I believe undiagnosed ADHD just from a lot of things I have read but also from a feeling of always feeling different in the way I behave or approach life from childhood. I also have recently been diagnosed with anxiety and mild OCD which I think ADHD might be the underlying cause. My sister got a diagnosis recently and it has been life changing for her. I’m tempted to push for myself.
Thanks for connecting Hattie. So interesting to hear your story and that you’re considering going for a diagnosis. Is there a long waiting list with you GP - just out of interest? Have you tried any of the online tests? Some come recommended others I wouldn’t trust
I was thinking about the GP or maybe going private but I’ve heard some bad stories about the latter. I’ve done some online tests but would be really interested in which ones have been recommended.
Thanks for sharing your experience in this post Tanya, I think this will resonate with many people and hopefully inspire others to seek support.
I'm sorry to hear you have experienced shame and judgement around this, but honestly this says more about others than you, unfortunately there is a lot more to do in terms of educating people on all sorts of disorders, and building a more empathic and supportive communities.
Glad you have come across Gabor Mate and found his perspective insightful - I think he is truly brilliant and breaking down stigma, exploring and explaining all sort of conditions, and inspiring understanding!
I don't personally have ADHD, (my trusty sidekick comes in the form of anxiety) but the thing is, everyone is different - we are all individual and even with the same diagnoses, we will continue to be individual, our traits will be individualised to us, and the important thing is to recognise this for ourselves and to own it - and that's exactly what I think you are doing right here x
p.s. also having just read your 'Sunday WORD:ship post about not being very good at sitting still - do I sense a connection ;)
I self-diagnosed as I took my teen daughter through her diagnosis. Clearly I scored at least as high as she did. I was 58.
The shame, as I remembered back through my life all the times ADHD has led to failure, mess and not finishing what I started, was profound. The financial shame; the relationship shame...it was a lot. All while telling my daughter that she’s perfect just as she is.
Some days I get frustrated, and others I think,”Well I got this far and these days I’m older and smarter.” I’m interested to hear more about your coach - I’d always doubted it would be much help.
Thanks for contributing to the conversation. It matters.
Hi Jo, thanks for connecting. You're the third person who has mentioned this, about self diagnosis after their child being diagnosed. I can so relate to the 'not finishing what I started' it's been the story of my life! My coach is just about to qualify. I've been her student through the practical side of her studies. She isn't sure whether to coach publicly, but I keep telling her she must. Honestly she is an incredible woman and I've learnt so much from her, in particular how to anchor my achievements or 'rainbow moments' as she describes them for times when I feel not worthy or an imposter. I'll let you know if and when she is taking on clients or if there are any ADHD coaches she would recommend.
Thank you for connecting Stephanie, do you mind me asking how long you've thought you might have ADHD? Are there any particular reasons why you're debating whether or not to go for diagnoses? I agree with you, there are so many untold stories and we need to help reduce the stigma.
I think you hit the nail on the head there Stephanie about procrastinating for years and the relief that your struggles were very real. I think there are 1000’s of women who could relate to this. I’m learning to lean into all my so called imperfections, lack of concentration, inability to do detail, struggle with basic maths, lacking confidence when making a simple decision, not knowing my left or right even when I raise my hands to make an ‘L’ shape and the list goes on and on. Some would say it’s just part of being a human, embrace the weirdness. But for me it’s the relentless ‘must try harder’ feeling. It’s exhausting. Thank you for sharing your story. I think we could continue this discussion for days. There is a new book out by Kat Brown ‘It’s Not A Bloody Trend’ - understanding life as an ADHD adult. It’s out next Feb. Keen to read it 🤩
I believe undiagnosed ADHD just from a lot of things I have read but also from a feeling of always feeling different in the way I behave or approach life from childhood. I also have recently been diagnosed with anxiety and mild OCD which I think ADHD might be the underlying cause. My sister got a diagnosis recently and it has been life changing for her. I’m tempted to push for myself.
Thanks for connecting Hattie. So interesting to hear your story and that you’re considering going for a diagnosis. Is there a long waiting list with you GP - just out of interest? Have you tried any of the online tests? Some come recommended others I wouldn’t trust
I was thinking about the GP or maybe going private but I’ve heard some bad stories about the latter. I’ve done some online tests but would be really interested in which ones have been recommended.
Thanks for sharing your experience in this post Tanya, I think this will resonate with many people and hopefully inspire others to seek support.
I'm sorry to hear you have experienced shame and judgement around this, but honestly this says more about others than you, unfortunately there is a lot more to do in terms of educating people on all sorts of disorders, and building a more empathic and supportive communities.
Glad you have come across Gabor Mate and found his perspective insightful - I think he is truly brilliant and breaking down stigma, exploring and explaining all sort of conditions, and inspiring understanding!
I don't personally have ADHD, (my trusty sidekick comes in the form of anxiety) but the thing is, everyone is different - we are all individual and even with the same diagnoses, we will continue to be individual, our traits will be individualised to us, and the important thing is to recognise this for ourselves and to own it - and that's exactly what I think you are doing right here x
p.s. also having just read your 'Sunday WORD:ship post about not being very good at sitting still - do I sense a connection ;)
Take care Tanya x
You know me so well Julie. Thanks so much for your kind and thoughtful message. Individuality rules 🤙
also would love to know who your coach is!
I self-diagnosed as I took my teen daughter through her diagnosis. Clearly I scored at least as high as she did. I was 58.
The shame, as I remembered back through my life all the times ADHD has led to failure, mess and not finishing what I started, was profound. The financial shame; the relationship shame...it was a lot. All while telling my daughter that she’s perfect just as she is.
Some days I get frustrated, and others I think,”Well I got this far and these days I’m older and smarter.” I’m interested to hear more about your coach - I’d always doubted it would be much help.
Thanks for contributing to the conversation. It matters.
Hi Jo, thanks for connecting. You're the third person who has mentioned this, about self diagnosis after their child being diagnosed. I can so relate to the 'not finishing what I started' it's been the story of my life! My coach is just about to qualify. I've been her student through the practical side of her studies. She isn't sure whether to coach publicly, but I keep telling her she must. Honestly she is an incredible woman and I've learnt so much from her, in particular how to anchor my achievements or 'rainbow moments' as she describes them for times when I feel not worthy or an imposter. I'll let you know if and when she is taking on clients or if there are any ADHD coaches she would recommend.
Thank you for connecting Stephanie, do you mind me asking how long you've thought you might have ADHD? Are there any particular reasons why you're debating whether or not to go for diagnoses? I agree with you, there are so many untold stories and we need to help reduce the stigma.
I think you hit the nail on the head there Stephanie about procrastinating for years and the relief that your struggles were very real. I think there are 1000’s of women who could relate to this. I’m learning to lean into all my so called imperfections, lack of concentration, inability to do detail, struggle with basic maths, lacking confidence when making a simple decision, not knowing my left or right even when I raise my hands to make an ‘L’ shape and the list goes on and on. Some would say it’s just part of being a human, embrace the weirdness. But for me it’s the relentless ‘must try harder’ feeling. It’s exhausting. Thank you for sharing your story. I think we could continue this discussion for days. There is a new book out by Kat Brown ‘It’s Not A Bloody Trend’ - understanding life as an ADHD adult. It’s out next Feb. Keen to read it 🤩