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Home › Articles › ADD/ADHD › Focusing on Higher Ground

Focusing on Higher Ground

Reaching the Summit With ADHD

By Teri Brown

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Fisher believes that mountain climbing is a part of the reason she was able to overcome her ADHD. "I think that finding a passion is the most important thing in getting over ADHD," says Fisher. "People suffering from ADHD can focus really well on things that they are passionate about, and this ability to focus helps them be more able to focus on the mundane, everyday activities."

Fisher loves all aspects of climbing, from planning the expedition to the climbing itself. "It is my passion," says Fisher. "It's very thrilling and exciting, which helps with my ADHD."

Courage Becomes Her
Even at a very young age, Fisher tackled her ADHD with the courage and tenacity that would come to define her. With the help of medication (Adderall XR) and a good support team of friends, family and counselors, Fisher has managed to deal with her ADHD and become not only a serious mountain climber, but a college student as well. She will be attending the University of Washington in the fall after taking last year off to climb mountains and raise money for future expeditions.

"While climbing, I've found myself to be a very different person," says Fisher. "I become very focused and determined. I forget about the pains of blisters, scrapes and bruises and the fact that I have ADHD. I just keep on going. Since I started climbing, the person I am on the mountain has increasingly become who I am in all aspects of my life, including school and work."

Fisher plans on pursuing a degree in either material science or mechanical engineering. "Then next summer I plan on climbing Gasherbrum 1 and Gasherbrum 2 in Pakistan," says Fisher.

Fisher believes that without her family and friends, she could never have accomplished what she has. She credits her parents and her mentor, Mike Woodmansee, for having taught her how to climb and fundraise. She also believes that her medication has helped as well. "Medication has helped me to focus more and realize that there is something I could do to get through the obstacle course that I was trapped in," says Fisher.

Advice to Offer
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