I was just diagnosed officially at 51 yo. I have spent all my life thinking I was crazy and I am relieved to finally know that it’s just how my brain works. I only procrastinated 15 years to get tested. 😂
Congratulations!!! I am only realizing now that I have ADHD, after my child's diagnosis (and thinking my Dad has ADHD my whole life). I have known I am autistic since 45 or so, and am now 50, so it has been a while of needing to find out for sure about my autism, now also about ADHD, and I FINALLY talked to my doctor this week! I am so proud of myself for finally doing this, after getting my child's diagnosis (and on waiting list for autism assesment). It will be a while, as there are waiting lists, but I will be hearing from a psychiatrist soon to begin the process. I hope anyone that wants or needs a diagnosis can get one with ease, and it helps you to know yourself better, be understood more and perhaps get any support needed ♡
@@audhdcreativity5899 sorry I am just now seeing your reply. It took me 2 months to get my appointment and then another month for the results. Definitely a painful process but being able to treat it has been remarkable. Oh the relief of the diagnosis and then the guilt of what would my younger years have been like if I had been treated. However, I cannot go back only forward. My best friend has pretty severe anxiety and ADHD along with other things. She recently said she has wondered if she was actually autistic. I wouldn't be surprised. Autism has such a spectrum. Autism/ADHD/Dyslexia/Anxiety/Depression/Bi-polar all run in my family. Almost every family member is affected with one or multiple of these things. We definitely have different brains that's for sure. I hope you get in soon and can be treated for what your brain needs. I am a nurse by profession (artist by heart) and this whole pandemic has taught me that my mental health is way too important to ignore anymore.Blessings to you friend!
I wasn't diagnosed until my late 20's, however, I never FULLY UNDERSTOOD the magnitude of that diagnosis until just a few weeks ago when I connected with another RUclips channel called "How to ADHD". I am STILL learning all that it means, but I can honestly say that my recent 're-diagnosis', if you will, has been an earth shattering, eye-opening, and honest exploration of the REAL me!! I wish you the best in moving forward with your diagnosis, now that you have a MUCH BETTER INSIGHT into yourself!!
@@lindalavalle2008 "How to ADHD" has been great! It was a relief, and there was a brief state of grief/anger over what I could have accomplished if I had the diagnosis at a young age. Let's be honest in the 70's it was definitely a "boy's" problem and would have never been a thought for me. When I think about it I must have wore my mother out. I am the oldest and quickly learned how to mask and adapt to other's expectations, all the while thinking I was just crazy. So there is relief in knowing what's going on with my brain and I can work with that. I wish you the best as well!
I literally sat with my jaw open listening to you. everything you say is me, even how you speak! I constantly interrupt myself and go off on tangents - always looking for my passion, and have a pathological fear of rejection - these are just the things that jumped out but it could have been me saying all of this! thank you for the push I needed to book myself in for a diagnosis at the grand age of 50 and thank you so much for sharing, you have no idea how relieved I feel right now
Ok so problem number 1. Parents not alive and no school reports. Meaning I can’t have an official diagnosis according to NICE guidelines. Feel a bit fed up!
@@sarahickmott6499 that’s so frustrating for you. I am a similar age and was diagnosed about a year ago without needing to produce school reports and although my dad was still alive, he would not have been able to offer any insights re my childhood behaviour as he didn’t parent in the same way my mum did - it was a generation thing perhaps? I am not sure where you are located - but I am in Australia… The psychiatrist used a report by my psychologist and my reflections on my childhood and early teen years. I was highly dubious actually as it felt so … outside my sphere of self understanding but when I talked more, he concluded that I did indeed have ADHD. In Australia we only need to produce school reports to access certain medications- for example a long acting version of dexamfetamine, not for the diagnosis itself. But if a person needs the long acting ‘dex’ medication, and doesn’t have old school reports etc, they simply have to fill out a form explaining this, sign a statutory declaration [stat dec] to this effect and the diagnosing psychiatrist also signs the form. Is it possible that there is this option available to you also? The psychiatrist I saw said some people do not know this - so, maybe this is the case where you are also? It seems so unfair. Because many people have lost or didn’t keep childhood school or medical reports. I didn’t. And many people have parents who have died, are estranged, or are unable to recall [for many reasons - some parents just weren’t very involved in their kids lives]. So, if your access to a diagnosis is blocked then a ‘work around’ is needed. Anyway, I really hope you are able to get some answers. This diagnosis has opened up my life in so many ways because I can finally see .. why and how? Why I do things the way I do. Why I have felt shamed and rejected. And… How to better manage this and, in fact how to use it as a kind of ‘super power’. I can also see how it can be so difficult for my husband to manage. Since my diagnosis and due to our greater understanding, I can see how frustrating many things can be and we have better mechanisms for dealing with … the chaos I unwittingly can engender and reduce the effect on our day to day lives. For example I can manage time very poorly and get totally absorbed in things and then rush around and make a big mess last minute as I strive to get ready. Dear fella meantime takes 3 minutes to get ready and then is quietly stressed because we will be late and it was not necessary because I’ve known for ages I was going to .. a, b or c. It has allowed, most importantly, me to appreciate myself in a completely different way and to start the process of undoing the harmful messages I’ve taken on board over decades about “who” I am. I hope this all makes sense. Wishing you all the best
@@natnat8733 where in Australia did you find someone to help? My last therapist told me 'we're all a little bit adhd' when i asked about it. I only thought to ask because a friend who teaches special needs kids and deals a lot with adhd/autistic/high anxiety needs mentioned, maybe, it might be something thst i could look into. I have a new therapist now, months later, but am afraid to mention it in case she's as dismissive as the last one.
This is the 3rd time I've watched your video this week as I'm absolutely gobsmacked, it's like listening to myself through a mirror. I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety disorder years ago but I've always known its more than that. Watching your video has made me decide to speak to my GP about getting assessed for ADHD and start to come off the many medications I take for anxiety and depression (they just make me feel dead inside, I struggle to have any normal emotions good or bad). Thank you for making this video and telling us about your journey 😊
Thank you Rachel for sharing your ADHD journey. I am 74 and absolutely struggled all my life without being able to get a diagnosis. I was 99% sure that I have ADHD for many years, before that my thoughts were that I am so very thick , stupid and worthless. Life was Hell… I have read literature, done online tests etc all more evidence that I do have ADHD. Tonight I found you on RUclips. I am now 100% sure…. As I listened, I started crying because everything you said about yourself, I identified with… I still have big problems, all of them make me feel unworthy and lacking confidence and self esteem, but, I am working hard at changing that slowly. Due to my struggles ,. I am acutely sensitive when others who are suffering and try to be a good listener. I have subscribed and will continue to learn from your wisdom. I must get back to my Yoga classes and Wildlife Trust volunteering, both of which has benefited my health both mentally and physically. Namaste.
When you were starting to tell a story and then you said "Oh wait actually this happened first" because you got ahead of yourself, OMG haha. I do that all the time. All of these hit home. Especially indecision, trying to find purpose (my obsession with this is what ultimately drove me into a deep depression actually!), and the hyperfocus and then not sticking with it. I check every box. But I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety instead. BTW, I also contemplated whether I was simply bipolar! Because I get super hyperactive for maybe 1 to 3 days, and then just crash into exhaustion land. But ADHD makes so much more sense. There is one big change I have made that has helped me live with my ADHD, and maybe it will help others who read this comment. I've started to say "No" to myself. I was always overextending myself and taking on new projects or trying to learn new things, but much of the time it is merely a coping mechanism, and it gets in the way of everything else in my life and tends to make things worse overall. So when you feel that excitement about something and want to go into hyperfocus mode and sign up for classes and spend hundreds of dollars on books and equipment etc...ask yourself "is this something I REALLY want to do, or is it an attempt to cope/a passing interest?" I have narrowed down what I will allow myself to spend time on, and it has helped me strengthen my relationship with the things I have kept, which are my true passions (writing poetry, reading tarot/spirituality), while letting go of the rest. Let yourself let it go!!!! Say NO! It is really a relief in the end.
I just wrote this very long reply to your video listing all the things I can relate to, but as an undiagnosed person, I think this answered the question about whether or not I should look into getting that done. ;) Thank you for this video, I was nodding along the whole time.
I can't even adequately express how validating this video was. Especially around the RSD part and the mention of "never feeling good enough/wondering what's wrong with me", I got a little emotional. I've yet to get a formal diagnosis but I'm realizing how my hyperfocus and extremely punishing narrative for myself has helped me mask my ADHD through adulthood. It's kind of a mindfuck honestly
This is the most accurate description of how I am. When you read about adhd you tend to hear just about messiness etc. I managed messiness all my life by using strict structure and routine. I need to take care of me more though. At the same age as you and only now getting answers. Thank you so much.
