Grown Woman Writes Open Letter to Mother Who Drugged Her as Child for ADHD
Parent shaming is nothing new. Long before social media came around, stares, whispers and snap judgments still existed.
For parents with children who have special needs or learning disabilities, it can be easy to make assumptions based on what we see but don’t truly know much about.
One woman living with ADHD understands the struggles her mom faced when she was a child and young adult. Jessica McCabe was diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder at the age of 12, according to her YouTube channel.
“How to ADHD” is a channel dedicated to educating and relating to those who either know someone with ADHD or have it themselves.
“I was a gifted kid and did well in elementary school,” McCabe shared with TODAY Parents. “But by middle school, the organizational demands were too much for my brain, and I started to struggle.”
Like many children diagnosed with this disorder, McCabe was medicated. There are a lot of differing opinions on the matter, with many parents who judge or shame other moms and dads for “drugging” their kids.
But McCabe sees it differently. Her perspective is a personal one. One that many people, parents of children with ADHD in particular, need to hear.
In a letter written in 2017, McCabe shared her feelings about the mom who “drugged” her on her Facebook page and in a YouTube video.
“What I want to say to my mom, who ‘drugged’ me,” she begins. “Thank you. Thank you for listening when I told you I was struggling.”
The heartfelt letter is one that moved me and really helped me see this disorder differently. Take a look at what else she has to say.
“Thank you for ignoring the people who judged you. I know there were many,” McCabe says. “You understood. You believed me.”
Those are some serious and sobering words. Thank you, Jessica. Your thoughts hit home and serve as a good reminder that kindness and compassion should always trump gossip and judgment.
Do you relate to this young woman? If you’re interested in learning more or seeing what else McCabe has to say about the unique brain she lives with every day, visit her on YouTube or Facebook.
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