I am diagnosed with ADHD, FINALLY.

Contributed by Simon Siah

For as long as I can remember, I’ve struggled with inattentiveness, an inability to focus on tasks at hand, and a persistent feeling of being behind my peers. It wasn’t just a passing phase or a quirky trait; it affected my academic performance, my self-esteem, and my overall sense of well-being despite my confident front. I couldn’t shake off the frustration of not understanding why I couldn’t grasp concepts as easily as others or why I struggled to keep up with seemingly simple tasks.

I often found myself zoning out in class, daydreaming while the teacher spoke. No matter how hard I tried to concentrate, it felt like my mind had a mind of its own, fleeting from one thought to another. My grades obviously suffered, and so did my confidence. I couldn’t help but compare myself to my peers, wondering why they seemed to effortlessly absorb information while I struggled to stay afloat. This feeling traumatised me into adulthood. It was a lonely and frustrating experience, compounded by a lack of awareness of ADHD and understanding from those around me who dismissed my struggles as laziness or lack of effort.

When I transitioned into adulthood, it affected me in more profound ways affecting my relationships and career choices. I learned to adapt to some extent. I developed coping mechanisms, forcing myself to stay organized, setting reminders, and creating structured routines to help me stay on track. Living with ADHD as an adult has been a journey of transforming hurdles into stepping stones. Initially, my inability to focus on reading a single book from start to finish felt like a barrier. However, this challenge morphed into an unexpected asset, leading me to explore multiple books across various subjects simultaneously. This eclectic reading habit has not broadened my knowledge but also sparked my curiosity in various fields. Beyond this, my condition has also honed my problem-solving skills, making me the go-to person for resolving complex issues. This adeptness at navigating difficulties has played a pivotal role in my entrepreneurial career, where quick thinking and creativity are invaluable. Perhaps most importantly, the resilience developed through living with my condition has been my beacon guiding me through the darker times of my life.

So why do I want to seek diagnosis at the ripe old age of 51 since I have coped relatively well in my adult life? I am seeking answers to a lifelong struggle, hoping to uncover if there could be intervention to uncover a “better” version of myself? It wasn’t until recently when I spoke to some friends and found information on www.unlockingadhd.com and realized that I am not alone! I then decided to confront my suspicions head-on and seek professional help. The process of seeking a diagnosis was both nerve-wracking and liberating. Nerve-wracking because it meant acknowledging that there might be something “wrong” with me, and liberating because it offered the possibility of finally understanding myself and finding effective ways to manage my symptoms.

While the diagnosis didn’t magically solve all my problems, it provided me with a sense of validation and empowerment. Armed with a better understanding of my brain and its quirks, I could now approach challenges with a newfound sense of compassion and self-awareness. I no longer berated myself for not measuring up to arbitrary standards of productivity or focus; instead, I embraced my strengths and sought out strategies that worked for me.

Sharing my journey with ADHD is not just about raising awareness; it’s about breaking the silence and stigma surrounding mental health issues especially in this “woke” generation. It’s about letting others know that they’re not alone, that there’s no shame in seeking help, and that diagnosis is not the end of the road but the beginning of a journey towards self-discovery and acceptance.

So, to anyone out there who suspects they might have ADHD or any other mental health condition, I urge you to take that first step towards seeking help. It might feel daunting, but trust me, it’s worth it. You deserve to understand yourself, to embrace your uniqueness, and to live a life that’s true to who you are. And remember, you’re not alone in this journey.