Ooh I need to sit and read this properly. We seem to have a lot in common!! Increasingly I think I have ADHD and even my hubby thinks do now!! Daughter is autistic with ADHD features. Think this has brought more awareness for me.
Etta, this post is amazing and we need more voices talking about the emotional experience. I'm in my 40s and only recently thought I might have it, prompted by a friends' suggestion. The more I read and learn, the more it resonates and I'm going for my first assessment in a few weeks. Emotionally, I'm still not quite sure what to make of it and its stories like this that help me to 'Yes! Oh! Shit!' in an exclamation of self-understanding.
Thank you for dropping by Kate - I have found it incredibly helpful to 'know'. It has enabled me to cut myself some slack and being kinder to myself too!
What an in-depth, thought-provoking first essay here Etta. May it be the first of many. May you be discovered by everyone who recognises their own experience and finds comfort in your words.
I was officially diagnosed in my 40's, and medicine helps me immensely in my job as a U.S. high school teacher. I've been learning a lot about the benefits of my neurodivergence, which helps minimize a lot of the shame and self-esteem issues. Thank you for the post, and congratulations on hitting publish-I'm still working my way to it!
Thank you for taking the time to comment and share your experience of medication. What I am learning is that there are no absolutes with ADHD. It truly is a 'divergent' condition in so many ways. I am really glad you have a positive experience of medication and wonder if you might be open to talking to me more about that as I research my book?
Hi Etta. Yes, please feel free to reach out. I’m in and out depending on the week and month, and I’m just learning to navigate Substack, and plus, I have ADHD! There’s all my excuses up front, so now I’ll probably reply in 10 minutes—haha.
We've only just virtually met... and yet, I am so proud of you for being courageous enough to write and publish this!! I relate to almost everything you've written. My experience has shown me that every time I talk or write about my diagnosis journey, it magically reaches someone who needed my words in that moment. I'm alongside you for the ride 😍
You did it! You hit publish on a post you’ve been working on for over a year - and it’s landed so beautifully. 🙏
Anita - you are a sweetheart. Thank you for your kindness and your support.
Your writing is beautiful, Etta. Thank you for sharing so honestly.
Thank you so very much for dropping by, your kind words and support. All very much appreciated. x
Ooh I need to sit and read this properly. We seem to have a lot in common!! Increasingly I think I have ADHD and even my hubby thinks do now!! Daughter is autistic with ADHD features. Think this has brought more awareness for me.
Etta, this post is amazing and we need more voices talking about the emotional experience. I'm in my 40s and only recently thought I might have it, prompted by a friends' suggestion. The more I read and learn, the more it resonates and I'm going for my first assessment in a few weeks. Emotionally, I'm still not quite sure what to make of it and its stories like this that help me to 'Yes! Oh! Shit!' in an exclamation of self-understanding.
Thank you for dropping by Kate - I have found it incredibly helpful to 'know'. It has enabled me to cut myself some slack and being kinder to myself too!
What an in-depth, thought-provoking first essay here Etta. May it be the first of many. May you be discovered by everyone who recognises their own experience and finds comfort in your words.
Thank you for taking the time to read Beth, your unwavering support and kindness x
Thank you for sharing. It is helpful for many of us living in/supporting in these in-between spaces.
Thank you for dropping by. I love that description 'in-between spaces'. It perfectly sums up where we live!
I was officially diagnosed in my 40's, and medicine helps me immensely in my job as a U.S. high school teacher. I've been learning a lot about the benefits of my neurodivergence, which helps minimize a lot of the shame and self-esteem issues. Thank you for the post, and congratulations on hitting publish-I'm still working my way to it!
Thank you for taking the time to comment and share your experience of medication. What I am learning is that there are no absolutes with ADHD. It truly is a 'divergent' condition in so many ways. I am really glad you have a positive experience of medication and wonder if you might be open to talking to me more about that as I research my book?
Hi Etta. Yes, please feel free to reach out. I’m in and out depending on the week and month, and I’m just learning to navigate Substack, and plus, I have ADHD! There’s all my excuses up front, so now I’ll probably reply in 10 minutes—haha.
We've only just virtually met... and yet, I am so proud of you for being courageous enough to write and publish this!! I relate to almost everything you've written. My experience has shown me that every time I talk or write about my diagnosis journey, it magically reaches someone who needed my words in that moment. I'm alongside you for the ride 😍
Thank you Helen. I really appreciate your kind support.