International Woman’s day yesterday. I seen a lot of brave posts so I decided to be vulnerable too. 👇🏼
Discussing this openly wasn’t something I was sure I wanted to do. However, I’m only aware I had this due to the information & awareness on the internet. So I’m hoping by me being open & vulnerable it may help someone who sees it.
From the outside my life might look easy & like I’ve got my shit together, I don’t! Yes I’m very grateful for my life now but it hasn’t always been that way. I’ve had to work super hard to get where I am. I’ve always struggled with feeling that I, and anything I do isn’t good enough.
Things I have struggled with having ADHD;
Executive Function; Difficulty paying attention, difficulty concentrating, easily distracted, daydreaming, having trouble focusing for long periods, organisation, time management, carrying out instructions, impatient, poor impulse control, careless mistakes, failing to complete tasks ,coping with stress, anxiety, can struggle with social occasions, people pleasing, listening, talking excessively, interrupting, difficulty processing, drift off during conversations, miss social cues, and difficulty learning social skills.
Emotional dysregulation: heightened empathy, short temper, irritability, easily excited, rejection sensitivity, particularly sensitive to criticism or perceived rejection.
Intense Emotional Reactions: meltdowns, overcome with feelings such as anger, sadness, or frustration that can become overwhelming. Impulsive Behaviours which seem dramatic, over the top, erratic such as shouting, crying, or even physical aggression.
Looking back at my past difficulties with executive functioning, impulsive behaviour & intense emotion reactions I can finally forgive myself for it. I know I am far from stupid, I’m a nice & kind person. I just didn’t have the tools or coping mechanisms that a neurotypical person has to be able to navigate school, life & relationships.
I’m also thankful for my ADHD as it has given me superpowers such as creativity, being able to hyperfocus on things I love, my perfectionism, my eye for detail, my dertermination & most important my resilience! 💖
