The effects of not knowing why I was different for most of my life were profound. The only words I could find to express this feeling were “I don’t belong anywhere in this world,” a phrase I used repeatedly. I had many struggles with my mental health tried lots of different therapies and anti depressant medication but I just couldn’t understand why life was so difficult.
Looking back, I understand now that I felt so different from everybody else because of undiagnosed ADHD.

I was often labeled an attention seeker, drama queen, or off the rails. I learned that no one could understand me, and the levels of emotion I felt were extreme and intense. There was no way to verbalise this because I didn’t understand it myself.
By high school, I believed that there was something very wrong with me, that I did not belong anywhere in this world.
Getting a formal diagnosis changed everything for me it helped me understand and make sense of life so I could move forward.
I strongly believe that if I had been diagnosed and treated when I was younger, I would not have found myself in the awful situations that led to years of PTSD and shame.
I now help others following diagnosis and feel strongly that if ADHD is recognised and people are able to access and support and treatment they can thrive.
As an ambassador for ADHD UK, my mission is to raise awareness about the importance of early diagnosis and understanding.