Tell us about your experience with ADHD
When were you diagnosed, or suspect that you had ADHD? How has it impacted your life?
I was always very energetic and wondered if I had the hyperactive version of ADHD, but I was diagnosed when my son was in grade 4 and I was 44. I was grateful to attend an ADHD 101 conference put on at BC Children's Hospital in conjunction with Kelty Mental Health. I have since spent significant effort learning about and advocating for my son and his two neurodivergent siblings. Apparently, I shared my gifts. I have recently written and performed a one-person storytelling play at the Vancouver Fringe Festival featuring my life experience as a parent with ADHD parenting neurodivergent children.
What has been the biggest challenge living with ADHD?
This could be in school, work, relationships, your mental health, etc.
Parenting my 3 children and managing our household. I particularly struggled with maintaining housekeeping routines and managing our very full schedules. All my kids were competitive athletes, and I was self-employed.
What strengths or unique qualities do you associate with your ADHD?
Is there something about how your brain works that you appreciate or celebrate?
I appreciate many stimulating projects going on at the same time, and am happy leading groups of volunteers or coworkers in special events. I became an event planner after I sold my small retail store chain.
How has your identity (age, race, gender, culture, etc.) shaped your experience with ADHD?
Feel free to reflect on how ADHD intersects with other aspects of who you are.
My Latin American heritage and zeal for life work well with my hyperactive energy and social nature. I use my boundless energy to advance causes near and dear to me and find it easy to engage others in the adventure. Being an older woman participating in school events allowed me to build a community of engaged parents who encouraged and supported each other as we worked to better the school. As our children faced academic difficulties, we helped each other navigate the education system and influenced the decisions made by the administrators and staff that included and supported a diverse school population.
What do you wish more people understood about ADHD?
What myths or misconceptions would you love to bust?
I want people to understand that executive function is a better predictor of academic success than intelligence. Raising awareness of the developmental delays associated with ADHD would help parents and teachers have more patience and compassion with students struggling in classrooms and at home. I feel that teacher training showing how providing written lesson notes, progress check-ins and schedule reminders for students could significantly improve learning outcomes and reduce classroom management issues.
What has helped you the most in managing or embracing your ADHD?
This could include tools, therapy, community, mindset shifts, medication, etc.
I have taken personal development courses that gave me excellent tools to interpret my situation in a way that puts me in a position of choice. I found focusing on reality and how I can make things work towards the desired outcome, even if it's finding a different way, has worked out better for me than trying the same old way that doesn't work for me. I understand that advocating for my children as soon as possible, directly and frequently, has aided in creating better experiences for all involved.
Why do you want to share your story during ADHD Awareness Month?
What motivates you to speak up now?
I want to stop the ADHD Tax through education. I want to foster understanding amongst people and enlist their support to intentionally help the health and development of neurodivergent people by being more flexible and compassionate. We all benefit when we strengthen the fabric of goodwill that exists in the world.
Tell us about your experience with ADHD
When were you diagnosed, or suspect that you had ADHD? How has it impacted your life?
I was diagnosed with ADHD (and OCD and Tourettes Syndrome) as a young child of about 7 years old. It has impacted my life in many significant ways from spending time in a youth psychiatric hospital to ending up in foster care for a year and having to leave the parental home at 16 years old.
It has made intimate relationships extremely difficult, I have always struggled with emotional regulation and have a persistent need for autonomy.
Executive dysfunction and other related struggles have reeked havoc on my financial stability as I tried over and over to be a consistent employee but could never stay in someone else's 9-5 routine for long.
I constantly forget and misplace things, have a very hard time waiting for folks to finish what they say before answering, and can often be "too much" for others to handle.
It has also made it extremely difficult to plan and organize anything over time, and develop and stick to better habits.
Fatigue and burnout are always just around the corner as I do not relax well.
What has been the biggest challenge living with ADHD?
This could be in school, work, relationships, your mental health, etc.
Maintaining gainful employment and financial stability. Interpersonal relationships. Being misunderstood or labelled as lazy or stupid. But the number 1 challenge has been accessing quality care through the public health system!
What strengths or unique qualities do you associate with your ADHD?
Is there something about how your brain works that you appreciate or celebrate?
Sure, I suppose there is the whole "hyperfocus" thing but it's likely more of a curse than a blessing. If I am deeply interested in something I can learn it and become very good at it rather quickly, but it is always at the expense of everything else; hygiene, nutrition, sleep, relationships, etc. It also doesn't last, once I've learned it and have achieved a certain level of proficiency my brain will go find some other new and novel thing to be honest excited about, rinse and repeat.
If there is anything at all positive about it, I suppose it could be that it has made me more empathetic towards others who are struggling.
How has your identity (age, race, gender, culture, etc.) shaped your experience with ADHD?
Feel free to reflect on how ADHD intersects with other aspects of who you are.
I felt strongly in my 20s that because I am a man I shouldn't be weak or emotional. I shouldn't have to take meds or therapy and should be strong enough to push through and "bla bla bla bootstraps". Many general practitioners also perpetuated this believe early in my adult life when I sought advice on what I should do about my diagnoses. I got told things like "ADHD goes away when you're an adult", "You just need to exercise more and apply yourself", "You're in university so you must be doing alright", or worse, "ADHD isn't even real". Yes… DOCTORS told me these things.
