Discovering Adult ADHD: My Unexpected Journey
From My Daughter's Diagnosis to Self-Discovery and Beyond
Life often surprises us with unexpected twists and turns, and my journey into discovering adult ADHD was no exception. It all began with the diagnosis of my daughter's ADHD, setting off a chain of events that would eventually lead to a profound self-discovery I never saw coming.
It was during a visit to the pediatrician that the word "ADHD" first entered our lives. My daughter, a bundle of energy and creativity, was diagnosed with ADHD. At the time I had never heard of this so-called disorder. Little did I know, that this moment would spark a curiosity that led to my own self-diagnosis.
In the quest to understand and support my daughter, I found myself immersed in a sea of ADHD literature. I bought as many books on the subject as I could find, much to the amusement of my then-wife. They soon filled a full row on the bookshelf.
“You know what” I said “I reckon I might have ADHD” The more I read, the more I convinced myself that ADHD might be for real. Book after book I unraveled the mysteries of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity….the story of my life.
The stories and symptoms I read about were a mirror of my own life, reflecting my own quirks and idiosyncrasies. The more I read, the more the dots connected, revealing my life of struggling with focus, impulsivity, and an overactive mind.
From Self-Discovery to Seeking Professional Help
The realisation was both enlightening and, in a way, bewildering. Armed with newfound self-awareness, I took the brave step of seeking professional advice. Adult ADHD was a fairly new topic at the time, and there were only a handful of professionals who were able to complete a diagnosis.
From the books I had read, it was not just a child disorder that you grew out of. It was not uncommon for ADHD to carry on into adult life. If you know anyone with ADHD, you might be familiar with the tenacity of researching a new topic, and how quickly they become an expert in a new subject. Well, at least they think they are!
My journey first started with the psychologist who was treating my daughter. I explained that I had read up on this ADHD, and reckoned that I might have it too. We talked about common ADHD traits, and from our initial conversation, and the fact that my daughter had been diagnosed, it would be worth pursuing a proper diagnosis.
My journey with adult ADHD has just begun. From the initial shock to the liberating embrace of self-awareness, this first chapter is a testament to the twists and turns that life can take. Join me as I navigate the uncharted waters of adult ADHD, sharing the lessons, triumphs, and ongoing quest for understanding in this unexpected, yet transformative, adventure.