Patty, diagnosed with ADHD at 35 in Peru

1. What made you decide to have your diagnosis?

I was dealing with depression and went to the psychologist and to a psychiatrist. They both thought it seemed like I had ADHD and eventually confirmed it.

2. What do you do for a living?

I like to draw, play video games, dance, and really anything to get all of my energy out as much as possible XD

4. How were your school years?

Not so much about the content of the classes but the fact to start studying. Except for classes I liked, I was VERY good at those. I always felt I was kinda lazy.

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

Yes, now that I know how it works and that you don't have to be hyperactive to have ADHD how I behaved when I was a kid totally makes sense. I was very disorganized and always the last one to leave the classroom because it took me a while to pick up my stuff. I would usually miss the school bus.

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6. Was it difficult to get a diagnosis?

Not really, once I looked for help it was obvious for the experts. The thing is that even now a days its hard to imagine you might have it because of misconceptions.

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7. How did you prepare yourself for your diagnosis?

I didn't really prepared for it I think.

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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 felt like it kinda made sense because I perceive certain things differently. And after we started talking more about it and reading more about it I felt identified with a lot of things. It was specially a relief to understand why I perceived time differently. So at the end I'm happy that I was diagnosed and can learn more about myself and how to get better in certain aspects.

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9. How do you feel about it now?

I was diagnosed kinda recently, so I'm still thankful that I got to find out and work on myself.

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

No, because I am almost the opposite of hyperactive.

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

Time management, finishing projects, keeping one hobby and remembering stuff.

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12. What are your ADHD strengths ?

Haven't really thought about it, I am more aware of the limitations. But I guess the fact that it makes me more creative, and keeps my inner child alive.

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13. Did your ADHD diagnosis help you?

Yes, as I said, I'm very happy to have been diagnosed. It helps me understand myself better, my life decisions better and work on tools to improve my organizational skills.

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

Yes, I think that being diagnosed earlier could have help me make better choices earlier as well.

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

Most of them reacted in surprise because I am not hyper and because I had no apparent troubles finishing school or university. The thought I was just clueless and kinda lazy with certain subjects. One I told them what it really was they thought it totally made sense.

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

I also suffer from dysthymia

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17. Do you deal with anxiety?

Thankfully I don't.

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

No one really knew I was being evaluated.

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19. Do you ever doubt your diagnosis now?

Not really

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

It's been kinda recent, so for know being diagnosed has helped to look for tools to keep myself organized and have more spare time.

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21. How do you feel about medication?

I take medication for my dysthymia and have no problem with it. The only problem is that in Perú mental health is not important, so it's quite expensive.

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

Finding apps to help me keep track of time, how much does working on something really takes. And making to do lists.

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

Try to get diagnosed! It's really helpful. And there's a great community out there who understands you :)

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