Culture absolutely shaped the outcomes of my struggles. I think in Canada we have a disgusting culture of waiting for a crisis to happen and then dealing with it through crisis management instead of taking preventative steps to avoid a crisis in the first place. This is more costly for everyone in the long run and if quality mental health care was accessible to everyone we would likely see things get better before they get worse. Perhaps the "tent cities" would start shrinking too.
What do you wish more people understood about ADHD?
What myths or misconceptions would you love to bust?
That we don't just need to try harder. We are already trying harder than most, putting in 200% effort and getting 50% results.
We are often worried that everyone hates us or that we are in trouble. Some positive reinforcement is very helpful from time to time.
That we need breaks! …and I mean over the long term. We may do very well for sometime but eventually burnout. When that happens, we need time to recalibrate and the more pressure that's put on us to keep going, the less likely we will be productive.
That it truly IS a disability for many of us!
Would you tell the guy in a wheelchair to "just try to walk harder"? I think not.
What has helped you the most in managing or embracing your ADHD?
This could include tools, therapy, community, mindset shifts, medication, etc.
Accepting that I have a condition that needs to be managed has been helpful but without guidance it took far too long to realize this and many years of my life feel like they've been wasted.
Medication has been helpful in some ways but again, there is more profit to be made from tossing pharmaceuticals at us than addressing the root issues. Many of us have trauma and comorbidities. All the research shows that medication in tandem with quality therapies is the best approach that we know of so far. Therapy however, is expensive and usually not covered by public health care.
Further, private health insurance won't cover you for pre existing conditions so we're left to foot the bill on our own when we already have financial struggles.
Finally, physical exercise has been helpful with mood and focus as well as teaching myself about consistency. Movement is truly medicine.
Why do you want to share your story during ADHD Awareness Month?
What motivates you to speak up now?
I only got serious about my mental health a few years ago after hitting rock bottom, examining my life and seeing a pattern of pitfalls that made it quite obvious to me that my childhood diagnoses were after all, greatly affecting my life as an adult. As a result of being untreated and unmanaged for so many years, I had developed some pretty severe anxiety, depression and PTSD on top of it all and was no longer functioning well at all.
Upon seeking help and treatment I was met with much dismissal, pushback, doubt, and neglectful care from numerous health care professionals. It became apparent to me rather quickly that when people said, "You're gonna need to fight and advocate for yourself" that they really weren't kidding.
I went through 3 family doctors before I found one who was willing to help. Then I went through 3 psychiatrists before I found one who was even willing to offer a follow-up. Accessing any of the resources that they say are out there for us has been a nightmare in chasing down everyone else to do what they've promised me. I finally found some therapy covered by AHS but is is not very trauma informed and more punitive than helpful and compassionate.
So I want to share my story to let folks know that not only are ADHD folks struggling with their conditions, but are also often being denied the care that could potentially offer us a better attempt at life and independence.
I also want to inspire others with neurological conditions to still strive for a better life and fight for the help they deserve.
Though life remains a constant struggle for me, I have still managed to achieve some incredible things in spite of it and am quite proud of those accomplishments. Once I realized that I could direct my hyperfocus into studies that aligned with my special interests, I managed to obtain a university degree, become fluent in a foreign language, and even receive a JUNO Award for my work in Canadian music.
This is, however, not without the support and guidance of a wonderful father that I am lucky to have in my life. I would most certainly be homeless and on the street without him. Not all of us are so lucky.
My parents made a great move when I was very young by showing me stories of others with ADHD or Tourettes or whatever who went on to achieve great things. A major league baseball player with Tourettes, famous musicians with ADHD, etc. This was incredibly inspiring and I would like current parents of kids with ADHD to know the potential positive impact this can have.
Tell us about your experience with ADHD
When were you diagnosed, or suspect that you had ADHD? How has it impacted your life?
That’s a much longer story than time will permit. To be short, I was diagnosed in November 2023 at 43, almost 44 years old. I have worked in Mental Health since I was 19. Oh boy, did we drop the ball! I always joked I had it, but it wasn’t until I was whining to my BOH that I was no longer sleeping when she asked me if I’d ever considered medicating my ADHD, to which I said I don’t have ADHD, really, I just joke. Essentially, she told me to get a clue lol she’s known me since I was 17. It completely threw me and caused a blowup in my life and existence. I reached emotional lows I wouldn’t have thought myself capable of. The last time I was told to thoroughly answer that question was 20+ pages.
What has been the biggest challenge living with ADHD?
This could be in school, work, relationships, your mental health, etc.
Existing in a world not meant for you is hard. My challenges began long before I was aware with parents who were teachers, but still don’t believe ADHD to be real. As a result, I have spent my entire life being told if I’d just try…. So it affects everything. I never completed University, and have struggled working. Then, since the diagnosis, especially, I feel like it has cost me everything. I have an amazing circle of friends, but I couldn’t maintain my existence, and after losing my job, where everyone thought I fit well, I lost control of everything. Almost taking my own life after many traumatic medical experiences. Trying to find my way again with much support, medication, and a diagnosis, but it’s hard. I dug a deep hole that I am nowhere near clear of. I had never maintained a romantic relationship and had sworn off men. The only reason I believe I’m here is that in all the chaos, I met my husband, and he’s amazing and has been there for me.
