ADHD / ADD Masking - Can't Speak

What happens when you spend your whole life trying to fit into a mold that was never made for you?

This ADHD / ADD poem is a reflection on growing up undiagnosed, being told to sit still, stay quiet, and follow the rules. It speaks to the weight of masking, the ache of self-repression, and the quiet rebellion that begins when we finally understand our neurodivergent minds.

Written after discovering my ADHD in my 40s, this poetry piece is about ADHD and neurodiversity, for every soul who was told they were “too much” or “not enough.” If you’ve searched for ADHD or ADD poems about masking, late diagnosis, or the journey of self-acceptance, this poem may resonate.

It’s a piece of neurodiversity poetry for anyone learning to unlearn the rules and choosing to live unmasked, authentic, and finally free.

Transcript

The poem I'm about to share is a reflection about growing up with undiagnosed ADHD,

Being told to sit still,

Stay quiet.

It's about the weight of masking,

The ache of self-oppression and the quiet rebellion that begins when we finally understand our neurodivergent minds.

No,

You are not too much.

You are just enough.

You are perfect as you are.

Can't speak.

Won't speak.

Mustn't speak.

Stay quiet.

Don't make a fuss.

Keep it down.

Must comply.

Can't speak.

Must not speak.

Stay quiet.

Don't reply.

Don't express.

Just repress.

Push it down.

Keep it inside.

Stay quiet.

Stay small.

No chance to rise above it all.

Can't speak.

Mustn't speak.

Must comply.

But not anymore.

I will no longer apologize for being too much,

Too sensitive,

Too different.

This year is the year I will self-advocate,

Not in whispers,

But in full volume,

In full color.

I will say the needs I used to hide,

Say the truths I tucked inside.

I will speak the pain,

Speak with pride.

I won't let those old beliefs decide.

I'm done carrying the shame that was never mine,

Done dimming my voice to fall in line.

Each must,

Each show,

Each keep it in.

I lay it down and now I begin.

This is a year I choose to be me,

Unmasked,

Unfolding,

And finally free.

Reviews

Beautiful and validating. Thank you♥️