My journey to getting an adult ADHD diagnosis...

Around a year ago I had a handful of ADHD videos come up on Instagram/TikTok. They made me laugh and think, that's me! Over the course of a week or two, my feed was full of ADHD content because I'd liked so many videos that resonated with me on so many levels. I decided I ought to do some more research; I started watching videos on Youtube, reading about ADHD on medical and non-medical websites and completing an unreasonable number of self-assessment questionnaires online. I've since learned that this level of obsessive research is an ADHD trait in itself.

I was convinced, quickly, that this was something I might actually have. I spoke to friends and family, some of whom were intrigued and others questioned, what difference does it make? A few people said I couldn't have ADHD because I'm successful in my career and outside work with the Air Cadets. I spoke to my GP, who told me that the NHS rarely send adults for assessment, especially when people are "coping" and have managed to find ways to succeed in their lives.

people said I couldn't have ADHD because I'm successful in my career

At that point, quite dejected, I tried to forget about it. It didn't feel like there was a path forward, so I should let it go and just keep doing my best. But I couldn't. I kept reading, kept watching, and kept bringing it up in conversation. I was annoying myself with it and I'm certain everyone around me.

A friend of mine was super encouraging and told me not to let it go. They told me to think about paying for a private assessment, found me a nearby specialist with a good reputation, and held me accountable for booking an appointment that my brain fought so very hard to put off. It took less than a month from booking to diagnosis and I started on medication immediately.

I've always known my brain worked differently, but it never crossed my mind that it was literally wired differently. Whilst it was a lot to take in, it was quite a relief to be told officially that I'm neurodivergent, not just a weird, broken human.

The past few months have been a wild, emotionally exhausting, self-reflective ride. Things I thought were personal failings are being slowly re-processed as challenges related to ADHD.