What strengths or unique qualities do you associate with your ADHD?
Is there something about how your brain works that you appreciate or celebrate?
I always have and will refer to my many gifts from ADHD as my superpowers, and many who know me agree. Also being a firstborn daughter, in a small town etc., I have had many of the tick boxes against me. But ADHD makes me amazing at my job, I see things so much faster and detailed than most others. My brain works at a speed fast enough that I keep up with the most troubled youth, plus my personality just attracts them. I don’t even know half my own trauma story, but I have a very deep empathy for those I work with. When I can focus can read a novel in a few hours as my brain goes fast when reading. I am very ADHD and so creative, so I think that I can make things work that others can’t. The off-the-wall ideas and new hyper focus things only add to my strengths. I believe that had it been seen when I was younger and someone had taught me to use my brain power properly, there isn’t anything I couldn’t have done.
How has your identity (age, race, gender, culture, etc.) shaped your experience with ADHD?
Feel free to reflect on how ADHD intersects with other aspects of who you are.
So, as a late-diagnosed Caucasian woman… my story sounds like a lot of others out there now that I know where to look. However, being that makes life challenging. There are very few supports that exist for someone in my position. Funding to complete my degree has been denied for the last 25 years, because I am not in a minority group there is no support for most things. The $300 a year I have access to through my work benefits to help treat mental health is it. I would rather poke my own eye out than have to talk on the phone or video, so the many online options that exist just don’t benefit me.
I lost my job, and ADHD can be completely blamed for that, as it can for the huge financial hit that resulted from it. Being a woman in perimenopause, I also sound crazy a lot of the time. Any support groups I’ve seen get too focused on those with kids, which I was never lucky enough to have. For many women in my position, in the ones I can access are no longer working because they have the support of disability. Well there is no funding for me for that either. I was told it hasn’t affected my life significantly enough to qualify for any support.
Now, I advocate for children with mental health supports multiple times a day every day, so it’s not that I don’t know where to look, but there just isn’t anything that helps me find something.
I got accommodations when I returned to school, but having just written a final, my response to them was I don’t know how anyone thinks that helps an ADHD brain, but thanks for the torture hope I didn’t disassociate too much and fail like I did the midterm despite having a 94% average before it. I know the material…which of course sends me back to trauma from school as a child, that I just can’t do it, and am not smart enough!
I could go on and on, I am sure, because I have the gift of super self-awareness with ADHD, but can’t translate it into effective action for myself.
What do you wish more people understood about ADHD?
What myths or misconceptions would you love to bust?
All of them! My biggest struggle is having parents who don’t believe my struggles are real, so of course, I hold fault for all that is wrong in the family with zero support. Many people feel that way. I hear how it’s fake and everyone has it, I’m too lazy to have ADHD. But you point out all the very ADHD behaviours I show as faults, but it’s not real. We live in a frustrating world where people are not treated as equals, and support is not available to everyone. I’m speaking from the perspective of an employed woman because I have yet to even find a support group to join that doesn’t become about how to manage children.. might have helped me when I was a child, but I am not.
What has helped you the most in managing or embracing your ADHD?
This could include tools, therapy, community, mindset shifts, medication, etc.
I am still looking for that. Medication made my life significantly easier it calmed the chaos. However, being told I was going to have to come off of it led to me saying I’d rather die. Because it is now affecting my heart rate. My doctor and I bargained; he gave me additional meds to help my heart so I could make progress in mental health, and then we will reevaluate when I am more emotionally stable. This has also led me to try all the non-medication things.
Why do you want to share your story during ADHD Awareness Month?
What motivates you to speak up now?
I have worked in mental health for many years and very much identify with people’s struggles, but also am very good at solutions for everyone but myself. I also believe we are not going to end the stigma ever if we keep it quiet, and had I been able to express my struggles many years ago, I might have had a different, far less traumatic life.
Tell us about your experience with ADHD
When were you diagnosed, or suspect that you had ADHD? How has it impacted your life?
I realized I probably had ADHD when I was 30. Suddenly, the funny videos, memes, and online content I’d been scrolling through started hitting a little too close to home… wait a minute, could this be me too? After digging deeper, I spoke with my family doctor, who agreed and started me on stimulant medication. After years of feeling like I was constantly running uphill without knowing why, it was like a switch flipped.
Growing up, I was seen as bright and capable, but underneath I was exhausted from masking, overcompensating, and silently struggling to keep up. Getting the diagnosis was both validating and overwhelming - it finally gave me language for experiences I had always chalked up to being “too much” or “not enough.”
ADHD has shaped nearly every part of my life: from my nursing career, where high-pressure environments sometimes collided with executive function challenges, to my relationships, where communication can feel like a maze. But it has also been the thread that connects my creativity, resilience, and empathy - even in chaos.
What has been the biggest challenge living with ADHD?
This could be in school, work, relationships, your mental health, etc.
