John Whaite has blasted out a troll for doubting his statement that he has ADHD, telling them to ‘click the unfollow button’ to stop spreading their uneducated viewpoint.
ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is defined as “a chronic pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with day-to-day functioning and/or growth,” according to the ADHD UK charity.
Great British Bake Off champion and Strictly Come Dancing runner-up John said in a recent social media post that he was aware that his behaviour over the last decade ‘has not been “normal,”‘ and that he’s ‘frequently questioned whether I had some personality issue’.
‘I’ve been impulsive and borderline addicted (to sex, porn, shopping, food, drink, drugs), and have made some very questionable decisions. But these weren’t decisions, they were compulsions, because of the neurological functioning inside my head,’ the 34-year-old said in his lengthy message.
‘But it’s not all bad. Because I truly believe it’s my ADHD that has allowed me to become so obsessed and focussed on things I like, that I work hard at them until I’m burnt out. While burn-out isn’t great, the skills I’ve garnered and career paths I’ve taken along the way, have been a huge part of my strength and success. And I’m grateful for those chances and opportunities.’
John stated that he was ‘grateful’ to learn that he had ADHD and admits that he had not intended to share his diagnosis with his followers.
He continued: ‘But I know from speaking openly about depression, alcohol use, bulimia, that people can seek comfort from the experiences of others. I know I certainly have.’
The TV personality went on to say that he wished he had known about his condition sooner so that he could write about it in his memoir, which has already gone to print.
However, he pointed out that now that he’s stated that he has ADHD, those who read the memoir may ‘understand it even better’.
John received a wave of support from his followers in the comments, as well as from fellow Bake Off winner Candice Brown, who wrote: ‘As much as my ADHD can be completely debilitating for me and causes me daily stress and panic it’s also my superpower.’
However, some naysayers felt the need to share their negative views, with one writing: ‘Everybody’s wanting something wrong with them these days. ADHD seems to be the new buzz illness everyone wants to diagnose people with or be diagnosed with.’
John decided not to ignore the remark, instead choosing to respond by saying: ‘The old me would have politely disagreed or ignored. But this me will tell you to get a grip, and stop speaking on a topic about which you (I’m assuming) have zero researched knowledge, then that would be great. If that’s too much to ask, click the unfollow button and kindly and quietly p**s off.’
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.’
Someone else, who said that they had been on medication for bipolar disorder for years, compared their situation to John’s, stating: ‘People like me are on serious medication. I like you John but stop the self diagnosis crap.’
He replied by outlining that his psychiatrist, ‘who has dedicated her career to the topic’, may disagree with their opinion.
‘Disorders aren’t mutually exclusive. Just because you have bipolar doesn’t mean that I can’t have ADHD. I’m sorry you’re struggling, I truly, truly am. But that doesn’t give you the right to be dismissive of, or invalidate, someone else’s reality,’ he wrote.
In another comment, John expressed his gratitude to his fans for their support, by penning: ‘Thank you ALL so much for you comments. And I’m so glad that many of you can relate to what I’ve written. Much love to you all.’