I am 21, extremely high achieving, but my entire life i never knew that I had ADHD. I’m not diagnosed currently but i feel i was misdiagnosed with depression as i think my inability to cope is completely eating away at me. I’ve also come to the realization that my mom is a mirror image of me too, and i feel like i can’t even think straight after finding out what i feel is wrong with me. I really appreciate this vid though and i wanted to let you know because it genuinely has calmed me down from how educating it is. I also tend to use humor to joke with myself in order to cope.
Hey Rachel, I'm 26 and have just been diagnosed. It was great to hear your story, and to hear women speaking up about the underdiagnosis, and so interesting to hear of the 'lost generation'. Thank you for sharing!
Ive been in denial since the age of 17, i am now turning 27 and its been such a struggle. Every time I have the courage to speak to my gp, I back out or something comes in the way.
thank you so much for this. i am a 45 year old woman and only just realising that i may be ADHD and RSD. I have struggled with so many things you talk about for 30 odd years. i am going to try and get assessed but i am so impatient i want to know NOW! what a cruel irony to have to try and be patient! thank you. i have been obsessively researching ADHD and have learnt so much this week. thank you x
Amazing video, thank you. My GP told me this week that if I had ADHD I would’ve been diagnosed as a child! And yet when I was 7 I had my knuckles rapped with a ruler for daydreaming! The UK at least wasn’t aware at that time. It made me so cross I’m looking into going private now too. So many things rang true especially the fear of rejection, knowing your feelings are completely over the top and yet your brain doesn’t let you move on. 😔
I'm only just seeing this now! I have, and have ha all my life, most symptoms of ADHD. I've been diagnosed with both anxiety and depression and it wasn't until a woman I met at a conference said to me: 'Oh, you have ADHD too!' I began to look into it. I've been terribly upset about not making it in life despite being well educated, attractive and fit and healthy. I've never earned enough money to buy a house and I've not been able to afford a holiday in 17 years. I've once taken my now 18 yo daughter on holiday and she was 17 months - I'm hugely ashamed of this. I live in an area I've not been brought up in and have no connection here and Bo friends but I'm stuck here. I did approach my GP re ADHD but was brushed off. I'm struggling to get a diagnosis an am in my late 50s. I cannot afford a private diagnosis. My mum and grandma were anorexic and looking back I think we're possibly ADHD too. It's so hard at times but you are one of an amazing community of nurodiverse people bringing these issues to the fore. Thank you.
Your video is touching. Thank you for sharing your story. As I watched you talk... it was like seeing myself talk... and it actually gave me comfort and hope. I’m 34 and in the process with my Psych of treating newly diagnosed ADHD, alongside BPD. I always knew something wasn’t right and felt like I didn’t fit into the ‘regular’ neuro typical world. I can’t thank you enough for sharing your experiences as an adult diagnosed with ADHD. We are truly the lost generation. Sending you lots of encouragement!
So glad and relieved to have found this. I read an article this morning about ADHD in women and so much of it connected with my experience. I put adult adhd in you tube and your vlog came up. I'm 52 years old and feel like finally I may have some answers/explanations. Thank you for posting this.
Thank you Rachel for making and sharing this video, I too am a great supporter of celebrating nero diversity, having been diagnosed at 48 with Dsylexia and Dsypraxia I can so relate to that feeling of thinking "what's wrong with me" and then the emotions and feelings after diagnosis that I was actually not "thick" or "stupid" as I had been called so many times throughout my childhood. Thankfully it lead to me becoming a coach and gaining a ILM qualification which previously I never would have believed possible. You are so right that for every difficulty that nero diversity brings, there are massive strengths and amazing talents too which should be recognised and celebrated xx
I’m 21 and not long been diagnosed myself, initially my GP referred me to a psychiatrist as it was assumed I was bipolar/Hypomanic. I had been taking antidepressants for the past couple of years as my mood can fluctuate from mostly extreme highs to extreme lows. As soon as I spoke to the psychiatrist, they interrupted to ask if I had ever been diagnosed with ADHD. This was just based on a short conversation and my demeanour. After an assessment and a chat with my parents to ask some questions about myself during childhood, my parents were initially skeptical assuming ADHD was just young boys misbehaving. But finally I have been diagnosed and I am prescribed concerta and it has changed my life. I can actually be productive and hold conversations without going on tangents. Keep things in order and actually COMPLETE tasks. So happy
You're amazing and very organic, your purpose is multiple purposes ;) Your search is not limited, your purpose should be all the things you research and the positive things you pass on
The way you speak is almost identical to the way I speak! Went through all my childhood school reports too and was a v emotional process. Thank you for the video! X
100%. Currently seeking diagnosis, but after a solid month of hyper-researching, loss of sleep, imposter syndrome and about 4000 podcast episodes I think I'm about ready to advocate for myself!
Ok ive got to say this is the first video ive actualy listened to without having to rewind,im 34 & currently been refered for adhd assessement as i honestly thought i have bipolar but my sister has adhd diagnosed and aparantly i have alot of her traits,thinking now,yes im possitive i will get the diagnosis this year just awaiting a call You have really just explained me down to even the littlest things,so alike in those ways it mad.hope you are well & thankyou for the videos
This is exactly how I got diagnosed! My daughter was diagnosed I researched like crazy took a couple test and boom! I always did extremely well in school but had a lot of attention and impulsivity issues and thought it was normal. I have been diagnosed with anxiety and depression both heavily medicated and nothing worked! I kept telling my therapist I feel like I’m constantly in a dream because I am going and going and nonstop. Talked to psychiatrist as well and boom diagnosed!!!! It makes so much sense now! Life is so much easier because I don’t feel crazy anymore! Thank you for your video!!!
I really enjoyed this. I’d considered the possibility of ADHD before but the checklist of traditional hyperactive symptoms didn’t seem to fit. It wasn’t until 8 months ago, someone I was talking to about some of my challenges suggested I might have ADHD. Kind of random, I thought. She also directed me to Tracy Otsuka. Well, a lightbulb went off like never before. I don’t yet have a formal diagnosis but depression has lifted, anxiety is less, I understand myself and my experiences in ways that have made me view my entire life differently. For the first time ever, I feel hopeful. And Tracy’s podcast is just amazing - so many ahas and you feel so seen after a lifetime of feeling invisible and tbh faulty.
OMG!!! Thankyou so much for sharing your journey I have just connected so much to your experiences! I feel hope inside now as this could be the answer to life!! I’m definitely going to watch your other stuff and get to the drs. I’ve struggled with addiction since 15 and I honestly believe it’s been a coping mechanism for ADHD! Thankyou so so much for talking so honest and real I think I’ve found myself xx
I am just behind you in age and a very similar story. Motherhood made me realize I wasn't actually juggling things that well to begin with but after that, I was a depressed, anxious mess. Why can't I be anywhere near as organized, focused, restrained etc as other moms? Well, now I know and knowing definitely helps a lot.
Absolutely the same here. Had a baby last year, and that was what really made me acknowledge that I was not functioning, and that it could seriously impact my daughter's life if I didn't deal with it. It was possible to scrape by on my own (although naturally not without the huge burden of shame, guilt, and low self-esteem), but add a tiny dependent human and postpartum hormonal chaos into the mix and I just couldn't do it anymore. Diagnosed two days ago. Now that I know what I've struggled with my whole life, I hope I can start to tackle it and be a better mum for my gorgeous girl
I’m so glad I ran across this. I relate to most ALL of it from drinking/smoking, indecisions, interrupting, RSD, not knowing my worth, etc. Thank you for sharing! I was diagnosed 2 years ago at age 56, wish it had been 50 years ago. Years wasted!😢
I am considering getting tested for it as I resonate with 80% of the symptoms I've seen in videos on You Tube. I'm 41 this month. I qualified as a Zumba instructor & I'm obsessed with dancing. I work in administration & can't focus on my work for more than 10 - 20 mins at a time. It's making me very depressed & anxious. And yes I was diagnosed with anxiety & depression when I was 27.
About to go to the doctor's to try and get a diagnosis after over 10 years of being depressed and having anxiety but never really progressing or getting better with meds and therapy. Been too scared to do it as I struggle to try and describe it and feel like I am being dramatic, this video really helped me write down examples and realise symptoms I didn't even notice. Thanks for your help, fingers crossed I get taken seriously x
Thanks for this! I am 67 and have a preliminary diagnosis from a Therapist but have been referred to a specialist for a "real" ADHD evaluation. I cancelled the first evaluation out of fear.