Looking back, ADHD challenges were a constant in my life - I just didn’t recognize them for what they were. The hardest part has been the disconnect between what I know I’m capable of and what I can actually deliver consistently. In school and at work, that often meant being praised for my insights and dedication, while behind the scenes I was drowning in procrastination, distraction, and burnout. In relationships, it shows up as struggling to express emotions in the moment or shutting down when I feel overwhelmed. Over time, this led to a deep sense of shame. The shame of “not enough” - not organized enough, not disciplined enough, not easy enough to love - has followed me like a shadow. In many ways, that shame has been an even harder battle than ADHD itself.
What strengths or unique qualities do you associate with your ADHD?
Is there something about how your brain works that you appreciate or celebrate?
I see the world through a lens that is curious, layered, and deeply empathetic. ADHD allows me to notice patterns others might miss, connect ideas across disciplines, and think outside the box when problem-solving. In nursing and research, this has meant seeing the person behind the diagnosis or the story behind the data. I also value the passion and creativity that come when my brain is fully engaged. When I’m able to hyperfocus, I can build meaningful projects, write with depth, or create safe spaces where others feel truly understood.
How has your identity (age, race, gender, culture, etc.) shaped your experience with ADHD?
Feel free to reflect on how ADHD intersects with other aspects of who you are.
As a woman diagnosed later in life, learning about ADHD often left me feeling invisible. So much of the research and diagnostic criteria were shaped around young boys, which meant my struggles were overlooked or mislabeled for years. Being a nurse (especially a mental health nurse) also complicated things. I was expected to be the caregiver, the one holding everything together, even when I was unraveling inside. My ADHD intersects with every part of my life: my gender, my professional identity, and my role as a caregiver in my family. Each of those layers brings its own mix of strength and stigma. The truth is, ADHD doesn’t look the same on everyone, and I hope that sharing my story highlights just how diverse those experiences can be.
What do you wish more people understood about ADHD?
What myths or misconceptions would you love to bust?
That it’s not just about being “distracted” or “forgetful.” ADHD is an entire way of experiencing the world. It affects emotions, relationships, self-esteem, and health. It’s not a lack of willpower, and it doesn’t go away if you just “try harder.” I wish more people understood how much effort it takes to do the things others consider simple, and how much brilliance, creativity, and resilience can coexist with those struggles. The biggest myth I’d love to bust is that ADHD is a flaw - it’s not. It’s a difference, and differences can be strengths with understanding.
What has helped you the most in managing or embracing your ADHD?
This could include tools, therapy, community, mindset shifts, medication, etc.
The biggest shift for me has been self-compassion. Medication has helped, yes, but even more powerful has been finding community with other neurodivergent people and reframing my struggles as part of my brain’s wiring - not moral failings. Therapy, journaling, and building routines that work for me (not just ones that look good on paper) have been essential. I’ve learned that managing ADHD isn’t about fixing myself, but about creating an environment where I can thrive.
Why do you want to share your story during ADHD Awareness Month?
What motivates you to speak up now?
Because I know how isolating it feels to think you’re broken when really, you just have a different brain. If my story reaches even one person who feels unseen or misunderstood, it’s worth it. I want to help dismantle the shame and stereotypes around ADHD - especially for women, professionals, and caregivers who are too often told they’re just not trying hard enough. Speaking up now is part of reclaiming my own story and creating the awareness I wish had existed when I was younger.
Tell us about your experience with ADHD
When were you diagnosed, or suspect that you had ADHD? How has it impacted your life?
I was officially diagnosed in 2020, at 23 years old. My process to getting diagnosed was one that was long and challenging. I started seeking help back in college. Not because I thought I had ADHD, but because I knew something was wrong and had no idea how to fix whatever it was.
I told the doctor that my thoughts were constantly racing and how I struggled to do really basic tasks and everything felt like I was having to push myself through molasses to do it. I spoke about feeling like my emotions were all over the place and out of control. I explained that it was impacting my self esteem because I felt like I was just so different and nobody got it.
At this time, I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression in 2014 and put on antidepressants. But they never did anything. I went to appointment after appointment saying, “This isn’t helping,” only to be told to wait longer or try a different one. Eventually, I gave up and weaned myself off.
As time went on, things got worse. I felt fundamentally wrong, like I didn't belong in the world and like everyone had been given this instruction manual to life that was never given to me. I went back to the doctor to continue searching for answers and was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. The antipsychotics I was prescribed completely numbed me. I barely remember those 3 months because I was just a shell of myself. Again, I weaned off medication and tried to manage things on my own through lifestyle changes and diet.
In 2017, I was taking a psychology class and we covered ADHD. I remember staring at the diagnostic criteria and being like "I have that…. wait I have that too". It felt like someone had found my diary. I brought this doctor, excited to maybe have answers but they said the symptoms also overlapped with Bipolar Disorder and advised me to resume the antipsychotics. I didn't.
After this time, I started joking with friends about maybe having ADHD. The following year I graduated and no longer had access to the same doctor, and I didn’t have a family doctor either so I resorted to walk-in clinics. There was still something in the back of my mind telling me that we hadn't figured the truth out yet.
In 2020, I was struggling with friendships. One friend was upset that I never initiated texts or followed up on things she told me. I remember telling a coworker, “It’s not that I don’t care, I just literally do not think about people when they're not right in front of me". I felt horrible about it, like I was selfish and broken.
