You are More Than Your Diagnosis: How ADHD Impacts Self Image

Written By Cheryl Gigler
ADHD Awareness Month October 2026 banner with illustrated diverse group of people

Captain “Sully” Sullenberger, successfully landed a jetliner on New York’s Hudson River in January of 2009, after the plane’s engines lost power due to a bird strike. All 155 of the passengers were saved along with the crew. It was called the “Miracle on the Hudson.”

With just as much bravery, Captain Sullenberger and his wife Lori appeared on Good Morning America last week, for the first time sharing Sully’s diagnosis of early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. They decided to step forward in an effort to de-stigmatize the condition, sharing the importance of early diagnosis and detection. When first diagnosed, they considered keeping it private, but after a year decided to go public with the diagnosis. Sullenberger’s wife Lori said with great passion, “This is not a character flaw, it’s a disease!”

Are ADHD Symptoms Sometimes Seen as Character Flaws?

Parents of male children with ADHD were blamed historically for poor parenting. This was due to the primarily impulsive and hyperactive symptoms of ADHD that were clearly visible in their behaviors. 

According to research highlights from Understood.org, 89% of women with ADHD reported damaged self-confidence from viewing neuro-biological symptoms as personal shortcomings.

“ADHD has sometimes been called the “Moral Diagnosis,” because its symptoms are judged as personal failings rather than understood as the result of a neuro-developmental condition, making daily life only harder for people with ADHD.”

- Dr. Erica Hurley

 

Adding to the stigma, is the title of ADHD, Attention DEFICIT Hyperactivity Disorder. Yes, we can have a deficit of attention, but we also experience a surplus of attention, especially when we hyperfocus. It is more accurate to say that we have variable attention.

Why do We Doubt the Role ADHD Plays in our Lives?

Infographic listing reasons people with ADHD doubt themselves, including stigma and inconsistent performance
Grid listing reasons people with ADHD harshly judge themselves, including RSD and cultural expectations

All of the above are reasons for self-compassion!

Changing the Conversation about ADHD

ADHD is a diagnosis, not a judgement. If you were diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, would you view yourself as a second-class citizen? Would you feel stigma in taking insulin? Would you think twice before you told anyone about it? Would it define you or objectify you as a person?

Colorful wheel graphic with 10 strategies for changing the conversation about ADHD

Seek out Professional Support

Reach out for the diagnosis. An ADHD diagnosis is the gateway that leads to a better life. ADHD gets smaller and your life gets bigger.

Find Partnership with an ADHD Coach. A coach is a strength -based partner who walks alongside you, supporting you in navigating the daily challenges of living with ADHD. Typical areas for coaching are managing time, creating routines, organizing, planning, prioritizing, managing transitions or breaking down the steps of a large project. 

Seek mental health support. A therapist can help you in managing negative self-talk, processing trauma, as well as support you in understanding the emotional fallout of living with ADHD.

Person standing on a hilltop with arms raised at sunset, embracing empowerment

A Unique Brain Wiring, not a Character Flaw

ADHD is a unique brain wiring and is not a character flaw. It is not laziness or a lack of discipline. Let’s replace self-criticism with self-compassion! Change is possible. It is never too late. 

With the right support, you can build systems that work, ones that you can count on. You gain a sense of control and begin to see yourself as a person with strengths, talents and abilities. The real you emerges and nothing feels better. You are not your diagnosis!

An ADHD coach can provide partnership that makes a difference. Click here to schedule a complimentary coaching call.

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside of you.”

- Maya Angelou


“If this is my last flight, I’m going to go out on full afterburner.”

- Captain “Sully” Sullenberger

 

Resources

Cheryl Gigler
Next

ADHD and Routines: Why Structure Helps Your Brain (and How to Build One)