“Everyone’s a bit ADHD” (Myth)

Ah, this one. You’ve probably heard it — maybe from well-meaning friends, family members, or even healthcare professionals. “We’re all a bit ADHD these days.” Usually said with a knowing nod, as if modern life has somehow made us all collectively neurodivergent.

Here’s the thing: while it’s usually meant harmlessly, this phrase actually does quite a bit of damage.

Yes, everyone gets distracted sometimes. Yes, we all forget where we put our keys or feel overwhelmed by our to-do lists. But ADHD isn’t just about having a busy brain or being a bit scattered.

ADHD is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference that affects how your brain manages:

• Attention and focus (both too little and too much)
• Impulse control and emotional regulation
• Working memory and executive function
• Motivation and reward processing
• Energy levels and sleep patterns

For people with ADHD, these aren’t occasional inconveniences — they’re daily realities that can significantly impact relationships, work, education, self-esteem, and overall quality of life.

When someone says “everyone’s a bit ADHD,” it minimises these real experiences and makes it harder for people to:

• Be taken seriously when seeking help
• Access appropriate support and accommodations
• Even recognise themselves in the diagnosis

It’s like saying “everyone’s a bit diabetic” because we all get hungry. It misses the point entirely.

ADHD isn’t caused by smartphones, social media, or our fast-paced world. It’s a neurological difference that people are born with, and it deserves to be understood and supported properly.

So next time you hear this phrase, maybe gently redirect: “Actually, while everyone might feel distracted sometimes, ADHD is a specific neurological condition that affects people in some pretty significant ways.”

The people in your life with ADHD will thank you for it.