This is Me and My ADHD Journey

Imagine living most of your life feeling like you're swimming upstream, only to discover in your late 30s that the current has a name: ADHD. Join me on this journey of self-discovery as I share what it means to be a late-diagnosed ADHD woman in a world that suddenly makes sense.

Growing Up Feeling Different

Struggling in School 

Growing up, I felt like an imposter. I struggled in school, dealing with boredom, lack of understanding, and reading comprehension issues. My shame began with out-loud reading sessions, where I’d stress over my paragraph, missing the story entirely.

Vivid Long-Term Memory 

One of the most painful aspects of ADHD is our vivid long-term memory. I recall every critical word and embarrassing moment with intense clarity. For instance, I remember the first negative comment about my appearance in my grade 5 class, which forever altered my self-image.

Impact of Criticism

ADHD kids often receive over 20,000 words of criticism by age ten, and we remember every single one. This criticism shaped my self-esteem and made schooling a nightmare.

Discovering ADHD in Adulthood

Masking and Misdiagnosis 

In adulthood, I masked my struggles, diagnosed with anxiety and depression for over 25 years. Nothing seemed to help until my sister’s ADHD diagnosis and a friend’s comment about ADHD in women. I dove into research and found my truth.

Life-Changing Diagnosis 

Getting officially diagnosed was a challenge, but the first day on medication was life-changing. At my daughter's birthday party, the chaos was suddenly quieted, and I experienced mental peace for the first time. It was an emotional revelation.

Embracing ADHD

Creative Outlets 

Medication reduced my anxiety and allowed me to embrace my differences. I’m learning to forgive myself for past judgments and to view myself positively. ADHD shapes who I am, fueling my creativity in cake decorating and homemade Halloween and Christmas decorations.

Building a Community

My life has transformed over the last two years. I’ve found my purpose: to fight for those with hidden strengths and to build a neurospicy community, so others don’t have to face a world not designed for them alone.

My journey with ADHD has been challenging but ultimately rewarding. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to embrace their neurodiversity and find their own paths to self-discovery.

Have you experienced something similar? Share your story in the comments below or join our NeurospicyHerzo  community!