Charlie Smith, the editor of the The Georgia Straight did an article on the third annual BC ADHD Awareness Week 2014. B.C. ADHD Awareness Week draws attention to attention deficiencies
Its also in the print edition page 18 October 16-23rd 2014.
Here are some excerpts
Another occupation that’s notorious for its deadlines is journalism, which is why Quily suspects that this industry has a higher percentage of people with ADHD than the general population. He also said there are likely plenty of politicians with ADHD, although only one local elected official, Vancouver park commissioner Sarah Blyth, has revealed this publicly.
I explain why we’re using BC libraries and bookstore to raise awareness and reduce the heavy burden of stigma against adults and children with ADHD. They’re a natural fit.
“One of the worst problems with ADHD is the heavy stigma against it and the massive ignorance from all levels of society,” Quily said. “So if you want to reverse the stigma, a great way to do that is to provide facts, provide research, and provide stories by people who have ADHD or work with it.”
That’s the impetus behind B.C. ADHD Awareness Week, which runs from October 14 to 20. Quily and other volunteers with the Vancouver Adult ADD Support Group have partnered with 120 libraries and bookstores across the province to put up displays and posters to educate the public.
“You’re going to find books on ADHD for kids, teens, and adults, and books by ADHD adults who’ve written other books,” Quily said
I also mention as some long term readers may known me talk about the hide the politically embarrassing wait list by destroying the clinic technique.
For years, Quily has been pushing the B.C. Liberal government to reverse its 2007 decision to close the only provincially funded clinic for adults with ADHD at B.C. Children’s Hospital. One of his chief concerns is that people with the condition are being misdiagnosed.
“Sometimes bipolar can look like ADHD, and sometimes ADHD can look like bipolar, and sometimes you can have both,” Quily said. “A big problem is people say it’s not ADD, it’s anxiety disorders. Or it’s not ADD, it’s substance abuse. Actually, comorbidity [having more than one condition] is the norm with ADHD, and that’s why it’s crucial to have medical professionals properly trained.”
It’s always great to have an article on ADHD or mental health in The Georgia Straight, unlike some unmentioned media outlets, you don’t have to worry about them stigmatizing ADHD or mental health.