That coworker shared with me that she experienced the same thing but for her it was her ADHD that caused it. That conversation reignited the fire in me. I remembered the college class where I heard about those symptoms and how deeply I'd related. So I went back to the doctor.
The doctor at this walk-in clinic actually listened. She asked me detailed questions about my symptoms now, my childhood, how I did in school, my emotional patterns. We talked for almost an hour. She said it was very likely ADHD, and she prescribed Vyvanse.
I was terrified to start it because I had taken so many other medication that had not work on me or made things worse. But I took the pill and within 45 mins, I was in tears. My brain was actually quiet. For the first time in my life, it felt like there were brakes. I walked downstairs in tears, looking at my mom and said "So you're telling me that you guys feel this way ALL the time?!"
Getting diagnosed felt like coming home. It’s been a steady process of unlearning all the ways I thought I was broken. Almost everything I’d labeled as laziness, selfishness, or failure turned out to be symptoms of something bigger. I finally had language for all my feelings. Most importantly, I wasn't alone anymore. I finally had a sense of community in speaking to others who feel how I feel and think the way that I think. It has brought so much compassion. For myself and others like me.
What has been the biggest challenge living with ADHD?
This could be in school, work, relationships, your mental health, etc.
The biggest challenge with ADHD has been unlearning all the negative things I believed about myself and that others put on me. For most of my life I was called lazy, told I wasn't trying hard enough or told I was not living up to my potential. People made it seem that the things I struggled with were easy and instead of getting help, I got blamed.
Even after getting diagnosed, it's been incredibly hard to let go of the shame I internalized and the anger I feel. Anger that something was wrong and nobody believed me or helped me.
It's still hard, especially because some people continue to carry at perpetuate that same mindset. But now that I understand that my symptoms are because of ADHD, I'm the one who has to advocate for myself, figure out what I need and give myself the care I never got.
Managing my ADHD symptoms has definitely not been an easy part but the hardest part has been grieving all the years I spent undiagnosed and struggling.
What strengths or unique qualities do you associate with your ADHD?
Is there something about how your brain works that you appreciate or celebrate?
One of the biggest strengths that I associate with my ADHD is the way my brain connects ideas. I notice patterns that others miss and I come up with outside the box ways of thinking. My ADHD makes me creative, curious and constantly absorbing information which makes me a great problem-solver.
I also used to see my emotional sensitivity and the fact that I felt emotions very deeply as a weakness. I have grown to see it as a strength. It makes me empathetic and emotionally attuned to others. I used to find it weird that people I barely knew would start opening up to me about deep traumatic experiences. Now I realize that it's because my ADHD makes me raw, real and deeply empathetic. People feel that and it makes them feel safe to be vulnerable. That has become a part of myself that I really value.
How has your identity (age, race, gender, culture, etc.) shaped your experience with ADHD?
Feel free to reflect on how ADHD intersects with other aspects of who you are.
Being a girl has definitely shaped my experience with ADHD. One of the biggest impacts was how long it took me to get diagnosed. Throughout elementary school and high school my report cards would come back saying that my work was messy, my assignments were always late, I was always forgetting materials, and that I wasn't applying myself.
My mom worked as an integration aide at my elementary school, supporting kids with Autism and ADHD, but she told me she never even considered ADHD as a possibility for me because I wasn’t hyperactive or disruptive like the typical boy stereotype.
I think another thing that got overlooked was my incredibly intense emotions. I would get brought to tears very easily, was incredibly sensitive to rejection and often come home from school crying because I felt like my friends didn't want to be around me. I think because I was a girl, these emotions were just seen dismissed as just being a "cry-baby" instead of it being recognized as something bigger.
It wasn't until I started researching ADHD that I read about how it can present very differently in girls which helped me finally make sense of my experiences. This understanding has empowered me and motivated me to advocate for others and raise awareness about the diverse ways ADHD can show up.
What do you wish more people understood about ADHD?
What myths or misconceptions would you love to bust?
I wish people understood that ADHD isn't just about being hyperactive or forgetful. It's much more complex and affects pretty much everything you do and every aspect of your life.
I also wished that people realized that ADHD is not laziness or a lack of willpower. People with ADHD often work incredibly hard to just keep up, but our brains are wired differently, which means we sometimes just need different strategies and supports to succeed.
Most of all, I wish there was more compassion and patience for those living with ADHD. Still to this day, I constantly hear ADHD being talked about with negative stereotypes.
I've had bosses say they didn't want to hire someone with ADHD, not knowing that I have it and was one of their top employees because of my ability to problem solve and think creatively which are directly tied to my ADHD.
I've heard parents talk about their child's ADHD as if it's a terrible thing and makes them a monster. If more people truly understood ADHD, I feel like there'd be less stigma and more kindness.
What has helped you the most in managing or embracing your ADHD?
This could include tools, therapy, community, mindset shifts, medication, etc.
What's helped me the most in managing and embracing my ADHD has been gaining understanding and acceptance for how my brain works. After learning this, I was able to discover strategies that work for me, like creating routines and using reminders.
