I was diagnosed with ADD in January 1990 at age 8. Eventually, the ADHD did come along. But it was never applied to me. Not until after I left the specialist that was treating me. Here’s the kicker.

I was hyperactive all along.

But I masked it. Why? Fear. Almost immediately after the ADHD gained enough recognition to be used, I lied, I hid, and I covered up evidence that I was in fact very much hyperactive. I mean, one small clue is that I talk fast. I still do. Having braces didn’t slow me down.

But I hid the hyperactivity and didn’t even admit to myself that I was for fear of the stigma I’d experience as a result.