35 and have just been diagnosed. Thank you for sharing! My peloton bike and yoga is how i cope along with caffiine. I am also trying the same medication and also am coming to the conclusion just after a week that I would prefer all my coffees instead! I sdtopped smoking when i had my first child and I stopped drinking. Also on a massive hypoerfocus of learning about ADHD and educating myself as much as I can while i am interested in it haha! I will look into the Omega 3 too. From a fellow Brit, thank you for this video!! My daughter is currently being diagnosed she is 5. Really great video.
Thank you for sharing this this it is me talking, what more can I say. I have been diagnosed with clinical depression in the last 5 years and really struggle with highs and lows and just about everything you have said, at your age it was a family joke that I had a list for a list but it structured my day my marriage broke down 10 years ago that structure went 😮 So here I am I’m on my ADHD journey ❤
Oh my gosh. Your so good at explaining what it is like to have ADHD. It was lovely to listen to you and it made me feel like there is someone out there just like me. I am unofficially diagnosed with it through going to do an Art degree in my 50s. I was struggling with some things and so I had an assessment. They said I has Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Autism and ADHD. To find this out so late in life was sort of a surprise but mainly it made so much sense. I have a sense of Oh my God, how do I come across? It took the rug from under me for a while. But since then the people in Uni, my family and friends understand me better and I am realising more about myself daily. Thank you so much for doing this video. You must have helped hundreds of people like us. I applaud you 👏👏👏❤
Thank you Rachel, loved your video and can relate to it on so many levels. I was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult after my son was diagnosed. I also have OCD (pretty much in remission). I took concerta for about 2 years and found it really helped with my overall mood and emotional dysregulation but chose to come off it and now manage my symptoms with a really simple and structured lifestyle that includes a lot of exercise most days (this I find helpful for hyper-focussing). I too see many gifts in having ADHD. Love your vivaciousness and energy it truly resonates! I can tell we would get on well of we met, we would bounce off each other and talk over the top of each other in excitement, ha ha!!!!
The struggles you described the sensitivity and talking and everything is exactly me. The school reports. The not understanding what's wrong with me. Feeling not good enough. Waking up in the middle of the night and needing to youtube a song. Creativity, imagination etc. Honestly word for word everything you said. Indecisiveness. Talking quickly. Depression. Brain overthinking. The anxiety of someone not saying hi back. It's like a wave goes through my body. These are just jumbled thoughts I'm typing away.
I've just found you're channel & I'm going for my appointment to be assessed next week (I'm 24) and I'm quite nervous about it! It's with the NHS in the UK so fingers crossed!!!
I am 39 with a diagnosed son, have been referred to psychiatrist because me brain wouldn't shut up. I'm either sleeping, or pushing myself to exhaustion when I have energy just to keep my head busy. It doesn't always work. I'm off work due to poor health. I'm now about the house alone and I spiralled into deepr depression than I have ever felt and my symptoms have been spiralling too. Not even my check lists are helping. Totally drained and overwhelmed
amazing post. So much identification. My 18 year old daughter just officially diagnosed (£1000) later!! consultant also suggested I get tested. We are going down the medication route for her coupled with therapy/coaching. Just starting so fingers crossed it helps her moving into adulthood and first steps on the career ladder.I am not going to bother I know ! But educating myself has been sooooo helpful in understanding who the hell I am and picking up useful hints and tips on coping strategies. I have read lots of articles about addiction and ADHD which has also been part of my story. It just so good to finally unravel the mystery. Thank you.
I am gobsmacked - you are describing my life! I'm 54 and have always felt different, been told I'm too loud. Talk too much, full-on etc. Hyper focused on what I enjoy but procrastination when it's things I don't want to do. I'm going to get a diagnosis myself I think - when I get around to it 😂😂😂
I love this video.. thanks so much for your honesty and vulnerability.. you are like a breathe of fresh air.. I loved watching and have ADHD and am a mama undiagnosed with depression.. thank you. Have subscribed x
Wow! Rachel watching you is like watching me… made me teary as you’re lovely and I’ve had low self esteem forever. Luckily my job as a designer and art enabled me to actually function. But being called scatty, forgetful and disorganised has always annoyed me snd made me feel silly. Thank you so much xxxxxx
She’s ever so focussed for someone with ADHD to deliver this video so eloquently. I can relate to so much of this but I cannot focus as much as this lady. She’s very focussed and seems like a super fun person. My mind is chaos so I desperately need structure. I’m far too hyper to ever drink coffee. I need endorphin release everyday. I’ve got dyspraxia but I do wonder if I’ve also got ADHD as well as my mind races a lot and I struggle so much with organising my brain. I’m super organised with my belongings
I watched this before my diagnosis and everything really resonated. I hear you re. the waning interest. I’d slowed down/stopped thinking about taking on new things, like courses, because I’ve had so many go to the bin. 🙈 However, since my diagnosis this week, age 57, I’m now thinking about the future again. I looked into it after my 25 year old son was diagnosed. Songggggs! 🤣 I woke the other night to the song Tie a Yellow Ribbon. 😳 🐛 Purpose! I’ve been feeling like my life has been wasted. Career, jobs, feeling useful...🤷♀️ I’ve made so many connections to thing recently, incredible. I hated the school gates at drop off-pick up. ☹️ Great video! Thank you! ☺️
Thank you for sharing your wisdom! Everything you were saying was scarily relatable - it was like you were me! 😮 Please could you share the podcast you mentioned? Thank you!
Hi, I'm 67 this year and on the waiting list for an assessment. I was diagnosed as Autistic 2 years ago. That made a big difference to me in understanding myself. I have been told the waiting list is 2 to 3 years. On that, I might get a diagnosis before I hit 70? Great video, very informative, thank you xx
This was really wonderful!! I'm 44 and it hit me today that I have ADHD - with hyperfocus. I would LOVE to research all the links and things you spoke about - could you add them to the description? THANK YOU SO MUCH
ADHD is our body (executive functioning) limitation response to what our mind imposing on it. We are all different and modern society structure is demanding more than some of us can provide naturally. Try to be aware and listen to your body, find a balance between limitless desires of our mind and limited capabilities of our body. Lady has covered the topic which personally resembles my experience. Although every ADHD case is unique, most symptoms can be recognized right away by educated person. Another important topic affecting most ADHD folks is emotionally disregulation and mood swings. Another great resource I will recommend is doctor Gabor Mate and Russell Barkley who written great books on this topic.
Such a great video! So much great helpful info. Just turn 40 and my son is waiting to be assessed so have been doing all the research for him. This really made me see the difficulties I have had throughout my life and how I have struggled. Looking into going to see the GP with some evidence, to make sure I am taken seriously. Will look into the essential oils you suggest as I love using natural remedies. So many great tip thank you again ❤
Omg a tear just came to my eye when said about innit finishing a sentence. I’ve been told that so many times. Diagnosed with depression and had meds for years until forgot to renew the prescription then ended up coming off them. I can’t think of anything from childhood apart from not being able to watch full episodes of the a team without having to ask what’s going onbut as an adult I’m convinced now, however could it simply be transference as I’m an art therapist. Idk
I just found out recently I have it. I'm 30 now and I feel you when you said how upsetting it is to find out years late. I have been given medication and my debate is going with a more natural medicine.
Can’t believe this. It’s like finally here is an explanation and full description of me!! So much in commons with you! Actually do home educate my kids. Older than you though so I’m doubly panicking now with having not found my life’s purpose!! Thank you so much for making this. I just recently realised that what was what was going on for me. So this has been a great gateway for me going forward. Going to check your essential oils stuff. I have burners and I use them every morning yeah they are good for us ;) Sending you love and gratitude 🙏
Thank you so much for this. My mom and brother have Inattentive ADHD, and I’m just now pursuing diagnosis myself. I struggled with panic attacks for a few months and depression at the beginning of COVID, so I started treatment but could never ever get myself together. Now, examining my life, I can see that there are things present that are consistent with ADHD before AND after the depression and heightened anxiety, so perhaps that played into me developing those conditions. It would explain so much about my life. Even if I don’t have it, I can’t go on NOT knowing at this point. These symptoms have negatively impacted my life in so many ways.
