ADHD, as told by a 10-year-old

Topics mentioned: ADHD, anxiety, anger

About: Molly is 10 years old and has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Here she describes what that means for her in her own words.

I am called Molly, I am 10 years old and I have ADHD. ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. I wanted to write about what life is like having ADHD and to tell you lots of facts you probably didn't know before.

First off, you all probably think that ADHD is about being angry and getting into trouble a lot at school or at home - that's what I thought the first time I heard of ADHD. But it isn't always that. I'm not very good at concentrating and I get very anxious. My mum says, “Sometimes you’re just one big worry!”

In my class there are a few people who have autism and ADHD but no one has my type of ADHD. I would say I'm a bit different to everyone else but I don't like the idea of showing off.

Because I worry a lot, I have got tics. Tics are something your body is telling you to do like nod your head or punch yourself. You can’t really help it, sometimes you can get a really painful neck or whatever tic you do. I don't think anyone apart from you can understand 100% how you feel. Your parents or family probably understand 99% about how you feel but you’re the one who really knows.

I try my best at school even though I struggle at my work. I try to get it right but because I've worked so hard at school I come back home a bit angry, anxious and grumpy. Sometimes I wish that I was just normal but no one’s normal!

It’s pretty annoying sometimes because you may do or say something wrong but your friends won’t really understand and may laugh. I think I'm quite lucky as I have friends who are nice and don't go on about my ADHD and start being very nosey.

I think if you’re very worried and anxious and lonely, friends will make you feel one thousand times better, so don't be scared to ask anyone for help if you feel sad. You will feel much better to tell someone so don’t keep it to yourself.

I wanted to write this to say if you have ADHD, autism, mental health problems, Tourette’s syndrome or depression you’re not alone. I have ADHD and other people will have it too, so don't think you’re alone because you are not. I know it’s hard but we can all get through it if we stay strong, be brave and overcome our worries and fears. But the only way we can do that is if we try.

I hope you have enjoyed my story about my life and what it’s like to have ADHD and the battles we have to face.