October is ADHD awareness month and Aaron Bailey is gearing up for a 21.6 km half marathon, to raise awareness for ADHD and support the Centre for ADHD Awareness Canada (CADDAC). CADDAC estimates that 1.6 million Canadians are struggling with ADHD.
Bailey tells us what it was like being diagnosed in grade 6, and what he thought that meant at the time.
For many years, Bailey felt “stupid” and “different” due to his ADHD. However, as an adult, he has learned strategies to not just live with ADHD but thrive. Bailey hopes to raise awareness about the emotional challenges, such as shame and guilt, that people with ADHD often face.
He explains that ADHD is often misunderstood as just hyperactivity or impulsivity, but it affects all areas of life. Bailey says through awareness and greater understanding we can start to recognize behaviours in others and ourselves.
He adds that people with ADHD are often unfairly labeled as lazy or unmotivated, but the real issue is rooted in brain neurology.
ADHD diagnoses have increased in recent years, especially for women. Many have expressed a bias against ADHD, because it was not prevalent in the past. But, Bailey suggests that it’s not because the condition is new, but because of greater understanding it’s far easier to make a diagnosis.
Bailey’s marathon aims to spread knowledge and raise funds for CADDAC, which provides vital resources to the ADHD community in Canada. However, he stressed it’s only a HALF marathon.
Come out and support Bailey and ADHD on Saturday, October the 5th. The run will begin at 10 a.m. at Black Bridge in Waterford and finish at the Water Fountain, by Silver Lake in Port Dover. Donations can be made here: Help Aaron Bailey raise money Race Roster — Registration, Marketing, Fundraising
Written by Jeremy Hall