I’ve just (27 nov 2021) been diagnosed with ADHD age 48. So glad I’m finally getting answers to questions I’ve been asking for years. I’m sure my teachers new something was up and I should have been diagnosed back when I was a child. But then I always thought they were useless. Listening to you is how I speak when I’m hyper interested about a topic. I’m now on a waiting list to be referred to the doctor 12-18 months but I’ll read and research until that point. I do take ashwaganda for anxiety stress depression which has really helped me. It’s herbal. Look forward to seeing more videos from you. ☺️
True, I was diagnosed for clinical depression from being 18 too, so I went 15 years before I was actually diagnosed with ADHD. I struggled all the way through school, except for art because that's how I managed to focus my mind. I think music would have been a good subject for me but wasn't really a option for me due to the timetable. I spent most of my time in detention and senior cover for either talking, reacting, forgeting my homework and being late for school. Later it was for coming to school pissed or wagging school altogether. At college I was banned from woodwork for my duration because I was talking and reacting to a lad who was talking to me and became a good friend at that time during the health and safety talk! I went in fully intending to listen but we react to things because of our hyperactive and reactive behaviour. Listening to you speak and talk about your experience is like a mirror. You can have bipolar too with ADHD I think. Losing things is a regular occurrence. The routine thing is a struggle. 18:15**
Diagnosed 49 years old, I feel like we’re the ones who can’t stand the bullshit - can’t do taxes, household chores, etc but go for it with creative solutions, empathy etc.
Thank you so much for this! Like many others here, it all resonated with me….even down to the spirituality and always thinking about your purpose. I too did YTT, thank goodness for yoga,right? It’s so hard to explain to someone how you feel or mind works and for them to be just, “Well then just change or do xyz.”…but we can’t😔 and there is a lot of shame and guilt around that. Cheers!
I'm 35 and I'm on the waiting list for a diagnosis. I use a couple of Alexa's in the house to help me manage my behaviour, but the joke is she tells me the weather at 7am so I know how to dress the kids... But I'll listen to her for what the temp currently is but I'll never know what she's said at the end for the rest of the day, my mind has just gone somewhere... Every morning... Last night I was super hyper because I watched the finale of Rings of Power and it was very good and I couldn't settle for 3 hours afterwards because I was hyper about all the backstory to Sauron and the other characters.
I'm half glad I've found your video and half tearful... I'm not diagnosed but I've struggled so much for so long with every symptom you've described. I'm 32 and I've only recently enquired about it with my surgery. A diagnosis would explain so much and in my opinion help me get better (I have depression and anxiety and am transitioning to my 4th set of pills to try find something that works). But at the same time, I'm worried that if I don't have it, then I'll just feel like a failure.
Hello, love your video! It still goes undiagnosed even for those who were born in the 90s aka me!😅 I am now 29 years old and just been diagnosed with both ADHD and ASD and it turns out my mother, grandmother also have it...I went looking for a diagnosis after struggling with the simple stuff in regards to raising my toddler. I also want to do videos on RUclips and other platforms to raise awareness as people, specifically women and young girls, with ADHD or ASD are slightly different to someone who has both like myself😊 So again great video and thanks for raising awareness hope you're well😊
Since I was a child I've been in and out of therapy. It always came to the conclusion of depression. I'm 24 now and have just been diagnosed with a severe anxiety disorder but my psychologist suspects it might be ADHD or autism. In a few weeks I'm going to a psychiatrist to get tested for those. Every single thing you talked about, it's like you're talking about me too. Thank you for sharing, it's really helping me right now.
I was diagnosed as Bipolar type 2 in 2010 but I never felt it fitted. So long story short and lots of personal reflection I am just starting out on my ADHD diagnosis.
I live in Australia and am 28 and still can't get a diagnosis despite the fact my childhood gp was almost certain I had ADHD but my mother had the mentality of "no that can't be possible. Definitely not my child."
What avenues have you tried? I'm 29 and live in Melbourne, and just got diagnosed. I asked my regular GP for a referral to a psychiatrist I researched myself; she gave me a self-assessment tool to fill out, noted that I scored quite highly on most things, and gave me the referral. It took a few months to get in to see him, but I was diagnosed and given a prescription in the first appointment. Perhaps you could talk to a different doctor for a referral? Best of luck xx
I am in Melbourne too. I saw community psychiatrist & mentioned I think I have ADHD after attending a ADHD conference & listening to the lived experience of 2 women. She completely ignored me & said I have depression caused by my PTSD, Fibromyalgia, Lymes Disease. Dr. Put me on escitalopram low dose. I am not sure what my next step can be?
I’m laughing because it’s like I’m listening to myself. We’re the same age too so missed generation. I’m very much into self care too. I’m not diagnosed but my child is and I can see a lot of things in myself upon researching it (although I know that could be other things). In any case something I have been looking at as part of helping me regulate is somatic healing or nervous system health. There’s a lady called Irene Lyon who talks about it on RUclips. I’ve signed up to her course but keep putting it off which is annoying. 😂 I do think it will be very helpful for being present etc. Thanks for making this video 😊
This literally could be me speaking. Everything is so familiar - down to similar age. I have just one child and my anxiety centres around my partner rejecting me but that theme has also lead to alcohol as a crutch. I'd be interested to hear if anyone else has compulsion issues around shopping/spending, skin picking, alcohol too. Just looking through my audible reading lists and Reddit subscriptions, you can clearly see my hyper focus projects over time 😂 I'm excited that I've been referred for diagnosis but am looking into private diagnostics currently so will check out your links.
A coworker said I think you have ADHD in my 40s. Then my sis agreed because her son had a diagnoisis. No real offical diagnosis until age 68 and I am now on meds and it is so much better. And rejection sensitive dysphoria...I had some one dump me and I was depressed six months.
It’s actually freaky how our diagnosis stories are almost identical.... down to the psychologist diagnosing me with depression, but my psychiatrist, who was referred to me by my gp, told me they go off a checklist & aren’t trained to diagnose adhd or things like that. He also said he could tell by having a 5 minute chat with me. Our stories are eerily similar!
Omg THIS IS EXACTLY ME. I’m 42 and 2yrs ago my then 14yr old son was diagnosed with asd. I learned a lot It was an absolute eye opener and explained the whole of my life. I also believe my 47yr old sister has it, again now I know, it explains ALOT! I’m also seeing it in my 5yr old daughter so am keepin an eye on her. I would really like to know where you got your diagnosis from please. Xx
I just got diagnosed too! My daughter got diagnosed and she was so much like me as a kid and I got tested and whoa 99 percentile for focus I think I was a 4.1 anyway I am writer and if I have to focus on something I don’t care about I write down the information and it helps it to sink in it is the only way I can absorb the info
I was just diagnosed officially at 51 yo. I have spent all my life thinking I was crazy and I am relieved to finally know that it’s just how my brain works. I only procrastinated 15 years to get tested. 😂
Congratulations!!! I am only realizing now that I have ADHD, after my child's diagnosis (and thinking my Dad has ADHD my whole life). I have known I am autistic since 45 or so, and am now 50, so it has been a while of needing to find out for sure about my autism, now also about ADHD, and I FINALLY talked to my doctor this week! I am so proud of myself for finally doing this, after getting my child's diagnosis (and on waiting list for autism assesment). It will be a while, as there are waiting lists, but I will be hearing from a psychiatrist soon to begin the process. I hope anyone that wants or needs a diagnosis can get one with ease, and it helps you to know yourself better, be understood more and perhaps get any support needed ♡
@@audhdcreativity5899 sorry I am just now seeing your reply. It took me 2 months to get my appointment and then another month for the results. Definitely a painful process but being able to treat it has been remarkable. Oh the relief of the diagnosis and then the guilt of what would my younger years have been like if I had been treated. However, I cannot go back only forward. My best friend has pretty severe anxiety and ADHD along with other things. She recently said she has wondered if she was actually autistic. I wouldn't be surprised. Autism has such a spectrum. Autism/ADHD/Dyslexia/Anxiety/Depression/Bi-polar all run in my family. Almost every family member is affected with one or multiple of these things. We definitely have different brains that's for sure. I hope you get in soon and can be treated for what your brain needs. I am a nurse by profession (artist by heart) and this whole pandemic has taught me that my mental health is way too important to ignore anymore.Blessings to you friend!
I wasn't diagnosed until my late 20's, however, I never FULLY UNDERSTOOD the magnitude of that diagnosis until just a few weeks ago when I connected with another RUclips channel called "How to ADHD". I am STILL learning all that it means, but I can honestly say that my recent 're-diagnosis', if you will, has been an earth shattering, eye-opening, and honest exploration of the REAL me!! I wish you the best in moving forward with your diagnosis, now that you have a MUCH BETTER INSIGHT into yourself!!
Omg same! What kind of therapy or meds worked for you?
