ADHD – my perspective

For many years, people believed that ADHD was something that mainly affected

men (specifically young boys). However, recent studies and a better

understanding of ADHD have found that all kinds of people can develop ADHD.

Still, some research indicates that up to 75 percent of girls who have ADHD

never get diagnosed. I am a part of that percentage. With dealing with what felt

like being shoved under the rug having to just “get on with it” growing up.

It is possible for a girl to be diagnosed with hyperactivity-impulsivity ADHD as it

is more commonly understood. On the other hand, girls with inattentive ADHD

normally get masked away and unseen. In able to notice ADHD in these girls,

people can’t rely on looking for hyperactivity as a symptom as it isn’t as

common. Instead, people in her life might notice:

• Crying more easily

• Getting irritated easily

• Interrupting or blurting out

• Starting multiple tasks, but struggling to finish any of them

• Daydreaming/spacing out frequently

• Appearing to not listen to you

• Disorganised or messy

• Getting easily distracted

• Forgetfulness

• Seeming sensitive to certain sounds/feelings

All of these listed above I can relate to. However, I was not able to get that

important diagnosis growing up as I don’t think I was noticed much or at all

either by teachers, family or friends due to lack of awareness. Now I’m 21, with a

partner who also has ADHD who has been helping me put things together. We

have found out so many similarities in the way we process things mentally, it has

brought us closer together definitely.

I have been looking to get a diagnosis soon which is so difficult to get here in the

UK as it is such a long and tedious process. This is especially hard during our

current global situation where our healthcare system is already struggling.

It is so important that people start recognising the symptoms early, as if ignored,

can lead to mental health issues later on such as depression, anxiety, eating

disorders and a low self-esteem just to name a few examples. I am at that age

now where I’m starting to understand myself a bit more and if I could picture my

younger self right in front of me, I would just love to give her the support that

she needed instead of just suffering in silence. This is one of the reasons I

decided to write this blog so I can share my experience and hopefully spread

awareness of ADHD.



Do let us know if this has been helpful at all and we welcome any questions you

might have. I hope to continue this subject as I follow up on past experiences

and my own personal journey.

Stay safe,

Lauren @ ANC