Paris Hilton recently opened up about her “exhausting” battle with ADHD.
The reality TV personality, 43, was outspoken about dealing with the symptoms as a child before receiving a diagnosis and learned to embrace them in adulthood.
In a personal essay for Teen fashionthat was published Saturday, she also explained that her symptoms contributed to her parents sending her to a troubled teen facility.
She said her “constant need” for stimulation, combined with the struggle at a school that couldn’t accommodate her, led to her being sent to Provo Canyon School.
The DJ — who stepped out in an edgy-chic, punk outfit in New York City last week — previously spoke at length about experiencing severe abuse at the facility.
Paris Hilton recently opened up about her “exhausting” battle with ADHD. The reality TV personality, 43, was outspoken about dealing with the symptoms as a child before receiving a diagnosis and learned to embrace them in adulthood; pictured on September 11 in Elmont
“Growing up, I was always told I was too energetic, too distracted, too talkative – just too everything,” she said of her childhood.
“I wish someone had asked, ‘What’s really going on with her?’ Instead, I spent years feeling misunderstood, punished for the way my brain worked. It wasn’t until much later in life that I discovered what was really going on,” she said.
“At first, the diagnosis felt like a label—something that put me in a box, defined me by what I couldn’t do, by what made me different,” she continued.
“It’s something I kept hidden because I was worried about how it might be perceived,” she added.
“Would people think I was too scattered, too unfocused, or incapable of success? But these challenges are only one side of the coin,” she said.
“The other side reveals something beautiful: creativity, passion, resilience and a mind that thinks in bold, unexpected ways,” she continued.
Hilton said she has now learned to embrace her differences and does not see ADHD as a “disability.”
Instead, the Simple Life alum said she sees it as her “superpower.”
“It’s my secret weapon in a world that often tells us to play it safe,” she explained.
‘My brain doesn’t follow a straight line; it zigzags and explores unknown territory, allowing me to break boundaries and stay ahead.’
The socialite also credited ADHD as “the reason I was able to anticipate trends.”
“It’s given me the creativity to build an empire, the drive to keep pushing the boundaries, and the empathy to connect with people on a deeper level,” she added.
She also explained that her symptoms contributed to her parents sending her to a troubled teen facility. She said her “constant need” for stimulation, combined with the struggle at a school that couldn’t accommodate her, led to her being sent to Provo Canyon School.
Hilton said she has now learned to embrace her differences and does not see ADHD as a “disability.” Instead, the Simple Life alum said she sees it as her “superpower”; pictured on September 5 in New York City
“It’s my secret weapon in a world that often tells us to play it safe,” she explained. The socialite also credited ADHD as “the reason I’ve been able to anticipate trends”; pictured May 1 in Burbank
Despite the benefits, Hilton said ADHD can be not only “noisy” but also “overwhelming” and “exhausting”; pictured on February 3 in Los Angeles
The entrepreneur said she can use ADHD symptoms to her advantage and hyperfocus on her passions, including her work and her family.
“Because my brain thrives on newness, on bold ideas, and on innovation, I see the world as full of possibilities, and I have learned to embrace that energy,” she wrote.
Despite the benefits, Hilton said ADHD can be not only “noisy,” but also “overwhelming” and “exhausting.”
“But let’s be honest: ADHD can also be overwhelming and exhausting because my mind is constantly buzzing with thoughts, ideas, and distractions,” she wrote.
‘People often see the glamorous, successful side of me, but behind the scenes there are days when the noise in my head can be so loud that it’s hard to find clarity.’
She said she has had to learn to give herself “grace,” leans on her support system during tough times and wants to change the way ADHD is viewed by society.
“The stigma around ADHD – and neurodivergence in general – needs to change,” she said. ‘We live in a world where we are often expected to fit into boxes, follow the rules and do things the way everyone else does. But my ADHD has taught me that the most magical things happen when you break away from those expectations. We need to stop labeling neurodivergent individuals as ‘disturbed’ and start recognizing the unique gifts they bring.”
Her personal essay comes about a month after she released her new album Infinite Icon – which even features a song titled ADHD.
She said she has had to learn to give herself “grace,” leans on her support system during tough times and wants to change the way ADHD is viewed by society; pictured on March 10 in Beverly Hills
She released her album on September 6, almost twenty years after she made her self-titled debut in 2006. She said her song ADHD is a “celebration of my journey and a message to others that ADHD is something to be embraced and not hidden”; pictured on February 4 in Los Angeles
She released her album on September 6, almost twenty years after she made her self-titled debut in 2006.
She said her song ADHD is a “celebration of my journey and a message to others that ADHD is something to be embraced and not hidden.”
Hilton explained, “I want people, especially young women, to know that being different is beautiful, and that your ‘flaws’ can actually be your greatest assets. I have certainly faced challenges, but ADHD has given me an inner strength and confidence that nothing can take away,” she wrote.
“For anyone who feels like they are struggling with ADHD or any other challenge, I want you to know this: You are not alone, and you are not defined by your diagnosis,” she concluded her essay. ‘Embrace your differences, because they make you unstoppable.’