@@lindalavalle2008 "How to ADHD" has been great! It was a relief, and there was a brief state of grief/anger over what I could have accomplished if I had the diagnosis at a young age. Let's be honest in the 70's it was definitely a "boy's" problem and would have never been a thought for me. When I think about it I must have wore my mother out. I am the oldest and quickly learned how to mask and adapt to other's expectations, all the while thinking I was just crazy. So there is relief in knowing what's going on with my brain and I can work with that. I wish you the best as well!
I literally sat with my jaw open listening to you. everything you say is me, even how you speak! I constantly interrupt myself and go off on tangents - always looking for my passion, and have a pathological fear of rejection - these are just the things that jumped out but it could have been me saying all of this! thank you for the push I needed to book myself in for a diagnosis at the grand age of 50 and thank you so much for sharing, you have no idea how relieved I feel right now
Ok so problem number 1. Parents not alive and no school reports. Meaning I can’t have an official diagnosis according to NICE guidelines. Feel a bit fed up!
@@sarahickmott6499 that’s so frustrating for you. I am a similar age and was diagnosed about a year ago without needing to produce school reports and although my dad was still alive, he would not have been able to offer any insights re my childhood behaviour as he didn’t parent in the same way my mum did - it was a generation thing perhaps? I am not sure where you are located - but I am in Australia… The psychiatrist used a report by my psychologist and my reflections on my childhood and early teen years. I was highly dubious actually as it felt so … outside my sphere of self understanding but when I talked more, he concluded that I did indeed have ADHD. In Australia we only need to produce school reports to access certain medications- for example a long acting version of dexamfetamine, not for the diagnosis itself. But if a person needs the long acting ‘dex’ medication, and doesn’t have old school reports etc, they simply have to fill out a form explaining this, sign a statutory declaration [stat dec] to this effect and the diagnosing psychiatrist also signs the form. Is it possible that there is this option available to you also? The psychiatrist I saw said some people do not know this - so, maybe this is the case where you are also? It seems so unfair. Because many people have lost or didn’t keep childhood school or medical reports. I didn’t. And many people have parents who have died, are estranged, or are unable to recall [for many reasons - some parents just weren’t very involved in their kids lives]. So, if your access to a diagnosis is blocked then a ‘work around’ is needed. Anyway, I really hope you are able to get some answers. This diagnosis has opened up my life in so many ways because I can finally see .. why and how? Why I do things the way I do. Why I have felt shamed and rejected. And… How to better manage this and, in fact how to use it as a kind of ‘super power’. I can also see how it can be so difficult for my husband to manage. Since my diagnosis and due to our greater understanding, I can see how frustrating many things can be and we have better mechanisms for dealing with … the chaos I unwittingly can engender and reduce the effect on our day to day lives. For example I can manage time very poorly and get totally absorbed in things and then rush around and make a big mess last minute as I strive to get ready. Dear fella meantime takes 3 minutes to get ready and then is quietly stressed because we will be late and it was not necessary because I’ve known for ages I was going to .. a, b or c. It has allowed, most importantly, me to appreciate myself in a completely different way and to start the process of undoing the harmful messages I’ve taken on board over decades about “who” I am. I hope this all makes sense. Wishing you all the best
@@natnat8733 where in Australia did you find someone to help? My last therapist told me 'we're all a little bit adhd' when i asked about it. I only thought to ask because a friend who teaches special needs kids and deals a lot with adhd/autistic/high anxiety needs mentioned, maybe, it might be something thst i could look into. I have a new therapist now, months later, but am afraid to mention it in case she's as dismissive as the last one.
When you spoke of “searching for purpose” - that hit a home run for me.
This is the 3rd time I've watched your video this week as I'm absolutely gobsmacked, it's like listening to myself through a mirror. I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety disorder years ago but I've always known its more than that. Watching your video has made me decide to speak to my GP about getting assessed for ADHD and start to come off the many medications I take for anxiety and depression (they just make me feel dead inside, I struggle to have any normal emotions good or bad). Thank you for making this video and telling us about your journey 😊
Thank you Rachel for sharing your ADHD journey. I am 74 and absolutely struggled all my life without being able to get a diagnosis. I was 99% sure that I have ADHD for many years, before that my thoughts were that I am so very thick , stupid and worthless. Life was Hell…
I have read literature, done online tests etc all more evidence that I do have ADHD.
Tonight I found you on RUclips. I am now 100% sure…. As I listened, I started crying because everything you said about yourself, I identified with… I still have big problems, all of them make me feel unworthy and lacking confidence and self esteem, but, I am working hard at changing that slowly. Due to my struggles ,. I am acutely sensitive when others who are suffering and try to be a good listener.
I have subscribed and will continue to learn from your wisdom. I must get back to my Yoga classes and Wildlife Trust volunteering, both of which has benefited my health both mentally and physically.
Namaste.
When you were starting to tell a story and then you said "Oh wait actually this happened first" because you got ahead of yourself, OMG haha. I do that all the time. All of these hit home. Especially indecision, trying to find purpose (my obsession with this is what ultimately drove me into a deep depression actually!), and the hyperfocus and then not sticking with it. I check every box. But I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety instead. BTW, I also contemplated whether I was simply bipolar! Because I get super hyperactive for maybe 1 to 3 days, and then just crash into exhaustion land. But ADHD makes so much more sense.
There is one big change I have made that has helped me live with my ADHD, and maybe it will help others who read this comment. I've started to say "No" to myself. I was always overextending myself and taking on new projects or trying to learn new things, but much of the time it is merely a coping mechanism, and it gets in the way of everything else in my life and tends to make things worse overall. So when you feel that excitement about something and want to go into hyperfocus mode and sign up for classes and spend hundreds of dollars on books and equipment etc...ask yourself "is this something I REALLY want to do, or is it an attempt to cope/a passing interest?" I have narrowed down what I will allow myself to spend time on, and it has helped me strengthen my relationship with the things I have kept, which are my true passions (writing poetry, reading tarot/spirituality), while letting go of the rest. Let yourself let it go!!!! Say NO! It is really a relief in the end.
OMG. It's so me
I have the drug or medicine that cure ADHD
I just wrote this very long reply to your video listing all the things I can relate to, but as an undiagnosed person, I think this answered the question about whether or not I should look into getting that done. ;) Thank you for this video, I was nodding along the whole time.
I can't even adequately express how validating this video was. Especially around the RSD part and the mention of "never feeling good enough/wondering what's wrong with me", I got a little emotional. I've yet to get a formal diagnosis but I'm realizing how my hyperfocus and extremely punishing narrative for myself has helped me mask my ADHD through adulthood. It's kind of a mindfuck honestly
Minimalism has changed my life :) try it to help with indecision and being surrounded by stuff.
Making sure the spaces I occupy aren’t cluttered really helps with streamlining my thought processes.
I need minimalism. 😓 🥴 I crave it so bad.
I have two days booked off next week to have a clear out. But one of my symptoms is compulsive shopping so that doesn't help!
Same!!
@@LouLouPolenastics that’s definitely a symptom
This is the most accurate description of how I am. When you read about adhd you tend to hear just about messiness etc. I managed messiness all my life by using strict structure and routine. I need to take care of me more though. At the same age as you and only now getting answers. Thank you so much.
💜💜💜
I am 21, extremely high achieving, but my entire life i never knew that I had ADHD. I’m not diagnosed currently but i feel i was misdiagnosed with depression as i think my inability to cope is completely eating away at me. I’ve also come to the realization that my mom is a mirror image of me too, and i feel like i can’t even think straight after finding out what i feel is wrong with me. I really appreciate this vid though and i wanted to let you know because it genuinely has calmed me down from how educating it is. I also tend to use humor to joke with myself in order to cope.
There's nothing wrong with you; it's just part of the human condition X
Hey Rachel, I'm 26 and have just been diagnosed. It was great to hear your story, and to hear women speaking up about the underdiagnosis, and so interesting to hear of the 'lost generation'. Thank you for sharing!
Ive been in denial since the age of 17, i am now turning 27 and its been such a struggle. Every time I have the courage to speak to my gp, I back out or something comes in the way.
I’m part of the lost generation
I'm glad you found out what was causing you difficulties, often just knowing makes such a difference.
thank you so much for this. i am a 45 year old woman and only just realising that i may be ADHD and RSD. I have struggled with so many things you talk about for 30 odd years. i am going to try and get assessed but i am so impatient i want to know NOW! what a cruel irony to have to try and be patient! thank you. i have been obsessively researching ADHD and have learnt so much this week. thank you x
So, so me. I'm 53, and made the appointment today to get assessed. Thank you for sharing this. Every single part is me.
