Chapter 1: A Surprising Discovery

It was only recently that I recognized the possibility of living with undiagnosed ADHD. This unexpected journey of self-discovery began quite serendipitously, leading me to realize that I have been experiencing symptoms throughout my life, often without understanding their true nature. Looking back, I find it amusing how clear the signs were, yet I stubbornly overlooked them for so long.

The conversation began with my nephew—who is nearly my age—raising the subject of ADHD. He was reflecting on his own symptoms, perhaps influenced by the discussions prevalent on social media. Lacking knowledge about ADHD at the time, I dismissed his concerns, thinking of it as merely a trend. "Isn't this just something social media has planted in your mind?" I pondered.

The very next day, I stumbled upon a Reddit thread detailing someone’s personal journey with ADHD. As I read through their shared "quirks," I could relate to nearly every point. It was then I realized these behaviors aren't as universal as I had assumed. Encouraged by the experiences of this anonymous individual, I delved into research about ADHD and completed a few online self-assessments. The results suggested a significant likelihood of undiagnosed ADHD, and suddenly, many pieces of the puzzle began to fit together. While I have yet to seek an official diagnosis—an intimidating prospect—the awareness of my symptoms has already proven invaluable. It allows me to explore coping strategies employed by others with similar experiences.

An intriguing aspect of my journey was learning about the hereditary nature of ADHD. My nephew pointed this out, noting how my mother and sister frequently jump from one hobby to another. Inattentiveness seems to be a family trait. It’s amusing how a sudden realization can emerge in your thirties about something that has been a part of your family for ages.

Reflecting on this, I recalled that my elementary school psychologist had suggested I might have ADHD (or more specifically, hyperactivity disorder) during my childhood. My mother quickly dismissed this, reasoning that I behaved like any other child, moving and playing a "normal" amount, so hyperactivity couldn't apply to me.

While it's pointless to dwell on what could have been with an earlier diagnosis, I can't help but wonder if my life would have been easier. I managed to complete my engineering degree using my own coping methods. I often studied in the library with friends to motivate myself. Yet, I remember instances of leaving the library after just a few minutes because it felt "too warm" or I simply couldn’t concentrate.

Now, my focus is on managing the symptoms that have frequently disrupted my life. I have learned to cope and am fairly functional, but these challenges have undoubtedly influenced my life choices and career path. An official diagnosis may eventually become a priority, but for now, what matters more is finding ways to remember the lunch I keep forgetting to take to work, despite preparing it daily.

The more I learn about adult ADHD, the better I understand myself. For over thirty years, I internalized negative self-talk regarding my procrastination, forgetfulness, and difficulty maintaining routines. Now, I recognize that it’s unnecessary to blame myself, although I still have much to learn.

Seeing my symptoms reflected in a community has shifted my perspective on life. Acknowledging my challenges as legitimate obstacles, rather than merely something everyone else has mastered, has fostered a deeper appreciation for myself.

It may have taken me 33 years to come to terms with the likelihood of having ADHD, but it’s never too late to gain insight!

If you find yourself:

• Constantly forgetting tasks that should be routine,
• Struggling to endure a one-hour meeting, or finding an eight-hour workday at a single desk unbearable,
• Needing to watch movies in two parts due to focus issues,
• Switching hobbies frequently because you lose interest without novelty,

Then do yourself a favor and explore ADHD. While I’m not a medical professional and can’t provide a diagnosis, you might learn something valuable from my experience!

Chapter 2: Understanding ADHD

The first video titled "Adult ADHD: What You Need to Know" offers essential insights into adult ADHD, outlining symptoms and common misconceptions.

In the second video, "Women With ADHD: How A Diagnosis Changed Our Lives," viewers hear personal stories of how an ADHD diagnosis has significantly impacted women's lives, providing both challenges and empowering insights.