Throughout my 34-year career in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, I never guessed that the key to unlocking my own personal enigma lay within the realm of ADHD. It’s somewhat ironic, isn’t it? Decades spent treating others, yet it was my own ADHD diagnosis in the summer of 2023 that turned my world on its head. How could I, an expert in the field, have missed the signs within myself?

This late discovery brought a whirlwind of emotions—anger for the years lost in misunderstanding, sadness for the struggles endured, but also joy for the newfound clarity and direction in my life. Shedding 22kgs and gaining the ability to complete tasks without losing interest quickly were just the start. My diagnosis became a catalyst for a profound personal and professional transformation.

I’ve decided to pivot my career towards neurodiversity, embracing the responsibility to shed light on ADHD from a place of lived experience. It’s crucial to me to speak out, especially knowing how many in the mental health profession might feel hesitant to share their own ADHD journeys. Through my work, I want to convey the complex tapestry of emotions and challenges that accompany ADHD, advocating for a nuanced understanding and approach to treatment.

The realisation that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) wasn’t the sole answer led me to appreciate the importance of addressing the emotional dimensions of ADHD—shame, loss, anger—through relational psychotherapies. It’s about more than just managing symptoms; it’s about healing relationships and fostering self-understanding.

Connecting with others who have ADHD has been incredibly rewarding. There’s something special about that moment of recognition when someone realises you truly understand their experience. Armed with humour and a dose of empathy, I’m on a mission to change the narrative around ADHD, making it more about empowerment and less about limitation.

In sharing my story, I hope to bridge the gap between professional knowledge and personal experience, contributing to a world where ADHD is not just recognized but understood and embraced for the unique perspectives it brings to our lives.