Hey ADHDers: Which are you — Road Runner or Tasmanian Devil?
What does attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have to do with classic cartoon characters who were known for being hyperactive dynamos — capable of racing off at lightning speed and nearly spinning out of control?
If you ask me that question on which of the two characters I can be more like, I would say: it depends on when you ask me. Living with ADHD, I’ve had to learn a lot and make changes to my life. Dealing with stress, and not taking on way too much, has gotten better; but I do have my days.
Here’s what I know about these two characters:
Tasmanian Devil: Trying to do too much at once, nearly bouncing off the walls; thinking about too many things at once, and then talking that way; feeling more anxiety and worry while obsessing over details; and running late for the next thing. Chasing a rabbit down a rabbit hole, when you had this sinking feeling it’s a bad idea.
Road Runner: Getting to where you want to go. Finding a good balance between speeding forward and then stopping at the right time. Deflecting a manipulative enemy both internal and external. Enjoying life and tapping into your talents and resources.
Or, as the Road Runner would say: ’Beep Beep!’
While these photos give you a look at the two symbols I’ve chosen for living with ADHD, I think we all know I’m referring to the Looney Tunes’ legendary cartoon characters that were first introduced in the 1940s and 1950s. Getting rights to show those animated characters, that’s another story.
But they were among my favorite childhood memories. That included seeing the look on Wile E. Coyote’s face as he realizes he’s fallen for the Road Runner’s trick once again — he’ll be falling down the side of the mountain into the desert’s abyss. That cloud of dust will be coming up; yet, somehow, he does live through it. Ah, the joy of cartoons!
If you asked me today how I was doing, I would happily tell you: more Road Runner and less Tasmanian Devil!
What the devil is it?
According to the Australian state of Tasmania: “The Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) got its name from early European settlers who upon hearing mysterious unearthly screams, coughs and growls from the bush decided to investigate further. Finding the dog-like animal with red ears, wide jaws and big sharp teeth led them to call it ‘The Devil’.”
It doesn’t seem to spin out of control as depicted in the Looney Tunes episodes. But he did go by the nickname, ‘Taz’” in these cartoons.
Legendary voice actor Mel Blanc had to completely make up Taz’s voice, according to Me TV.
Dr. Edward Hallowell, one of the leading therapists known for treating people who live with ADHD (and who’s done a great deal of writing and speaking on it) has a memorable image about living with this condition.
He wrote, “you have a turbo charged mind — like a Ferrari engine, but the brakes of a bicycle, and I’m the break expert. When ADHD is properly treated, the person can achieve great heights: doctors, lawyers, CEO’s, dreamers, innovators, explorers and even Harvard grads.”
Maybe there is some hope for the Tasmanian devil. After all, the Tasmanian Tigers didn’t do so well. As Popular Mechanics reported in September 2023, a new study reports the successful isolation of thylacine RNA from a 132-year-old specimen that made up these unusual tigers.
The Tasmanian tigers had a little more mobility than the devils — having lived on New Guinea as well as Tasmania. They probably won’t be joining the devils on Tasmania as they do seem to have disappeared; but the scientists are hoping that the testing methods used could be applied to other extinct species.
As for now, the Tasmanian devil is carrying the torch on that island. Let’s hope that their stress-level and hyperactivity don’t drive them to extinction.
There’s also the Road Runner, who may look like just a bird out in the desert — at least in this photo. But don’t try to trick him. Just ask Wile E. Coyote.
Jon LeSage is a Southern California-based freelance writer.
Photo credit:
Thanks to Image by Mapping Megan for the photo of Tasmanian devil; and Audubon Society for the road runner.
