Life Update – Awaiting Assessment For Adult ADD (ADHD)

On World Mental Health Awareness Day a few weeks ago, I opened up about about my story of living with a hidden disability on social media but realised I didn’t document it via my blog. So for those of you that check in on this platform here is my experience…

My Back Story

At the current age of 34, I am on a long waiting list to be assessed for Adult ADD (ADHD). Throughout my whole life I have struggled with disorganisation, forgetfulness, flittering from one task to the next without actually completing any of them, not being able to recognise tone in conversations which often results in disagreements and unnecessary arguments. Poor recall, the inability to manage my money / bills and generally crumble under stressful situations. All are common traits and symptoms of those living with Adult ADHD.

For over a decade, I have lived in sheer frustration not knowing why I do the things I do (walking out a shop without my groceries or card still in the reader! endlessly misplacing my keys and phone not mentioning loosing my phone on more than one occasion) 

Things got so bad I honestly thought I had early onset Altsimers so took myself to get tested via my local GP (I failed).

Looking back at situations within the workplace, I also had problems wherever I went. My Managers would often comment on me ‘taking too long to complete tasks’.

This used to frustrate me immensely as I never really understood why these comment were repeatedly said as I was honestly doing them as fast as I could and to the BEST of my ability.

I found my symptoms of forgetfulness and disorganisation really spiralling out of control after having my two beautiful children.

Maybe it’s because I genuienly struggle to prioritise and manage my own life  so since becoming a Mother I am now faced with tasks of doing the thinking for 3 people. Along with all the other roles and responsibilities that Motherhood brings and attempting to be a homemaker. All of which causes me to get very overwhelmed sometimes.

Putting A Name To My Traits And Behaviours

If you are wondering how I came about finally knowing the official term for what I was experiencing, it was via my Instagram friend @pennybelle who started an ADHD blog after being diagnosed with Adult ADHD aged 30.

Her blog and IG has been a LIFE CHANGING read for me!! It is through her story, her online coaching community and her advocacy for raising awareness regarding Women With Adult ADHD that, for the first time ever in my adult life, gave me clarity in putting a name to my behaviours and traits!

You see, ADHD is often overlooked in girls, teens and young women. More needs to be done to ensure young girls get the correct support they need early on as opposed to slipping through the net like I did.

It has been hard struggling  through life knowing you do things very differently than the average non neurodiverse person but without the knowlege, education or understanding of the real resons why.

Penny recently wrote an article for Stylist Magazine which touches on the very subject of ADHD being overlooked in Girls and Women. It makes for an interesting read.

Documenting My Journey 

I’ll be sure to document the outcome of my aassessment as soon as I have it. In the meantime I am finding that cutting out sugar from my diet, together with meditation, journalling AND carving small pockets of time out for myself each day is helping me be less snappy with the children while feeling more in control in managing the symptoms as the arise.