Hi, my name is Garrett Hood, but everyone calls me G. I am 34 years old and have ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, BPD, and PTSD, along with some autistic traits.
Life has not always been easy, but I have learned a lot about who I am. Things do not always go the way you want, but I keep trying no matter what.
I grew up between Perkasie and Quakertown, PA, with strong support from my family and the Penn Foundation. At 4, I was diagnosed with ADHD. My medication made me psychotic leading to hospitalization. That is when I was also diagnosed with Bipolar I.
Between ages 4 and 9, I was hospitalized about 10 times, each stay lasting 2 to 3 weeks. The nurses and case managers were very kind. One nurse even let me help make rounds, wearing a jacket and tie and carrying a clipboard. It made me feel proud and helpful.
I started special education at 6 and had a one on one helper in class. Going into the main classrooms for gym, art, and music was hard. I did not always fit in and had trouble making friends, but I found connection through my daycare provider who became my second mom. Her son became a good friend. Boy Scouts and karate were other ways I made friends.
Since I was little, I have loved music, poetry, and art. Music is my comfort zone. I started with Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables, and later listened to Elvis, Johnny Cash, rock, EDM, and heavy metal. Music helps me express myself.
I also love poetry. My favorite poet is Edgar Allan Poe. Writing poems helps me get my feelings out. Music and poetry help relax me and make sense of my feelings.
I have learned that everyone moves at their own pace. Some people find love or success fast. For me, it takes more time, and that is okay. My life does not have to look like anyone else’s.
When life gets tough, I take a drive, sit somewhere quiet, spend time with my dog, or listen to music. Those moments help me feel relaxed. They remind me that I am still here, still trying, and still moving forward.
Thomas Wayne said it best to Bruce: Why do we fall? So we can get back up. And that is what I keep doing, getting back up, learning, growing, and finding new ways to live with hope. My story is not about giving up. It is about never stopping, no matter how hard the road gets.
