHD and latterley lack of Oestrogen in menopause have also been huge factors. But I wonder how I would be now if the world wasn't so digitalised, so rigid and so impersonal. Fitting a certain box seems more important than individuality in the 21st century. It's great to hear the views on excercise. I've always been active and really need high adrenaline activities like mountain biking to function well. I even run for 5 minutes in my kitchen to get my brain going before I work. I am about to try medication however, as it's so hard to function in the morning and my brain works best in the evening. It used to work well all day!!😊
Thank you!!!
Dance and mindful movement in general is so therapeutic, I love to use it as medicine 🧠🕺
We have to do what works for us. Glad you found it for you. For my husb it’s sports and long distance cycling. Outdoor activity is shown to help ADHD a lot.
1:30 i liked your reaction forrest 😂😂😂😂
Meds?? What about: Low EGFR, heart arrhythmia , liver issues, no way can we all can go on meds? No Straterra did not work.
Social Security considers ADHD a disability and pays disability benefits for it
It's not that easy.... I mean anxiety also qualifies for SSI ... But guess what, it's not easy for most people to meet the qualifications of severity for SSI
It's very uncommon for someone to get disability for that, they barely do it for things like schizophrenia
They are doing the same thing in UK with pip disability payments which is can you feed wash and travel easily which after burning more than 300 plus meals missing countless busses losing jobs etc I should qualify for but nope not that easy. But you'll see other people who you are shocked to find out they have ADHD as they cope 100% and they're on 100% pip? The system seems rigged.
I believe it depends on how it's worded whether someone gets approved. There are many who get approved for psychiatric conditions that had someone knowledgeable help them fill out the application.
This is why there are some getting denied and some being approved who seem functionable. To me, it seems unbelievable for someone to get denied with a schizophrenia diagnosis.
This is really sad. I think if you research this, you'll find it to be true.
In Canada?
I am pianist, teaching in three countries Germany, Iran, and USA, since I was teaching piano in Germany, I did not see any ADHD student, also in Iran, I thought for 15 years at music school also privet but I didn’t see any during my teaching. But in America I had at least 30 students that the doctors diagnosed them ADHD.
Would you tell me why?
Thanks
Food in America and chemicals in the air.
Family systems and connection (lacking in the separated American system)
There’s a theory that the people to emigrated to America probably had a high propensity for what we now call ADHD - low tolerance for boredom, high impulsivity, entrepreneurial mindset, willingness to take risks etc. So if ADHD is inheritable/ genetic then a nation of immigrants might well have a gene pool with a greater predisposition for ADHD.
This theory would not really be applicable for African Americans whose ancestors did not choose to migrate so, if ADHD is as prevalent in the African American community as it is in people of European decent it would undermine this theory.
I got the telly on the iPad on the phone on and my brain is flying can’t concentrate 😮
Do you think, we are more susceptible to drugs, because we want to have more control over our moods. Because we have so little control, and if gives the illusion we do.?
I wish people would stop suggesting meditating. Maybe I have a form of ADHHD, but meditating would be equivalent to being buried alive. The agony of being trapped with your thoughts, ON PURPOSE?! If I even could, I dont get how it helps.
Every single ADHD trait is a symptom of childhood trauma/emotional neglect.
I wonder what the correlation between the ACE score and ADHD would show. My non-professional guess is it is strongly correlated…Js.
I disagree, though I believe trauma would significantly worsen symptoms. My mother has ADHD, I have ADHD, my son has ADHD, and my 6 year old daughter is showing symptoms of ADHD. Our childhoods haven’t been perfect but there’s no serious trauma in any of our childhoods. ADHD isn’t even a mental illness, it’s a neurological “disorder” that also has benefits. As he mentioned in the video it’s an evolutionary survival instinct that still lingers in some families. That being said, maybe there is an epigenetic factor that causes ADHD to continue to be present in the newer generations…..so like if somebody’s ancestors experienced a traumatic event (like WWII,the holocaust, slavery), their trauma actually activates certain genes that can be passed on. So maybe intergenerational trauma could be a factor since ADHD is a survival instinct. That’s what I think could be explored. ADHD is something you are born with, you can’t develop it, so that’s why I don’t think childhood trauma would cause it. Especially considering there are actually some advantages with adhd (enhanced creativity, hyper focus) and you can be a very happy, non-traumatized individual with the condition. ADHD does share some common symptoms with Borderline Personality Disorder (impulsivity, emotional disregulation) but BPD comes with anxiety and depression. ADHD does not, though anxiety and depression are common comorbid conditions to ADHD. BPD is a mental illness that can be linked to childhood trauma and attachment issues. Thought I don’t think that childhood trauma have been officially labeled as a cause.
