Living with your ADHD Diagnosis
As much as an ADHD Diagnosis can bring about this “finally I know what it is” sentiment which feels like relief, it can also feel like grief for some. Grief for their previous self and the many years they spent questioning, judging, being unkind to themselves and struggling in many areas of their lives (at least 2 to get diagnosed in the UK!).
The years they laid in bed for days, unable to start or finish even the smallest thing. The many different medications they were wrongly prescribed or self-prescribed (including the misuse of other substances to feel better). The many arguments or disagreements with family members, colleagues, friends or partners. The accidents and lost items. The many times they wish they could push a button and just “function normally”. The list goes on, but it’s a story I hear more often than not unfortunately.
The one thing that I can clearly see from those who have come out the other side and live in acceptance of having ADHD, is that the more they learn about it and speak / read / listen to others who have it or empathise with it, the easier it gets.
The ADHD Community has absolutely exploded in the last 2 years across the internet, with social media playing a huge part in this. This community is the reason so many people now have a better understanding of what ADHD actually is and they are also the ones to thank for making fellow ADHDers more comfortable with “admitting” that they have it. So integrating into this community is highly advisable for anyone finding it hard to come to terms with everything.
As mentioned in my other blog regarding the brain vs trauma when it comes to ADHD, each diagnosis should come with a treatment plan that is catered to each individual and their specific set of symptoms (or saboteurs as we also call these in my style of coaching).
However I do believe that the trifecta of therapy, medication and coaching has been shown to really help newly diagnosed ADHDers to look ahead and move forward, vs grieve the time lost pre diagnosis:
ADHD Therapy explores the emotional and psychological aspects of ADHD, addressing underlying issues like anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and trauma. Therapists are licensed mental health professionals who can provide clinical treatment, which may include behavioural therapy, cognitive restructuring, and emotional support.
ADHD Medication helps improve focus, impulse control, and attention by balancing certain chemicals in the brain. There are two main types: stimulants, which boost dopamine levels to improve concentration, and non-stimulants, which work more gradually to help with focus and emotional regulation. These medications don’t cure ADHD but can make daily tasks and learning easier.
ADHD Coaching fills the gap between “I know I have it, I am on medication, but what now?”. Therapy and medication can’t hold your hand and guide you through your daily life whilst holding you accountable to do the tasks that you need or set out to do, but coaching can. Think of it like a personal trainer for your brain, someone to flex your executive skills with and make them grow.
