Navigating ADHD: A Personal and Professional Journey by Brenda

Hello CADDAC Community,

I’m Brenda Logan, a counselling therapist and registered nurse, and I’d like to share my story with you. It's a story about living with ADHD and insomnia, about the challenges and triumphs, and the power of support and understanding.

My journey began in childhood, marked by a constant feeling of being out of sync. Like many girls of my generation, my struggles with ADHD were not recognized. The disorder was less understood, especially in females, and I grappled with a pervasive sense of disorganization and forgetfulness. School presented its own set of challenges - misplaced items, forgotten assignments, and an overwhelming feeling that my brain functioned differently. It was a silent, internal struggle, lacking a name or a clear path to understanding.

Entering college, the challenges of ADHD became more pronounced. Yet, it was during these formative years that the support of key individuals shone through. They provided encouragement and understanding, helping me navigate the complexities of higher education. Their belief in my abilities, coupled with my determination, propelled me through various obstacles. This journey through college was not just about acquiring knowledge; it was about building resilience and learning the value of perseverance and support.

I recognize that my journey through higher education was not just a result of hard work and determination but also a product of luck and privilege. The opportunity to pursue higher education is a privilege that not everyone has access to, and I am deeply aware of and grateful for the advantages it provided me. This awareness fuels my commitment to empathize with and support others from diverse backgrounds and circumstances.

The turning point in understanding my ADHD came unexpectedly in my 50s. While attending a professional training session on ADHD, I experienced a moment of profound self-recognition. The struggles described were not just clinical observations but mirrored my experiences. This revelation opened the door to a world of understanding and treatment options. It marked the beginning of a new chapter, where my condition had a name and a path towards management.

Since beginning my treatment for ADHD, the most impactful change has been my ability to be truly present. I can connect with people on a deeper level, track conversations, and experience a sense of calm I had never known before. The constant 'hamster wheel' of restlessness in my chest has quieted, allowing me to engage with the world in a more meaningful and grounded way.

Parallel to my journey with ADHD was my struggle with chronic insomnia. For years, sleep eluded me, with bedtime procrastination and restless nights being constant companions. This struggle led me to explore Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). My pursuit of CBT-I training not only brought relief to my sleep issues but also revealed a significant overlap between insomnia and ADHD among my clients. This insight was pivotal, guiding me to integrate ADHD and sleep problems into my therapeutic focus.

My personal experiences with ADHD and insomnia have profoundly shaped my approach to therapy. I understand the frustrations and challenges of these conditions, and I strive to create a therapeutic space where my clients feel seen and understood. Empathy, grounded in shared experience, is the cornerstone of my practice. I believe in the transformative power of feeling validated and supported, and I aim to provide that to everyone who walks through my door.

My background in nursing has significantly influenced my counselling practice with a
multidisciplinary approach that allows me to see each client's situation through a comprehensive lens, considering the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. I believe in treating the whole person, not just the symptoms, and this philosophy underpins every aspect of my work.

An important lesson I've learned through my journey is that it's never too late for treatment and to make positive changes, particularly for those in their 50s and beyond. Getting an ADHD diagnosis when I did, at this stage in life, felt like suddenly turning on a light in a dark room. It wasn't just surprising; it gave me a new sense of hope. This was a real eye-opener for me. I discovered that treatments that work aren't just for young people. Even in my 50s, there were options that could make a big difference. It was like finding out there was a key to a door I didn't even know was there.

Women like me, embarking on this path later in life, might face unique challenges. We might look back and wonder how our lives could have been different with earlier recognition and intervention. Yet, it's essential to recognize the strength and potential that lie in the present moment. The insights and understanding we gain now can lead to profound personal growth and a better quality of life.

My experience is a testament to this. Embarking on treatment in my 50s opened new doors to self-awareness, improved relationships, and a deeper connection with others. It allowed me to be more present, to listen and engage more fully. This journey taught me that change an growth are always possible, regardless of age.

So, to all women who are discovering their ADHD later in life, know this: you are not alone, andit's not too late. There is immense value in understanding yourself better now and using that knowledge to shape your future. The journey towards treatment and positive change can begin at any stage of life, bringing new opportunities for fulfillment and joy.

My journey with ADHD has been one of continuous learning and growth. It has taught me the importance of understanding, adaptation, and empathy, which has instilled a commitment to supporting individuals through their challenges, empowering them to transform these obstacles into opportunities for growth and fulfillment.

In sharing my experiences, I hope to enhance understanding and support for those with ADHD. Recognizing ADHD as a neurobiological condition rather than a personal or moral failing can shift the way we view it. This change can lead to less stigma and more self-kindness, helping us better understand our experiences. It paves the way for more effective help and more substantial efforts in advocacy and education. As a result, we can become more confident in asking for what we need and using our unique abilities. This empowers us to build more rewarding lives, turning challenges with ADHD into opportunities for personal growth and empowerment.

Thank you for allowing me to share a part of my journey with you. I hope my story can offer comfort, understanding, and a sense of shared experience to those navigating similar paths.

Take care of yourself (you’re worth it!),
Brenda