Therapy definitely had a huge impact on me and helped me have the biggest shift which has been practising self-compassion and being patient with myself on the hard days and celebrating my unique strengths instead of just focusing on the challenges. I started therapy with the mindset of "my stupid ADHD brain is ruining my life" but I left with so much more compassion and understanding for my beautifully complex brain. That change in perspective has helped me embrace ADHD as a vital part of who I am and not just something to fix.
Why do you want to share your story during ADHD Awareness Month?
What motivates you to speak up now?
I wanted to share my story during ADHD Awareness Month because I know how much it meant to me to read other people's stories and find others who resonate with what I've been through.
What motivated me to start speaking up whenever I had the chance is the progress I’ve made in understanding and accepting my ADHD. I want to use that progress to create a safe space where others can share their journeys without shame or fear. Speaking up feels like a way of turning my challenges into something meaningful, to raise awareness and to advocate for more compassion and support for everyone living with ADHD.
Tell us about your experience with ADHD
When were you diagnosed, or suspect that you had ADHD? How has it impacted your life?
I was diagnosed twice throughout my life. The first time was when I was about 7, through a recommendation from my first-grade teacher. At the time of the diagnosis, my mom was not properly informed about ADHD, which left me not knowing I had it until I was 17. When I suggested to my mom that I would like to be assessed for it, which is when she revealed I had been tested and diagnosed when I was a child. I was reassessed in 2024, at 19, when I especially felt the full impact of ADHD through my first and second year of university. The way it had impacted my life was that I was able to realize that everything I was going through, which I did not know were symptoms and felt so difficult to function at times, was actually something bigger. Providing that label to the years of questioning has allowed me to understand myself better and have access to resources that can help me succeed at what I want to do. I don't think of it as something I am cursed with; I understand that my brain functions a certain way, and that is who I am. It felt like clarity and was one step to understanding who I am.
What has been the biggest challenge living with ADHD?
This could be in school, work, relationships, your mental health, etc.
I think wanting to achieve so much but not having enough energy, focus, or time management to do so. I do accomplish my goals, even though sometimes I do them right up to the deadline, or I forget about something important. The forgetfulness is hard as well, especially when I get distracted with another task and completely forget what I was doing or where I placed the object I had previously. Trying not to get overwhelmed when there is a lot to do, and the executive function can make tasks and days more difficult if I do not allow myself a break or check in on myself. I do pick my fingers, arms, and scalp, not bad, but it is something I do unconsciously as a form of fidgeting. I think change is also really hard, especially when you move to a new location, and getting used to the new area and routine is very difficult as well. I think the fact that I panic easily, too, such as when there is not enough time on a quiz for me to complete something, or if I simply cannot find a food item in the fridge. It varies from day to day, depending on whether I got enough sleep, my stress levels, if I took medications, and if I ate too. The anxiety and racing thoughts that I have at times make it hard to concentrate or fall asleep at times.
What strengths or unique qualities do you associate with your ADHD?
Is there something about how your brain works that you appreciate or celebrate?
With the heavy attention to detail and wanting to do everything to the best of my ability, I will work on a task until I am satisfied with the result. I also look at things in a different way and am consistently curious about everything I do. The hyperfocus, as well, is a gift sometimes, especially if it is something that I am fully committed to. The ability to be creative and have a strong imagination is useful when working on a project, too. Once I see something I want to create or even a place I want to go, I do it (which is also impulse control, but in this way it is more positive). It makes up my outgoing and talkative personality as well. I have participated in drama productions in high school to deliver speeches in front of crowds. It allows me to have a more open personality and be there for someone who may not be as comfortable as I am in certain situations. I am very much a risk taker in some ways, such as going on an exchange to Ireland for 4 months by myself and learning new things about myself that I wouldn't have if I did not go. If I did not take that leap, I knew I would regret it for the rest of my life.
How has your identity (age, race, gender, culture, etc.) shaped your experience with ADHD?
Feel free to reflect on how ADHD intersects with other aspects of who you are.
Since I am a woman, we tend to be underdiagnosed due to us presenting symptoms differently from men or boys at a young age. Even though I was diagnosed at the age of about 7, the doctors gave my mom little information or choice on how to help a child with ADHD, besides prescribing medications. Due to this lack of information and not wanting to put a 7-year-old on stimulants, my mom had no idea what to do or what ADHD even was. Through my development, I excelled in school and showed no signs of concern, which is why she never followed through with anything else besides what the doctors told her originally. Due to a lack of information and options presented to my mom, there may have been a better explanation for the things I was feeling as I grew up. My ADHD gives me my loud and expressive personality that makes me who I am and allows me to keep varying interests and determination towards the things I love. It gives me my determination and commitment to the things I enjoy doing, as well as giving me the ability to just do something without thinking twice about it (especially if it's something I want to achieve).
What do you wish more people understood about ADHD?
What myths or misconceptions would you love to bust?
