Caitlin, Ski Instructor, diagnosed with ADHD at 21

1. What made you decide to have your diagnosis?

My friends started to notice, I was struggling. I always thought it was normal. Then, I started to study Psychology. And realized I related a lot to the ADHD section.

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2. What do you do for a living?

I’m a college student/Ski Instructor

4. How were your school years?

I had issues with tests, doing homework on time, and remembering the content. I tend to space out a lot during class; and always easily distracted.

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5. Looking back, what was an obvious ADHD trait in your childhood?

Never being able to sit through a tv show or movie. I also was a very and still a very talkative person. My mom always said: “the world is just too big for you to sit still” I think that’s a quote from Dolly Parton

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6. Was it difficult to get a diagnosis?

Yes and no. It took me some time to get the courage to talk to my doctor about getting tested. From there I had to see a psychologist, and wait for my insurance to be approved to get tested.

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7. How did you prepare yourself for your diagnosis?

I talked to my boyfriend and family. I also did research and your post also really help me.

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✨ If you are wondering too if you have ADHD, check out my ADHD Self Assessment Workbook ✨

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8. How did you feel right after getting your diagnosis?

I was so relieved. Everything started to make sense.  I knew now that maybe I was actually pretty smart, but in a different way and I started using that to my advantage.

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9. How do you feel about it now?

I’m so glad I know now, and I don’t see having it as a bad thing, it just makes me even more special compared to others.

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10. Do you think you "look like" the ADHD stereotype?

No.

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11. What are you struggling with because of your ADHD brain?

College. Being able to do homework on time. Staying focus during my friends conversations. Arriving an hour early to stuff. A organized messy room.

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12. What are your ADHD strengths ?

I notice small details some people tend to over look. I’m also a master of all trades. Since I feel the need to be on the go, I see a lot of tourist sights and hike a lot.

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13. Did your ADHD diagnosis help you?

Yes, I’m so glad I did.

14. Do you feel your life could have gone the other way if you'd been diagnosed earlier?

Yes! I would’ve probably passed more classes. I would also understand why I was so talkative and why it was hard for me to stay in conversations or make friends.

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15. What was your family/friends' reaction to your diagnosis?

They were all very supportive! And just because I was diagnosed doesn’t mean I can’t do what other people can.

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16. Do you have any comorbid disorders or neurological conditions?

Anxiety and dyslexia

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17. Do you deal with anxiety?

Yes! I just take a deep breath, and remind myself I can do this. When it gets too bad, I remove myself for the situation until I calm down.

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18. Did people around you make you doubt yourself during your diagnosis journey?

The only person that made me doubt was myself. Sometimes, I would question that I was just faking it or that I’m just an active person I don’t have it.

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19. Do you ever doubt your diagnosis now?

No, because I trusted the psychologist who tested me and it made too much sense.

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20. How has the diagnosis changed the way you live?

I’ve learned ways to make sure I do get my assignments on time, my friends also understand that even though I daydream when around them it’s not their fault. I also talk to myself out loud to remind myself of what I was doing.

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21. How do you feel about medication?

Medication may not be for everyone, it’s honestly what that person prefers.

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22. What was the thing that helped you most in your daily life? 

Setting alarms and doing that task when the alarmed went off.

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23. What advice would you give someone who is wondering if they have ADHD?

Do online test, talk to your friends and family and see if they notice any strange behaviors. Don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor when you’re ready, because waiting may only make it harder on yourself.

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