Lived Experience Forum

[greenspace]

Same here, Teej! I'm in my 50s, just diagnosed

[Paperdaisy]

Welcome @Bristle I'm wondering if you Son's diagnosis prompted you to get a diagnosis for yourself? 

[Jynx]

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Question 1: When you were first diagnosed, what was that process like?

How did you feel about it?

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The reason I found out about it was because I had always used games on my phone as a way to help me ‘listen better’ during lectures and even whilst watching tv. During class one time, my lecturer told me to put away my phone, even though I said it helped me stay engaged in the content. My friend (whom I knew to have ADHD) silently leaned across and handed me her shiny, flippy-sequin pencil case to fidget with, as though she knew exactly what I needed!

The process was not too terrible, filled out some questionnaires and got a referral to a specialist psychiatrist. The 8 month wait was a bit rough, where the ever-pressing weight of imposter syndrome was quite gnarly. I have spoken to a lot of my friends (turns out most of my friends also have ADHD, and quite a few were also undiagnosed… funny that!) who all talk about this feeling. Most of us have spent the majority of our lives being told we’re just lazy and incompetent, so a part of me continued to believe that this was just some excuse to try to get medication to ‘cheat at life’ or some BS like that. Now, having professional psychiatric confirmation has been enough to dispel the notion of being 'weaker, lazier, and bad at life’ - and has also given context and understanding to a large majority of struggles across my life. It was in most ways, a huge relief.

[Daisydreamer]

Welcome @Shaz51 @Bow @Bristle and @greenspace 🙂

We look forward to hearing your experiences, thoughts and questions!

[Paperdaisy]

You're here @Girlpower14 

[Teej]

Ditto @Bristle . One of my sons was diagnosed at 16 but he has more of the impulsive hyperactive traits. Another of my sons was 25 when he was diagnosed. The other two have some traits but probably not enough for a diagnosis. I have Attention Deficit Horizontal (on the account of daydreaming lots)  Disorder 😜

[Daisydreamer]

Hey @greenspace and welcome! The journey of self diagnosis before a formal diagnosis is one we hear a lot on the forums, and you are certainly not alone! 

I might tag @Jynx to answer your questions as they will have lots of insights here I am sure! "if you have ADHD plus other diagnoses or forms of mental distress, does managing the ADHD make a difference to your experiences of the other things?"

[Girlpower14]

Oh sorry I thought it was online zoom or something 

my daughter is 7 and just been diagnosed with mild adhd . I’m a sole parent 

[Shaz51]

@Daisydreamer , @Jynx , @Paperdaisy 

My husband always thought he must have the same a his sons , so when he was finally diagnosed with ADHD and bipolar 2 it was not a surprise 

[Bristle]

Replying to everyone at once!

@Jynx - I am also a piler, my wardrobe drives filers mad! I have also automated household tasks as much as possible. We have a robot vacuum, use the dishwasher and dryer every time, I get meal deliveries... life changing.

@Paperdaisy it was doing research because my son got diagnosed that did it! My mother still doesn't believe my diagnosis because 'she struggles with the same things' (kind of the point mum, its genetic...)

@Teej The hyperactive traits make it much easier for people to SEE don't they!