It is much more than the typical hyperactivity or lack of focus that the majority of people think of. Just because you aren't what is typically thought of for ADHD, does not mean that someone could not have it. Having to explain the time blindness, the procrastination, the anxiety, the overstimulation, and feeling frozen to the point you can't move, these are only some things. As well as it presents differently in girls than in boys, who are typically assumed to have it. That I don't do things on purpose, such as being late, and that actually I am very aware of if I am late to something and begin to panic surrounding it. Having to consistently explain what is happening inside my head or the reason I do something a certain way because I have to, or my behaviour can be exhausting at times, especially when people think of ADHD as the typical stereotype. ADHD is more than just hyperactivity; it is the way someone's brain functions and is unique to everyone.
What has helped you the most in managing or embracing your ADHD?
This could include tools, therapy, community, mindset shifts, medication, etc.
Occupational therapy has helped me realize what works for me and what does not. It has helped me understand ADHD better and what I need to ensure that I can have a productive day. I think also giving myself grace (being kind to myself) or not being so hard on myself came as a result of this. I do hold myself accountable when I do not complete something because I was off doing another unimportant task, but I realize I am doing the best I can and may just need to approach this important task in a different way that allows my brain to find it easier to do. To motivate myself is very hard, but if I do a small, simple task before, I can tackle the next task right after. Medications have helped a lot, I feel less scattered brain, I can focus for longer periods of time, and I am not as tired as before, but they are definitely not for everyone. Some medications work better than others, and each has its own side effects. Understanding that I need a routine to function allows me to hold myself to that and not feel overwhelmed about everything that is coming in the future. Having a supportive community helps, and those who understand me allow me to thrive and learn in new environments. They have helped me not be afraid of doing things I want, provided me with more confidence, and supported me through days that may be difficult. Understanding if something is too much or if you need help is very important as well. Do not be afraid to ask the people around you to explain or guide you through something. Lastly, one thing that has especially helped me is understanding what works for me and what doesn't, always finding new ways to do things that can help me accomplish what I need.
Why do you want to share your story during ADHD Awareness Month?
What motivates you to speak up now?
I think the stigma or lack of understanding of what it actually is, as well as the lack of focus and information the medical field has on women, too. For those people who remain undiagnosed and confused about why they function differently from others. I have had friends, many of whom are women, come to me asking questions related to ADHD because they are questioning whether they have it or not. To the parents who were not informed properly by medical practitioners and want to do what's best for their child. For years of my mom said over and over again that she did not realize exactly what ADHD was, or was not given other options at the time, she was left clueless for years. Lastly, for my nana, who is very similar to me in many ways and experiences the same things that I do, many I receive from my ADHD. It is okay to have ADHD; it makes you who you are. Just have patience with yourself.
Tell us about your experience with ADHD
When were you diagnosed, or suspect that you had ADHD? How has it impacted your life?
I was diagnosed when I was 25. I was struggling with an eating disorder, traditional recovery strategies were proving extremely difficult, and my therapist noticed traits of ADHD. With my therapist's and doctor's support, I was able to connect with a psychiatrist who specialized in ADHD. Once I had my diagnosis, I realized how much my ADHD connected with my eating disorder, and that my mind works in different ways than “typical”. I have begun to notice the strong connection between ADHD and eating disorders in my clinical work, and can work from a unique understanding of both neurodivergence and eating disorders. My diagnosis allowed me to change my approach to recovery, my work, and how I navigate the world.
What has been the biggest challenge living with ADHD?
This could be in school, work, relationships, your mental health, etc.
I had always struggled in school with comprehension and test-taking. I always believed I was less intelligent and had to work much harder than my peers. I made it through my undergraduate degree and Master's, believing I was the problem and that I needed to simply work harder. My emotional regulation and mental health have always been challenging, and I have always judged myself for not having a better handle on them. Once I understood how my ADHD presents and how it has contributed to my struggles, I was more self-compassionate and learned what worked for me instead of trying to fit myself into a box.
What strengths or unique qualities do you associate with your ADHD?
Is there something about how your brain works that you appreciate or celebrate?
Aspects of my personality and qualities I used to view as negative, I am now able to view them through a lens of understanding and appreciation. Being a highly sensitive person (HSP) and someone who has unique ways to manage my everyday life has allowed me to remove barriers I thought needed to be a part of my life.
I have learned to harness my busy brain into my passions and fuel my drive. I allow myself to escape in my hyper-fixations and use them to ground myself. I have discovered more genuine ways that I connect with people and how to be myself in social situations rather than trying to mask.
I am able to share new systems with clients that are unique and creative to help clients view the world differently.
I find the world a lot less scary now that I’ve learned more about myself and my capabilities, not only my struggles.
How has your identity (age, race, gender, culture, etc.) shaped your experience with ADHD?
Feel free to reflect on how ADHD intersects with other aspects of who you are.
I am a 30-year-old woman who struggled her entire life, and even after being diagnosed with ADHD I still have people question its validity and my experience. When I was diagnosed, I was a new psychotherapist, and even I didn’t know how to navigate the system. I was as lucky to have a therapist and doctor who supported me seeking a diagnosis, who believed my struggle, and were able to look passed the “usual” presentation of ADHD, which is usually seen in hyperactive boys.
I made it through my Master's without being diagnosed, so my struggles were boiled down to not being book smart and simply needing to work harder. Being a woman who also struggled with anxiety and depression, no one looked further, and I was left thinking I couldn't trust myself and my experiences. Now I get to embrace my unique intelligence and advocate for other girls and women, let them know that I believe them, help everyone advocate for support, and work for earlier understanding and detection.