Amazing video, thank you. My GP told me this week that if I had ADHD I would’ve been diagnosed as a child! And yet when I was 7 I had my knuckles rapped with a ruler for daydreaming! The UK at least wasn’t aware at that time. It made me so cross I’m looking into going private now too. So many things rang true especially the fear of rejection, knowing your feelings are completely over the top and yet your brain doesn’t let you move on. 😔
I'm only just seeing this now! I have, and have ha all my life, most symptoms of ADHD. I've been diagnosed with both anxiety and depression and it wasn't until a woman I met at a conference said to me: 'Oh, you have ADHD too!' I began to look into it. I've been terribly upset about not making it in life despite being well educated, attractive and fit and healthy. I've never earned enough money to buy a house and I've not been able to afford a holiday in 17 years. I've once taken my now 18 yo daughter on holiday and she was 17 months - I'm hugely ashamed of this. I live in an area I've not been brought up in and have no connection here and Bo friends but I'm stuck here. I did approach my GP re ADHD but was brushed off. I'm struggling to get a diagnosis an am in my late 50s. I cannot afford a private diagnosis. My mum and grandma were anorexic and looking back I think we're possibly ADHD too. It's so hard at times but you are one of an amazing community of nurodiverse people bringing these issues to the fore. Thank you.
Thanks so much for your content, I am 3 days sober and considering an adhd assessment myself x
Your video is touching. Thank you for sharing your story. As I watched you talk... it was like seeing myself talk... and it actually gave me comfort and hope. I’m 34 and in the process with my Psych of treating newly diagnosed ADHD, alongside BPD. I always knew something wasn’t right and felt like I didn’t fit into the ‘regular’ neuro typical world. I can’t thank you enough for sharing your experiences as an adult diagnosed with ADHD. We are truly the lost generation. Sending you lots of encouragement!
So glad and relieved to have found this. I read an article this morning about ADHD in women and so much of it connected with my experience. I put adult adhd in you tube and your vlog came up. I'm 52 years old and feel like finally I may have some answers/explanations. Thank you for posting this.
Thank you Rachel for making and sharing this video, I too am a great supporter of celebrating nero diversity, having been diagnosed at 48 with Dsylexia and Dsypraxia I can so relate to that feeling of thinking "what's wrong with me" and then the emotions and feelings after diagnosis that I was actually not "thick" or "stupid" as I had been called so many times throughout my childhood. Thankfully it lead to me becoming a coach and gaining a ILM qualification which previously I never would have believed possible. You are so right that for every difficulty that nero diversity brings, there are massive strengths and amazing talents too which should be recognised and celebrated xx
Ah you’re welcome... So much clarity in diagnosis 🙏🏻
I’m 21 and not long been diagnosed myself, initially my GP referred me to a psychiatrist as it was assumed I was bipolar/Hypomanic. I had been taking antidepressants for the past couple of years as my mood can fluctuate from mostly extreme highs to extreme lows. As soon as I spoke to the psychiatrist, they interrupted to ask if I had ever been diagnosed with ADHD. This was just based on a short conversation and my demeanour. After an assessment and a chat with my parents to ask some questions about myself during childhood, my parents were initially skeptical assuming ADHD was just young boys misbehaving. But finally I have been diagnosed and I am prescribed concerta and it has changed my life. I can actually be productive and hold conversations without going on tangents. Keep things in order and actually COMPLETE tasks. So happy
This was like watching another me. Waiting to get an assessment at 52 but everything you said was almost a mirror image
It’s so good when you realise you’re not alone! X
You're amazing and very organic, your purpose is multiple purposes ;) Your search is not limited, your purpose should be all the things you research and the positive things you pass on
The way you speak is almost identical to the way I speak! Went through all my childhood school reports too and was a v emotional process. Thank you for the video! X
Haha! Kindred spirits! Do you think you have adhd?? X
100%. Currently seeking diagnosis, but after a solid month of hyper-researching, loss of sleep, imposter syndrome and about 4000 podcast episodes I think I'm about ready to advocate for myself!
Oh p.s. if you aren't already on the lovely UK ADHD women support group I really recommend it 🤗
I’ve only just realised I have this, after seeing my school reports recently! Thank you for sharing your story. All of it resonates with me!
Ok ive got to say this is the first video ive actualy listened to without having to rewind,im 34 & currently been refered for adhd assessement as i honestly thought i have bipolar but my sister has adhd diagnosed and aparantly i have alot of her traits,thinking now,yes im possitive i will get the diagnosis this year just awaiting a call
You have really just explained me down to even the littlest things,so alike in those ways it mad.hope you are well & thankyou for the videos
This is exactly how I got diagnosed! My daughter was diagnosed I researched like crazy took a couple test and boom! I always did extremely well in school but had a lot of attention and impulsivity issues and thought it was normal. I have been diagnosed with anxiety and depression both heavily medicated and nothing worked! I kept telling my therapist I feel like I’m constantly in a dream because I am going and going and nonstop. Talked to psychiatrist as well and boom diagnosed!!!! It makes so much sense now! Life is so much easier because I don’t feel crazy anymore! Thank you for your video!!!
You’re welcome xx
I really enjoyed this. I’d considered the possibility of ADHD before but the checklist of traditional hyperactive symptoms didn’t seem to fit. It wasn’t until 8 months ago, someone I was talking to about some of my challenges suggested I might have ADHD. Kind of random, I thought. She also directed me to Tracy Otsuka. Well, a lightbulb went off like never before. I don’t yet have a formal diagnosis but depression has lifted, anxiety is less, I understand myself and my experiences in ways that have made me view my entire life differently. For the first time ever, I feel hopeful. And Tracy’s podcast is just amazing - so many ahas and you feel so seen after a lifetime of feeling invisible and tbh faulty.
OMG!!!
Thankyou so much for sharing your journey I have just connected so much to your experiences! I feel hope inside now as this could be the answer to life!! I’m definitely going to watch your other stuff and get to the drs.
I’ve struggled with addiction since 15 and I honestly believe it’s been a coping mechanism for ADHD! Thankyou so so much for talking so honest and real I think I’ve found myself xx
Can relate to every single point. All of it. Diagnosed 2 months ago at 41.
I am just behind you in age and a very similar story. Motherhood made me realize I wasn't actually juggling things that well to begin with but after that, I was a depressed, anxious mess. Why can't I be anywhere near as organized, focused, restrained etc as other moms? Well, now I know and knowing definitely helps a lot.
Absolutely the same here. Had a baby last year, and that was what really made me acknowledge that I was not functioning, and that it could seriously impact my daughter's life if I didn't deal with it. It was possible to scrape by on my own (although naturally not without the huge burden of shame, guilt, and low self-esteem), but add a tiny dependent human and postpartum hormonal chaos into the mix and I just couldn't do it anymore. Diagnosed two days ago. Now that I know what I've struggled with my whole life, I hope I can start to tackle it and be a better mum for my gorgeous girl
This is me too. Diagnosed 2 months ago
I’m so glad I ran across this. I relate to most ALL of it from drinking/smoking, indecisions, interrupting, RSD, not knowing my worth, etc. Thank you for sharing! I was diagnosed 2 years ago at age 56, wish it had been 50 years ago. Years wasted!😢
I am considering getting tested for it as I resonate with 80% of the symptoms I've seen in videos on You Tube. I'm 41 this month. I qualified as a Zumba instructor & I'm obsessed with dancing. I work in administration & can't focus on my work for more than 10 - 20 mins at a time. It's making me very depressed & anxious. And yes I was diagnosed with anxiety & depression when I was 27.
About to go to the doctor's to try and get a diagnosis after over 10 years of being depressed and having anxiety but never really progressing or getting better with meds and therapy. Been too scared to do it as I struggle to try and describe it and feel like I am being dramatic, this video really helped me write down examples and realise symptoms I didn't even notice. Thanks for your help, fingers crossed I get taken seriously x
Thanks for this! I am 67 and have a preliminary diagnosis from a Therapist but have been referred to a specialist for a "real" ADHD evaluation. I cancelled the first evaluation out of fear.
Don't be afraid, just embrace it X
35 and have just been diagnosed. Thank you for sharing! My peloton bike and yoga is how i cope along with caffiine. I am also trying the same medication and also am coming to the conclusion just after a week that I would prefer all my coffees instead! I sdtopped smoking when i had my first child and I stopped drinking. Also on a massive hypoerfocus of learning about ADHD and educating myself as much as I can while i am interested in it haha! I will look into the Omega 3 too. From a fellow Brit, thank you for this video!! My daughter is currently being diagnosed she is 5. Really great video.
