Years ago, I wrote a sarcastic blog post titled, "Just because you don't like water glass circles on your surface.... It doesn't make you OCD." It was a reaction to the casual self-diagnosis I witnessed, a trend I perceived as a form of "Me-Too" syndrome. Rereading that post, I recognize the anger that fuelled it – the frustration with people flippantly declaring, "OMG, I'm so OCD" or "I have ADHD," often followed by a dismissive "hehe."

It's crucial to understand that mental health disorders are not trendy accessories. They are complex conditions that significantly impact individuals' lives. While memes and self-deprecating humour can offer a sense of community, they should not trivialize the lived experiences of those with these disorders.

My own journey with ADHD and OCD has shaped my professional life, contributing to my drive and attention to detail. However, these conditions come at a cost.

I was diagnosed with ADHD as a child, allowing me to develop coping mechanisms early on. My OCD, however, developed later in life to manage my hyperactivity. To function effectively, I relied on lists, routines, and mental checks. This constant mental effort, though often invisible to others, is exhausting.

People perceive me as calm, organized, and a perfectionist. While these traits are accurate, they mask the internal struggle of managing my ADHD and OCD. My mind is constantly active, processing information, and engaging in internal dialogue. This internal chaos has, ironically, honed my multitasking abilities and fostered a dry, sarcastic sense of humour.

While I've dedicated time to understanding my conditions, I've observed a shift in online discourse. What was once informative mental health content has become diluted by memes and attention-seeking behaviour.

This isn't about diminishing the importance of the Me-Too movement's focus on violence against women. Rather, it's about addressing the tendency to adopt labels without fully understanding their implications. In the past, people sought to avoid labels. Now, there's a rush to self-identify with them.

Recently, I encountered a theory suggesting that ADHD is a trauma response, a form of adaptation. This idea resonates with me, and I'm eager to explore it further. Perhaps by understanding the root cause, I can harness the strengths these conditions have given me while finding a way to alleviate their burdens. Perhaps I can give my mind, and my body, some much needed peace.