International Day of Persons with Disabilities – Hannah’s ADHD story

I’m Hannah and I’m the Group Sales & Operations Planning Lead within Inchcape’s Distribution Excellence Team. I joined Inchcape in February 2024, having worked in Supply Chain for over 20 years across multiple industries from bras to pets, to beer and pharmaceutical.

My journey with ADHD began in 2021, when I sought an assessment for myself while also getting my daughter evaluated. It’s something I’ve learned is common for many women - discovering that you, too, may have ADHD when you’re trying to help your child. It’s a bit like piecing together a puzzle that you didn’t even realise needed solving.

At first, my doctor prescribed antidepressants as a quick fix. But deep down, I knew this wasn’t the solution I was searching for. In December 2023, I finally received my formal ADHD diagnosis, and while I was relieved to have an answer, the experience was emotional. It was a mix of sadness, relief, confusion, and quite honestly, just trying to make sense of it all. But it’s also been a journey to discover the real me - one that I’m still navigating today.

Growing up with ADHD

Growing up my school reports were full of comments like “easily distracted,” “too chatty,” and “if only she could concentrate, she would do so much better.” I remember the anxiety of staring at a blank page and struggling to write the first sentence of a piece of work. I’d often ask my mum to write the first line, just to get me started.

With my diagnosis, everything clicked. The pieces finally came together, and I could see that my challenges weren’t my fault, they were simply the result of my brain being wired differently.

My experience with medication

Following my diagnosis, I decided to go down the medication route, and this has really helped me.? However, the medication isn’t an instant fix, it’s a tool to allow you the space to change behaviours and understand better ways to work with neurodiversity rather than fight against it.

I’ve also learned that, especially as a woman, I need to adjust my medication based on my hormone cycles. This is something that’s not often discussed, and it’s an area that really needs more attention. Our hormones can have a huge impact on how our ADHD manifests, and what works one week might not work the next. It’s been a balancing act, but one that has taught me more about how my body and mind work together.

For me the medication quietens my mind, in fact when I first started taking them, I was walking my dog and felt lonely – because the voice in my head became silent. I no longer two songs playing simultaneously, whilst thinking about what piece of work I was going to start, what we were going to do at the weekend and worrying about something that happened 20 years ago and how I’d handle it differently.

I don’t need to mask or hide parts of who I am at work

Before I joined Inchcape, I didn’t openly share that I had ADHD. I feared the stigma, the misunderstanding, and being labelled as difficult or unreliable.? But when asked to write a short bio about myself ahead of my first day in role, I decided to subtly mention that I was neurodiverse, describing it as a bit of ‘neuro spice’ added to my journey.? Thankfully my manager, Charlie picked up on it instantly. ?We had an open conversation about how ADHD affects my work style, including how my hyper-focus can be both a blessing and a curse! I’ve also had great conversations with others around the business who wanted to know how they can support me which is great.

It's been such a positive experience, and it’s made me realise that the workplace doesn’t require me to ‘mask’ or hide parts of who I am. When people understand, they can be incredibly supportive.

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria

One of the most difficult aspects of being neurodiverse for me is the experience of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD). I experience intense emotional pain due to perceived or actual rejection or criticism. It can be all-consuming. I’ve spent hours replaying interactions, over-analysing the way someone looked at me or something they said.

Speaking to others about it, you often get told “Oh, everyone’s a little neurodiverse,” and while yes, many people experience some of the symptoms of ADHD, it’s important to understand that for us, these experiences are far more intense and persistent. The constant emotional rollercoaster, with conflicting feelings and overwhelming thoughts, can be exhausting.

Uncovering and embracing the real me

One of the most liberating things I’ve learned on this journey is that being neurodiverse isn’t a negative thing. It’s simply how my brain is wired, and it gives me a unique perspective on the world. There are times when I can spot things that others miss, or when my brain works through problems at lightning speed. I’ve learned to appreciate these gifts and understand that they’re part of what makes me who I am.

Being diagnosed with ADHD has been a journey of self-acceptance. It hasn’t been easy, and I’m still learning to understand my brain and how to work with it rather than against it. But with every step, I’m uncovering more of the real me, and that, I think, is the most rewarding part of the journey.

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