Thank you for sharing this this it is me talking, what more can I say. I have been diagnosed with clinical depression in the last 5 years and really struggle with highs and lows and just about everything you have said, at your age it was a family joke that I had a list for a list but it structured my day my marriage broke down 10 years ago that structure went 😮 So here I am I’m on my ADHD journey ❤
Oh my gosh. Your so good at explaining what it is like to have ADHD. It was lovely to listen to you and it made me feel like there is someone out there just like me. I am unofficially diagnosed with it through going to do an Art degree in my 50s. I was struggling with some things and so I had an assessment. They said I has Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Autism and ADHD. To find this out so late in life was sort of a surprise but mainly it made so much sense. I have a sense of Oh my God, how do I come across? It took the rug from under me for a while. But since then the people in Uni, my family and friends understand me better and I am realising more about myself daily. Thank you so much for doing this video. You must have helped hundreds of people like us. I applaud you 👏👏👏❤
Thank you Rachel, loved your video and can relate to it on so many levels. I was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult after my son was diagnosed. I also have OCD (pretty much in remission). I took concerta for about 2 years and found it really helped with my overall mood and emotional dysregulation but chose to come off it and now manage my symptoms with a really simple and structured lifestyle that includes a lot of exercise most days (this I find helpful for hyper-focussing).
I too see many gifts in having ADHD. Love your vivaciousness and energy it truly resonates! I can tell we would get on well of we met, we would bounce off each other and talk over the top of each other in excitement, ha ha!!!!
The struggles you described the sensitivity and talking and everything is exactly me. The school reports. The not understanding what's wrong with me. Feeling not good enough. Waking up in the middle of the night and needing to youtube a song. Creativity, imagination etc. Honestly word for word everything you said. Indecisiveness. Talking quickly. Depression. Brain overthinking. The anxiety of someone not saying hi back. It's like a wave goes through my body. These are just jumbled thoughts I'm typing away.
The being honest and genuine to a fault
I cant complete a story I go on tangents and everyone gets annoyed but to me when I'm talking these are details I need to tell in a story
I am now 25 and I identify with 98% of everything you mention in this video. Thank you for making it.
I've just found you're channel & I'm going for my appointment to be assessed next week (I'm 24) and I'm quite nervous about it! It's with the NHS in the UK so fingers crossed!!!
I am 39 with a diagnosed son, have been referred to psychiatrist because me brain wouldn't shut up. I'm either sleeping, or pushing myself to exhaustion when I have energy just to keep my head busy. It doesn't always work. I'm off work due to poor health. I'm now about the house alone and I spiralled into deepr depression than I have ever felt and my symptoms have been spiralling too. Not even my check lists are helping. Totally drained and overwhelmed
amazing post. So much identification. My 18 year old daughter just officially diagnosed (£1000) later!! consultant also suggested I get tested. We are going down the medication route for her coupled with therapy/coaching. Just starting so fingers crossed it helps her moving into adulthood and first steps on the career ladder.I am not going to bother I know ! But educating myself has been sooooo helpful in understanding who the hell I am and picking up useful hints and tips on coping strategies. I have read lots of articles about addiction and ADHD which has also been part of my story. It just so good to finally unravel the mystery. Thank you.
I've been in therapy for over 20 yrs & my therapist JUST today mentioned that I may have ADHD lol took long enough.
I am gobsmacked - you are describing my life! I'm 54 and have always felt different, been told I'm too loud. Talk too much, full-on etc. Hyper focused on what I enjoy but procrastination when it's things I don't want to do. I'm going to get a diagnosis myself I think - when I get around to it 😂😂😂
Thank you for this. My therapist said it's possible for me to have ADHD and I didn't want to believe it. I'm 29 and this hits home
I love this video.. thanks so much for your honesty and vulnerability.. you are like a breathe of fresh air.. I loved watching and have ADHD and am a mama undiagnosed with depression.. thank you. Have subscribed x
All of this is so validating... I cant wait for my assessment. 21 years old! eek
Wow! Rachel watching you is like watching me… made me teary as you’re lovely and I’ve had low self esteem forever. Luckily my job as a designer and art enabled me to actually function. But being called scatty, forgetful and disorganised has always annoyed me snd made me feel silly. Thank you so much xxxxxx
She’s ever so focussed for someone with ADHD to deliver this video so eloquently. I can relate to so much of this but I cannot focus as much as this lady. She’s very focussed and seems like a super fun person.
My mind is chaos so I desperately need structure. I’m far too hyper to ever drink coffee. I need endorphin release everyday. I’ve got dyspraxia but I do wonder if I’ve also got ADHD as well as my mind races a lot and I struggle so much with organising my brain. I’m super organised with my belongings
it depend how we've learned to cope
Im super organised with my belongings because i had to train myself to be… it didnt come naturally though
Literally every word you spoke could have come out of my mouth 😄 thanks for sharing!
I watched this before my diagnosis and everything really resonated. I hear you re. the waning interest. I’d slowed down/stopped thinking about taking on new things, like courses, because I’ve had so many go to the bin. 🙈 However, since my diagnosis this week, age 57, I’m now thinking about the future again. I looked into it after my 25 year old son was diagnosed.
Songggggs! 🤣 I woke the other night to the song Tie a Yellow Ribbon. 😳 🐛
Purpose! I’ve been feeling like my life has been wasted. Career, jobs, feeling useful...🤷♀️
I’ve made so many connections to thing recently, incredible.
I hated the school gates at drop off-pick up. ☹️
Great video! Thank you! ☺️
Yes to the courses! X
Wow, so glad i found your channel, I'm being tested tomorrow evening by the same company!
How did it go xxxx
I am so so like u!!! Especially with husbands talking about money!!!
Thank you for sharing your wisdom! Everything you were saying was scarily relatable - it was like you were me! 😮 Please could you share the podcast you mentioned? Thank you!
Tracey otsuka adhd for smart ass women xx
@@rachelbrady thank you so much!!
Hi, I'm 67 this year and on the waiting list for an assessment. I was diagnosed as Autistic 2 years ago. That made a big difference to me in understanding myself. I have been told the waiting list is 2 to 3 years. On that, I might get a diagnosis before I hit 70? Great video, very informative, thank you xx
I'm a brand new subscriber to your channel watching from London. I've just been officially diagnosed with ADHD Inattentive Type with 90% accuracy.
This was so relatable!! I am trying to get a diagnosis at the moment
This was really wonderful!! I'm 44 and it hit me today that I have ADHD - with hyperfocus. I would LOVE to research all the links and things you spoke about - could you add them to the description? THANK YOU SO MUCH
I had the school gate nightmare for years saying hello smiling and getting blanked.I would walk home sobbing and bereft.
ADHD is our body (executive functioning) limitation response to what our mind imposing on it. We are all different and modern society structure is demanding more than some of us can provide naturally. Try to be aware and listen to your body, find a balance between limitless desires of our mind and limited capabilities of our body. Lady has covered the topic which personally resembles my experience. Although every ADHD case is unique, most symptoms can be recognized right away by educated person. Another important topic affecting most ADHD folks is emotionally disregulation and mood swings. Another great resource I will recommend is doctor Gabor Mate and Russell Barkley who written great books on this topic.
Such a great video! So much great helpful info. Just turn 40 and my son is waiting to be assessed so have been doing all the research for him. This really made me see the difficulties I have had throughout my life and how I have struggled. Looking into going to see the GP with some evidence, to make sure I am taken seriously. Will look into the essential oils you suggest as I love using natural remedies. So many great tip thank you again ❤
I'm currently being assessed as ADHD and Autism. What you've described is exactly me. Thank you for sharing 😊
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Omg a tear just came to my eye when said about innit finishing a sentence. I’ve been told that so many times. Diagnosed with depression and had meds for years until forgot to renew the prescription then ended up coming off them. I can’t think of anything from childhood apart from not being able to watch full episodes of the a team without having to ask what’s going onbut as an adult I’m convinced now, however could it simply be transference as I’m an art therapist. Idk
Like hearing from my twin 🙏 So powerful thank Goodness I’ve come across you ☺️
You sound alot like me and we are around the same age and I've only just realised that I have adhd in the last week and everything makes sense now!
I just found out recently I have it. I'm 30 now and I feel you when you said how upsetting it is to find out years late. I have been given medication and my debate is going with a more natural medicine.
Can’t believe this. It’s like finally here is an explanation and full description of me!! So much in commons with you! Actually do home educate my kids. Older than you though so I’m doubly panicking now with having not found my life’s purpose!! Thank you so much for making this. I just recently realised that what was what was going on for me. So this has been a great gateway for me going forward.
