When I was a little boy, I struggled to ask for help.

I was scared to try new things. To put myself out there in any capacity.

And it became normalised; to stay ‘safe’, in my box, my invisible box, made by me.

or should I say, made by RSD – (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria)

I would do anything to avoid the wrong kind of attention, anything to avoid criticism or failure.

The absolute dread I would feel if I felt the teacher was ‘disappointed’.

It could have been an eye roll from any adult, or a pointed finger and laugh from another kid, I can literally remember the gut feeling now as I write this 🤢

After a while you stop asking for help. The fear grows, and the shame internalizes.

Then you grow up in a world where boys/men are conditioned by society to ‘man up’ and ‘just get on with it’.

It took me the majority of my life till I spoke about how I actually felt and asked for support.

And I totally get it, it feels f*cking scary, but it is so worth it.

But I’ll tell you what is more scary, going the rest of your life feeling ‘broken’ and pushing on regardless.

If you are a man with ADHD and you are struggling, reach out to anyone that you feel safe speaking to.

Speaking about our struggles isn’t weakness, it’s called being human.

And I believe it’s one of the most courageous things a man can do.

Does this resonate with you?