We need to be talking about the connection between ADHD and hope. Hope keeps us going and it is one of the greatest things we stand to lose in the face of unmanaged ADHD.
One of the best articles on ADHD I’ve read! When I was 42 I was listening to the radio and they interviewed those 2 doctors, Hallowell and Ratey. I was mesmerised as they described the condition. I remember tears streaming down my cheeks as I realised that what they were describing was what was “wrong” with me! This led me to finding a doctor who had familiarity with ADHD. It was a life changing experience. Like so many others, I realised that my condition wasn’t because I was lazy, etc. Forgiving myself was such an important step as I negotiated the management of this frustrating situation. Now I’m in my seventies. This second half of my life, although still plagued with disorganisation and staying on top of things, has been so much better. I have learned ways of coping and, especially, to be more discerning about things I take on. I am finally happy with myself and not dealing with guilt, etc, because you feel you’re underperforming. 🥰
Diane, thank you for your kind words and for sharing your story! I relate to your story so much - that moment of learning you aren’t any of the horrible things you had labeled yourself as is powerful and life-saving. I’m so happy to hear where you have landed in learning how to work with your brain ❤️ thank you for being a supporter of my work!
Laura, as your mom who has watched you (my beautiful, kind, intelligent, sensitive, compassionate daughter) struggle, so so much, for 15 years (half of your young life) I can’t express how much joy and “hope” this article brings me. I am so impressed and proud of you Laura - your courage and persistence even in the darkest of times, even when you were so exhausted and so ready to give up on your “just barely started” life. I’m so proud and grateful you chose to give it one more try - to discover, and then begin to truly understand your beautiful, beautiful neuro divergent brain. And now, I’m joyfully watching you, as you are learning how to take control of your own “car”, your own “spaceship” brain, and your own beautiful life ❤️.
One of the best articles on ADHD I’ve read! When I was 42 I was listening to the radio and they interviewed those 2 doctors, Hallowell and Ratey. I was mesmerised as they described the condition. I remember tears streaming down my cheeks as I realised that what they were describing was what was “wrong” with me! This led me to finding a doctor who had familiarity with ADHD. It was a life changing experience. Like so many others, I realised that my condition wasn’t because I was lazy, etc. Forgiving myself was such an important step as I negotiated the management of this frustrating situation. Now I’m in my seventies. This second half of my life, although still plagued with disorganisation and staying on top of things, has been so much better. I have learned ways of coping and, especially, to be more discerning about things I take on. I am finally happy with myself and not dealing with guilt, etc, because you feel you’re underperforming. 🥰
Diane, thank you for your kind words and for sharing your story! I relate to your story so much - that moment of learning you aren’t any of the horrible things you had labeled yourself as is powerful and life-saving. I’m so happy to hear where you have landed in learning how to work with your brain ❤️ thank you for being a supporter of my work!
Laura, as your mom who has watched you (my beautiful, kind, intelligent, sensitive, compassionate daughter) struggle, so so much, for 15 years (half of your young life) I can’t express how much joy and “hope” this article brings me. I am so impressed and proud of you Laura - your courage and persistence even in the darkest of times, even when you were so exhausted and so ready to give up on your “just barely started” life. I’m so proud and grateful you chose to give it one more try - to discover, and then begin to truly understand your beautiful, beautiful neuro divergent brain. And now, I’m joyfully watching you, as you are learning how to take control of your own “car”, your own “spaceship” brain, and your own beautiful life ❤️.
Mum! Thank you. For everything. Especially for coming on this journey with me - the best co-pilot! Love you xoxo
Amazing to witness you learn to drive your space ship! Proud of you and all the work you are doing to help this community.
Sisters often say exactly what we need to hear. ❤️