Do you also have difficulty focusing on one task and completing it? Do you feel restless and restless all the time? Perhaps you have even thought about ADHD ( Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). This is a mental health condition that many people are talking about now. But did you know that even though this condition exists, many people in our country do not receive proper diagnosis or treatment. The reason for this is not only the disease, but also the various beliefs, attitudes, and other barriers in our society. So today, let's talk about why this happens, and how you can get help despite these barriers.
Why are there so many differences in diagnosing ADHD?
The first thing to understand is that ADHD is not limited to a particular race, religion, or culture. It is a medical condition that can affect anyone. However, the society in which a person lives, their culture, and their economic status greatly affect whether they are diagnosed with the condition and whether they seek treatment.
Even major studies conducted around the world have found that there is a huge gap in the diagnosis of ADHD between different cultural groups. This situation can also be seen in a country like Sri Lanka, which has diverse social backgrounds. Sometimes the disease is not recognized (under-diagnosis) but is misdiagnosed . The reasons for this are very complex. Let's look at what the main barriers are.
| Obstacle to treatment | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Difficulty accessing medical facilities | Some people may not be able to afford to see a mental health specialist. Also, many people avoid these services due to the lack of facilities in their area, queues at hospitals, and busy schedules. |
| Social Stigma about Mental Illness | Many people in our society do not see conditions like ADHD as a disease, but as "laziness," "lack of discipline," or "weakness of character." Because of this, people are afraid to admit that they have a mental health problem or ask for help. The fear that others will label them "crazy" is a major factor. |
| Lack of culturally sensitive doctors | This means that it is important for the doctor to understand the patient's cultural background. For example, in our culture, many people speak to an elder or a doctor without making eye contact as a sign of respect. However, to someone who is not familiar with this, it can be seen as shyness, hiding something, or a lack of attention. So it is very important for a doctor to be patient and understand these cultural nuances. |
| Religious beliefs and traditional treatments | Many people rely on their religious beliefs (e.g., prayers, sacrifices) or traditional treatments (e.g., santikarma) rather than Western medicine. They avoid seeking medical advice because they think, "All of this can be avoided if you are mindful." |
| Untreated ADHD in childhood | If this condition is not identified and treated in childhood, it can continue into adulthood. When this happens, it can affect many aspects of life and can lead to other serious conditions later in life, such as depression and substance use disorders . |
How do we properly deal with this situation?
With all these obstacles, you might be wondering, "So what do I do?" The important thing is to recognize that these obstacles exist and prepare yourself to face them.
A mental health problem is like any other disease in our body. It's like diabetes, high blood pressure. The brain is also an important part of the body. So if there is a problem with its functioning, there is no shame in getting treatment for it, it is the biggest help you can give yourself.
Things you can do
- Support from family and friends: Family support is a great strength when treating any illness. However, if your family or society views ADHD negatively, don't let that stop you from moving forward. You may need to seek advice from a doctor on your own, without telling anyone. There's nothing wrong with that. Your health is the most important thing.
- Break the stereotypes by educating: Whenever you get the chance, gently educate others about mental health. Explain that ADHD is not laziness, but a condition caused by changes in brain chemicals ( neurotransmitters ) and the functioning of certain parts of the brain. Make them understand that this is not something to joke about, but a health problem that needs to be treated. You may help someone else become aware of this.
- Remember that ADHD is hereditary: ADHD can often run in families. So if you have this problem, it's likely that someone else in your family (a sibling, a child) also has it. If you don't talk about it, they may not get the help they need. So seeking help can be like showing the way to the rest of your family.
- Asking for help is a sign of strength: Remember, admitting you have a problem and asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of a very strong person who takes responsibility for themselves. Don't be afraid to see a doctor and talk about this. He or she will listen to you, do tests if necessary, and provide you with the most appropriate treatment (which could be medication, behavioral therapy, or both).
This journey may not be easy, but with the right treatment , you can improve your life and reach your full potential.
Take-Home Message
- ADHD is not laziness or a character flaw, it is a real medical condition that can be treated.
- Many people avoid treatment due to negative attitudes, economic problems , and other barriers in our society and culture.
- The best thing to do is not to be afraid of these obstacles, but to see a specialist (doctor) and seek advice.
- Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it's a courageous step towards improving your life. Your mental health is worth it.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න