ADHD and ME

gc1685
Jun 27
2 min read

ALiving With, Learning From, and Growing Through My Diagnosis

When people hear "ADHD," they often picture a hyperactive child bouncing off the walls or someone who just "can't sit still." What many don’t see is the deeply personal, often complex journey behind those four letters — a journey that is different for everyone. For me, ADHD has been both a challenge and an unexpected teacher.

The Early Signs — That I Didn’t Know Were Signs

Growing up, I was always the one who talked too much, zoned out mid-conversation, or forgot something important five minutes after I was told. Teachers said I was smart but "didn’t apply myself." Friends laughed when I was late again or started five projects without finishing one. Inside, I often felt frustrated, disorganized, and like I was trying to catch up to everyone else — all the time.

But I didn’t know it was ADHD. I just thought I was "bad at adulting."

The Diagnosis That Changed Everything

Getting diagnosed with ADHD wasn’t immediate. Like many adults, I went through years of self-blame, burnout, and even anxiety before I sought help. Finally sitting down with someone who understood and hearing, “Yes, this is ADHD” was both a relief and a revelation.

It gave me a new lens to view my life through — not as a string of failures or character flaws, but as a unique brain that functions differently.

What ADHD Looks Like for Me

For me, ADHD isn’t just forgetfulness or impulsivity. It’s hyperfocus on things I love, and complete disinterest in things that bore me. It’s mental clutter, overthinking, and sometimes emotional intensity. It’s also creativity, out-of-the-box thinking, and the ability to pivot quickly when plans change.

ADHD doesn’t look the same every day — and it definitely doesn’t look the same for every person.

The Tools That Help

Learning to manage ADHD is exactly that — a learning process. It takes time, trial and error, and patience (especially with myself). Some of the most helpful things in my toolkit now include:

Routine — Even a loose structure helps my brain function better.
Visual aids — Sticky notes, whiteboards, timers, and colour coding are my best friends.
Movement — Regular exercise gives me mental clarity like nothing else.
Support — Whether it’s a coach, a friend who “gets it,” or ADHD-specific therapy, community matters.
Compassion — ADHD doesn’t mean I’m broken. It just means I need different strategies
.

Why I’m Speaking Up

ADHD is still widely misunderstood, especially in adults and in women. That’s why I share my story — not because it’s perfect or polished, but because it’s real. If you see yourself in this, you’re not alone. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or still figuring things out, know this: ADHD doesn’t define you. But understanding it can free you.

Let’s keep having these conversations, without shame or stigma. ADHD isn’t the end of the story — it might just be the beginning of a more authentic one.