Irene, diagnosed with ADHD at 29 in United States

1. What made you decide to have your diagnosis?

I constantly was unable to keep track of my life- especially when it came to organizing for work. It was affecting my ability to function well and I had enough.

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2. What do you do for a living?

Refugee Relief

4. How were your school years?

studying took me a long time to focus- I’d often have to go to a 3rd space to think clearly

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

Forgetting where I put things and emotional dysregulation

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6. Was it difficult to get a diagnosis?

In some ways, yes. There were times I said “I think I have adhd” but I would tell myself I was making it up or some people would say “everyone things this have ADHD” or some comment like this- which prevented me from looking further into a diagnosis. But then when I finally got someone to listen and I took an assessment, they confirmed my diagnosis

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7. How did you prepare yourself for your diagnosis?

Google! Hahahaha

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✨ If you are wondering too if you have ADHD, check out my Free ADHD Test✨

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

Relieved and also grieved? Relieved to have language and grieved to have not known for so long

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9. How do you feel about it now?

It’s a new diagnosis so I’m learning- but I feel so seen by accounts like this one!

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

Sort of?

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

Getting things done and focusing on tasks

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12. What are your ADHD strengths ?

Not sure to be honest

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13. Did your ADHD diagnosis help you?

Yes it was so good to know!

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

I think it could have helped so much- but growing up there was a stigma that may have gotten in the way

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

“Oh I could have told you that” or “I’m so glad you know!” Honestly very supportive

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

Anxiety and depression

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17. Do you deal with anxiety?

Yes- learning to communicate and getting lots of body movement in!

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

No

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19. Do you ever doubt your diagnosis now?

Not at all

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

I am aware and try to set myself up for success with new organization systems- trying new things out

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21. How do you feel about medication?

Not sure- I just got put on some meds- we’ll see how it goes

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

Giving myself time to get things done

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

Learn more about ADHD- what it is, what it isn’t. What is pop culture vs actual diagnoses. How it presents differently in people, etc. and ask a professional for help!

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