Ben Fogle disclosed that he had ADHD after’struggling with various elements of life’.
The 50-year-old journalist and explorer resorted to social media to announce his diagnosis of the neurodevelopmental disease, claiming that he is not ‘fragile, but susceptible’.Ben began: ‘I hate labels I always have
‘The idea that a single word defines us is too binary and lacks the nuances that distinguish us.
‘We are more than a sweeping binary word.’
He went on to say that he can be both ‘privileged’ but ‘compassionate’, as well as being ‘shy’ despite being ‘a public figure’ and being both dyslexic and an award-winning writer.
‘You get the message. The same can be said of our unique neurological differences,’ he said.
‘I have recently been diagnosed with ADHD *cue eye rolling*
‘I admit to my own cynicism but the reality is that I have changed neurologically.
‘A recent mental health storm was the catalyst for my diagnosis.
‘I feel different and have done for some time.’
Ben continued: ‘Some aspects of life had become more of a struggle, but with a diagnosis comes understanding and reason.
‘Maybe it is my age or perhaps a symptom of something more complex in wider society.
‘I have ADHD but I am still me. It is not an excuse for me nor a reason to be cautious around me for others.
‘It does not make me fragile, just vulnerable. Like all of us.
‘I might be slightly neurotically different but that is also what makes us unique. It enhances my creativity and empathy.
‘Neurological individuality makes me who I am and I am proud of that.
‘To have a clinical diagnosis helps me understand who I am. It explains my weaknesses as well as my strengths.’
What is ADHD?
NHS describes ADHD as ‘a condition that affects people’s behaviour. People with ADHD can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating, and may act on impulse.’
Is it often diagnosed in childhood, but in some cases isn’t recognised until adulthood.
‘Research has also identified a number of possible differences in the brains of people with ADHD when compared with those without the condition.
Other factors suggested as potentially having a role in ADHD include:
- being born prematurely (before the 37th week of pregnancy)
- having a low birth weight
- smoking or alcohol or drug abuse during pregnancy.’
For children, treatments include ‘appropriate educational support, advice and support for parents and affected children, alongside medicine, if necessary.’
For adults, ‘medicine is often the first treatment offered, although psychological therapies may also help.’
According to the NHS, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that can affect people’s behaviour making them restless or making it hard for them to concentrate.
The cause is unknown and though there is no cure for children, it can be managed, while treatment for adults includes medicine and psychological therapies like CBT.
Fans praised the Castaway star’s tweet, calling him a ‘inspiration’ for his ‘honest’ message.
Ben has previously spoken up about his health, including a ‘psychotic episode’ he had after his drink was tainted, in order to increase awareness and remove stigma around the matter.
