Olympian’s Victory Over ADHD Provides Inspiration the World Around
The Olympic story of all Olympic stories this year is the one about the superstar swimmer of all time and his ability to beat the symptoms of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) without drugs. Yes, without drugs!
The story of Michael Phelps and his eight gold medal performance continues to rocket around the globe faster than a 50 meter “splash and dash” race in an Olympic pool. Following immediately on the heels of this record shattering effort is one of even more Herculean significance. Michael Phelps and his family – together -beat the symptoms of ADHD and gave him a drug-free handling.
This does not mean that teachers, psychologists and doctors did not push the drugging choice into Michael’s life. This highly energetic child who could not sit still or be quiet in school did get huge pressure to accept the drugging solution that is almost immediately pushed in our society today. Michael’s mom Debbie, an educator herself, was not happy with this solution and worked to pursue alternatives.
Yes, there was a period of time in Michael’s life where he and his family agreed to give the drugs a try. It actually went on for almost two years prior to Michael’s teenage years. After awhile, Michael decided to say no to the drugs. He decided he could handle the situation without the medication and he did. Swimming provided a major outlet for his energy and certainly a focus for his attention that doctors and teachers, especially, said he’d never be able to achieve without drugs.
Michael’s performance in the Olympics and the way he and his family dealt with his problems is highly laudable and has drawn praise from many. This comment from the board president of the national organization Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) basically says it all.
“It’s important for people living with ADHD to pursue interests they enjoy and at which they excel,” said Marie Paxson, board president. “Phelps’ success demonstrates that being a part of a supportive family, setting goals, engaging in enjoyable activities and receiving positive feedback are all important in the building of self-esteem. Phelps is clearly an exceptionally talented athlete and a source of pride for millions of people affected by ADHD.”
Michael Phelps and his mom Debbie Phelps are to be commended for standing up against the pressures of the drugging industry and beating his symptoms of ADHD with family involvement, athletic activity (in his case) and lots of support. It is hoped that this one person’s ability to embrace a drug-free solution will be an inspiration to many more youngsters and their families in handling their own ADHD solutions without drugs.
Eight gold medals in one Olympic Games is a truly magnificent performance. If this feat serves to enlighten a world that there are solutions to ADHD that reach beyond drugs, it will be the Olympic story for all times.