@@ArcherRutledge exactly. Comorbidity is different than cause. And there are ADHD people out there who don't have mental illnesses as comorbidity...
Thank you for sharing.
I think the definition of trauma that I speak of needs to be more widely discussed, Childhood trauma isn't what most people think. It stems from Attachment Theory and how we were able to attach to our caregivers. Trauma also refers to the widespread emotional neglect that plaques this Planet.
We don't know what we don't know.
@@terrahillman151 Gabor Mate writes about this in his book Scattered Minds. What he says in the book makes a lot of sense to me, However one his arguments that the rise in ADHD can’t be down to changes in the genome misses the fact that many people like me were never diagnosed until late middle age. My school reports though are almost textbook ADHD. I wept when I went back and read them. One reach said “she can produce very good work but it’s as though she needs an adult standing over her. It’s seems almost impossible for her to motivate herself” and “her disorganisation means she’s late everywhere”…. “She has excellent ideas if only she could get them down on paper.”
I definitely had attachment/ attunement trauma in my childhood, as did my brother, as did my mother. It’s hard to know how much all our ADHD behaviours are due to genetics or attachment/ attunement trauma. It may be very chicken and egg.
There is no disorder.
I highly recommend you read ‘The Child Whisperer’ by Carol Tuttle. I believe it will be really beneficial and life changing to understand your family traits better and embrace the gifts and natural tendencies you have. There is no neurotypical person, that is a modern day myth. There are four types of natural energy in this world and we as humans are a unique combination of all four. The dominant type is what shows up as the way we move, the way we think, and feel and all of our natural tendencies, she describes them perfectly accurately. 💖👌🏻
The type 1 energy accurately describes the natural ADHD traits in a positive way. I have witnessed these traits being shamed by people/parents of a different energy type as it’s not how they think, feel and move in the world. This is especially so if the parent has their own limiting beliefs, programming and childhood trauma they have yet to work through.
Yes, I see your former guest Gabor Mate is one in which I believe does not believe ADHD is real. He believes it only is related to traumatic experiences.
I'd be interested in talking with Dr. Maté about this topic specifically, but I think this is an overstatement of his views. You can find his webpage of resources related to ADHD here: drgabormate.com/adhd/
His argument isn't so much that ADHD "isn't real," but that it's a collection of symptoms originating from childhood stresses rather than genetics. This doesn't mean it isn't biological in nature, as the expression of genes is affected by what happens in a person’s life. As per usual, there's an interplay between nature and nurture.
Gabor explicitly presents ADHD as a disorder that contains various traits and tendencies, he just has a difference of view on what causes it.
What?? No, he’s admitted for many years to have struggled with ADHD. He even admits the effects it had on his marriage and as a father. Watch some of his talks.
I get it, it's a funny joke, and I'm self-deprocating about it occasionally with close friends...
🗝️: **WITH CLOSE FRIENDS**
BUT‼️Way to end on a LOW NOTE - STIGMATIZING AND SHAMING everyone here watching.
Some will laugh, but shouldn't you be prepared to prevent the 5-10% like me who HATE the stigma.
It's ruined my career.
It's ruined my relationships..
Shame is traumatic.
There are four types of brains, all struggling in different ways to fit with this toxic culture.
No one is neurotypical, this is a huge myth.
so why then four types....
Everything in this planet is created from the four basic elements. These elements form the compounds and influence the dynamics of other elements, forming the building blocks of everything and everyone. These for elements are nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon. We are each a unique combination of these.
The first type of brain has a natural gift for ideas and the belief that they can make it happen.
The second type of brain has a gift for gathering details and making a plan.
The third will push forward into action, let’s get to work and get it done.
The fourth has a gift for perfecting in this world, here’s how we can make it better.
Having a unique nature, gift and talent that not only adds great value to our own life, but contributes to the wholeness of humanity working in harmony.
Quite often we judge and are judged for the very gift nature endowed us with to be a weakness and a flaw. This starts in childhood and carries into adulthood and forms our personality and limiting beliefs. These adaptations from our natural self create dis-ease in our mind and body and addiction, until we can heal. Knowing your natural gifts and talents will be amazingly supportive and freeing.
As humans, we have the same potential to live in balance with ourselves and each other. The difference between us and the rest of the natural world is our vast thinking mind that creates opinions, conditions, values, and judgements in reference to who we are, how we act, what we say, what we do and how we live our lives. We have created a lot of false right and wrong against which we measure ourselves and our children’s core true nature. 💖
@@katiegreenwood8738 And yet I was the ONE child consistently wandering the halls after the bell rang because my ADHD brain doesn't "get" time, and when I go to my ADHD support group it's like going to a biological family reunion after being a swan raised by ducks. There's a fine line between promoting a pet theory and invalidating a group of people who already struggle to be believed and accepted.