ADHD in Exile: When the Shame of Living with a Disorder Is Worse Than the Disorder Itself
"For many people with ADHD, shame arises from the repeated failure to meet expectations from parents, teachers, friends, bosses, and the world." Here, Dr. William Dodson explains how to shed that emotional burden. Hint – don’t be afraid to ask for help.
by William Dodson, M.D.
Shame Is Not Guilt
Shame is
one of the oldest known English words that originally meant to “hide or cover
up.” As such, shame is the hardest thing to deal with since it tends to be
hidden and never addressed. Feeling shame is different than feeling guilt.
Guilt focuses on what one has done. Shame focuses on who one is.