Going to check your essential oils stuff. I have burners and I use them every morning yeah they are good for us ;)
Sending you love and gratitude 🙏
This is surreal. Thank you for talking about it.
Thank you so much for this. My mom and brother have Inattentive ADHD, and I’m just now pursuing diagnosis myself. I struggled with panic attacks for a few months and depression at the beginning of COVID, so I started treatment but could never ever get myself together. Now, examining my life, I can see that there are things present that are consistent with ADHD before AND after the depression and heightened anxiety, so perhaps that played into me developing those conditions. It would explain so much about my life. Even if I don’t have it, I can’t go on NOT knowing at this point. These symptoms have negatively impacted my life in so many ways.
Wow we are so alike. Im going to tell my therapist tomorrow that I suspect I have adhd. Wish me luck!
I’ve just (27 nov 2021) been diagnosed with ADHD age 48. So glad I’m finally getting answers to questions I’ve been asking for years. I’m sure my teachers new something was up and I should have been diagnosed back when I was a child. But then I always thought they were useless.
Listening to you is how I speak when I’m hyper interested about a topic. I’m now on a waiting list to be referred to the doctor 12-18 months but I’ll read and research until that point.
I do take ashwaganda for anxiety stress depression which has really helped me. It’s herbal.
Look forward to seeing more videos from you. ☺️
True, I was diagnosed for clinical depression from being 18 too, so I went 15 years before I was actually diagnosed with ADHD. I struggled all the way through school, except for art because that's how I managed to focus my mind. I think music would have been a good subject for me but wasn't really a option for me due to the timetable. I spent most of my time in detention and senior cover for either talking, reacting, forgeting my homework and being late for school. Later it was for coming to school pissed or wagging school altogether.
At college I was banned from woodwork for my duration because I was talking and reacting to a lad who was talking to me and became a good friend at that time during the health and safety talk! I went in fully intending to listen but we react to things because of our hyperactive and reactive behaviour.
Listening to you speak and talk about your experience is like a mirror. You can have bipolar too with ADHD I think. Losing things is a regular occurrence. The routine thing is a struggle.
18:15**
Found this very interesting thank you for sharing x
Great! I hope it helps people who watch it! X
Diagnosed 49 years old, I feel like we’re the ones who can’t stand the bullshit - can’t do taxes, household chores, etc but go for it with creative solutions, empathy etc.
This is a fantastic video, thank you so much for sharing!! Seriously grateful
Thank you so much for this! Like many others here, it all resonated with me….even down to the spirituality and always thinking about your purpose. I too did YTT, thank goodness for yoga,right? It’s so hard to explain to someone how you feel or mind works and for them to be just, “Well then just change or do xyz.”…but we can’t😔 and there is a lot of shame and guilt around that. Cheers!
The search for my purpose is the overlooking story of my life too and the interupting.its all their layed out but I have no diagnoses.
I'm 35 and I'm on the waiting list for a diagnosis. I use a couple of Alexa's in the house to help me manage my behaviour, but the joke is she tells me the weather at 7am so I know how to dress the kids... But I'll listen to her for what the temp currently is but I'll never know what she's said at the end for the rest of the day, my mind has just gone somewhere... Every morning... Last night I was super hyper because I watched the finale of Rings of Power and it was very good and I couldn't settle for 3 hours afterwards because I was hyper about all the backstory to Sauron and the other characters.
I'm half glad I've found your video and half tearful... I'm not diagnosed but I've struggled so much for so long with every symptom you've described. I'm 32 and I've only recently enquired about it with my surgery. A diagnosis would explain so much and in my opinion help me get better (I have depression and anxiety and am transitioning to my 4th set of pills to try find something that works). But at the same time, I'm worried that if I don't have it, then I'll just feel like a failure.
I feel the exact same
@@zainabj8590 ❤❤
Oh the feeling of failure is all part of it
Great video, thank you for your testimony. Subscribed and liked.
Hello, love your video! It still goes undiagnosed even for those who were born in the 90s aka me!😅 I am now 29 years old and just been diagnosed with both ADHD and ASD and it turns out my mother, grandmother also have it...I went looking for a diagnosis after struggling with the simple stuff in regards to raising my toddler. I also want to do videos on RUclips and other platforms to raise awareness as people, specifically women and young girls, with ADHD or ASD are slightly different to someone who has both like myself😊
So again great video and thanks for raising awareness hope you're well😊
Since I was a child I've been in and out of therapy. It always came to the conclusion of depression. I'm 24 now and have just been diagnosed with a severe anxiety disorder but my psychologist suspects it might be ADHD or autism. In a few weeks I'm going to a psychiatrist to get tested for those.
Every single thing you talked about, it's like you're talking about me too. Thank you for sharing, it's really helping me right now.
You can have both autism and ADHD
Fantastic. Currently going through my assessment
Thank you. This sounds just like me. 💖
I’ve just asked to be referred at 47! Its crazy how all these things are me!
I was diagnosed as Bipolar type 2 in 2010 but I never felt it fitted. So long story short and lots of personal reflection I am just starting out on my ADHD diagnosis.
That’s just how I speak and explain things 😊
I live in Australia and am 28 and still can't get a diagnosis despite the fact my childhood gp was almost certain I had ADHD but my mother had the mentality of "no that can't be possible. Definitely not my child."
Go to a private doc? X
What avenues have you tried? I'm 29 and live in Melbourne, and just got diagnosed. I asked my regular GP for a referral to a psychiatrist I researched myself; she gave me a self-assessment tool to fill out, noted that I scored quite highly on most things, and gave me the referral. It took a few months to get in to see him, but I was diagnosed and given a prescription in the first appointment.
Perhaps you could talk to a different doctor for a referral? Best of luck xx
I am in Melbourne too. I saw community psychiatrist & mentioned I think I have ADHD after attending a ADHD conference & listening to the lived experience of 2 women. She completely ignored me & said I have depression caused by my PTSD, Fibromyalgia, Lymes Disease. Dr. Put me on escitalopram low dose. I am not sure what my next step can be?
Ask your for a referral to see a psychiatrist who specialises in adhd.
I’m laughing because it’s like I’m listening to myself. We’re the same age too so missed generation. I’m very much into self care too. I’m not diagnosed but my child is and I can see a lot of things in myself upon researching it (although I know that could be other things). In any case something I have been looking at as part of helping me regulate is somatic healing or nervous system health. There’s a lady called Irene Lyon who talks about it on RUclips. I’ve signed up to her course but keep putting it off which is annoying. 😂 I do think it will be very helpful for being present etc. Thanks for making this video 😊
This literally could be me speaking. Everything is so familiar - down to similar age. I have just one child and my anxiety centres around my partner rejecting me but that theme has also lead to alcohol as a crutch. I'd be interested to hear if anyone else has compulsion issues around shopping/spending, skin picking, alcohol too.
Just looking through my audible reading lists and Reddit subscriptions, you can clearly see my hyper focus projects over time 😂
I'm excited that I've been referred for diagnosis but am looking into private diagnostics currently so will check out your links.
A coworker said I think you have ADHD in my 40s. Then my sis agreed because her son had a diagnoisis. No real offical diagnosis until age 68 and I am now on meds and it is so much better. And rejection sensitive dysphoria...I had some one dump me and I was depressed six months.
Wonderful video! Thank you! I feel seen and heard for the first time.
It’s actually freaky how our diagnosis stories are almost identical.... down to the psychologist diagnosing me with depression, but my psychiatrist, who was referred to me by my gp, told me they go off a checklist & aren’t trained to diagnose adhd or things like that. He also said he could tell by having a 5 minute chat with me. Our stories are eerily similar!
Omg THIS IS EXACTLY ME. I’m 42 and 2yrs ago my then 14yr old son was diagnosed with asd. I learned a lot It was an absolute eye opener and explained the whole of my life. I also believe my 47yr old sister has it, again now I know, it explains ALOT! I’m also seeing it in my 5yr old daughter so am keepin an eye on her. I would really like to know where you got your diagnosis from please. Xx
Hi there, I mention them in the description. Yes it gives such clarity doesn’t it? X
What’s asd?
@@michellekleinhans8396 Autistic Spectrum Disorder.
I can relate so much to everything said in this video. Not been diagnosed with ADHD but definitely think I have it😞
I just got diagnosed too! My daughter got diagnosed and she was so much like me as a kid and I got tested and whoa 99 percentile for focus I think I was a 4.1 anyway I am writer and if I have to focus on something I don’t care about I write down the information and it helps it to sink in it is the only way I can absorb the info
Great video!! I struggle to find things in people's RUclips links... couldn't find the specific things you mentioned would be linked Sorry