Every time someone says “You don’t need a label”, an ADHD adult somewhere loses their last functional pen. (And they’re probably still looking for it.) I get it. There’s this idea that labels are limiting. That we don’t need to pathologize every personality trait. That it’s better to just “deal with it” instead of “getting stuck in a diagnosis.” But here’s the problem: If you don’t know what you’re working with, you’re constantly working against yourself. ADHD Isn’t just a Personality Type, It’s a Neurodevelopmental Condition For years, many of us were labeled “lazy,” “irresponsible,” “too much,” or “not living up to our potential.” We were expected to function in a world built for neurotypical brains. So we masked, forced ourselves to fit, and berated ourselves when we failed. Without a label, I would have spent my life thinking: •Why do I struggle with simple tasks everyone else does effortlessly? •Why can’t I stay on top of deadlines no matter how hard I try? •Why am I either hyperfocused or completely checked out? Without a diagnosis, I would have kept trying to force my brain into a mold it wasn’t designed for. A Label Gives You a Framework, Not an Excuse Knowing you have ADHD isn’t about saying: ❌ “Oh well, guess I just can’t function in the world.” It’s about saying: ✅ “Okay, my brain works differently—so I need different strategies.” A label helps you: ✨ Understand how your mind works (so you can work WITH it, not against it). ✨ Find tools that ACTUALLY help (instead of forcing yourself into neurotypical methods). ✨ Stop blaming yourself for things that were never about willpower. ✨ Advocate for the support you need.