What do you wish more people understood about ADHD?
What myths or misconceptions would you love to bust?
I wish ADHD in girls and women were more widely understood, taken seriously, listened to, and more researched. I also wish society didn't continue the narrative of ADHD diagnoses being a “trend”. People are now seeking education and understanding. They are advocating for themselves and seeking support to function better in the world. People are finally asking for help, building self-compassion, and not having to resort to self-destructive behaviours. By gaining knowledge about ADHD, we are promoting emotional understanding and allowing more people to thrive in our society rather than restricting people.
What has helped you the most in managing or embracing your ADHD?
This could include tools, therapy, community, mindset shifts, medication, etc.
I made it my mission to educate and be an advocate for people struggling with ADHD and to understand their internal world. I have taken trainings, consulted medical professionals, as well as other colleagues on ways to help others who are struggling. I found the medication gave me the brain space to implement skills and practice self-compassion.
Through trial and practice, I have discovered structures that help me feel more confident in myself and in advocating for my needs.
Why do you want to share your story during ADHD Awareness Month?
What motivates you to speak up now?
I am an ADHD coach and therapist specializing in ADHD and neurodivergence. I have spoken at the CCPA Annual Conference on the topic- ADHD and Impacts on Eating Disorder Recovery. By sharing my story, I hope to connect with neurodivergent people, speak more genuinely and openly about my experience. Being a practitioner with lived experience allows me to get creative with my clients on structures that will help them with executive functioning, and also share my own struggles and successes.
I believe having practitioners talk about their own experiences encourages conversation and allows people to connect more authentically, knowing we are speaking from a place of connection and understanding. It also gives clients confidence that I will advocate for them throughout their journey, and they don't need to 'convince me' of their struggles.
Tell us about your experience with ADHD
When were you diagnosed, or suspect that you had ADHD? How has it impacted your life?
I was diagnosed in 2024 at 48, but I suspected since 2001 when I started teaching and began reading about ADHD and working with students with ADHD. I learned to internalize my hyperactivity and mask my inattentiveness. Until my diagnosis, I didn’t know who I was. I’ve spent this past year, after completing rehab for substance use disorder, taking a leave of absence from work, separating from my common-law partner of nineteen years, and attending weekly psychotherapy appointments to begin learning the true individual that I am. Growing up with an identical twin brother who doesn’t have ADHD and being compared to him constantly (by myself and others, especially my mom) negatively impacted my self-esteem. It also didn’t help that I grew up gay in a Catholic Italian family, and he is straight.
What has been the biggest challenge living with ADHD?
This could be in school, work, relationships, your mental health, etc.
All the above. I was so inconsistent in every aspect of my life: I would get all A’s in my university courses one year and barely pass most courses the next; I would feel very confident as a teacher one term and a failure the next; I could feel joyous with gratitude for life one day and struggle getting up, showering, eating, and leaving my home to go to work for three days in a row. I reached a point where I burnt out, hitting lower than rock bottom, until I was assessed for ADHD. I learned about rejection sensitive dysphoria, and all its characteristics told the story of my life. Rejections by men led me to stay in a dysfunctional relationship because I didn’t think I was worthy of anything else. Criticisms at work, at home, and from me were tough to handle.
What strengths or unique qualities do you associate with your ADHD?
Is there something about how your brain works that you appreciate or celebrate?
I appreciate creativity above all else. I loved drawing, painting, and writing stories as a kid. I also loved exploring nature through my own experiments. As a high school science teacher, I love developing unique and creative lesson plans and forms of assessment. My humor and empathy are other qualities I appreciate; they’ve been assets in the classroom and in my relationships.
How has your identity (age, race, gender, culture, etc.) shaped your experience with ADHD?
Feel free to reflect on how ADHD intersects with other aspects of who you are.
I always felt that I didn’t fit in, whether it was in school with my friends and peers, or amongst my colleagues at work. For the longest time, I attributed this feeling to being gay. Coming out was difficult, but trying to fit in and feel accepted by other gay men was just as tricky. I couldn’t see myself fitting in with the different tribes of this community. I believe that my neurodivergent traits pushed others away; I was the “queerdo” amongst gay typicals.
What do you wish more people understood about ADHD?
What myths or misconceptions would you love to bust?
My emotions are strong, and I’m not overreacting. I’ve struggled and continue to struggle with emotional dysregulation. Being criticized for my feelings led to repressing my emotions, which led to anxiety, depression, and addiction.
What has helped you the most in managing or embracing your ADHD?
This could include tools, therapy, community, mindset shifts, medication, etc.
Psychotherapy with a therapist who also has ADHD and identifies as a member of the LGBTQ+ community has been most helpful. He’s helped me embrace the positive aspects of ADHD. Also, being part of an online peer group for adults with ADHD helped me feel a sense of belonging in this world.
Why do you want to share your story during ADHD Awareness Month?
What motivates you to speak up now?
Frustration. I’ve often felt misunderstood by most people in my life, especially at work, and it took me a long time to learn about myself and feel connected to others like me. I want to share my story so that it may resonate with even just one person, making that one person feel a sense of belonging.
