My name is Alex, and my journey to understanding my ADHD has been a long and challenging one. I was diagnosed at 35, but like so many, I struggled with symptoms throughout my life. 

From the age of seven, my life was shadowed by profound instability and trauma. The sudden death of my dad left a gap that was filled ultimately by violent and abusive men. Men picked by my mum who was herself battling addiction. Their abuse would define the remainder of my childhood and early adulthood. That, along with a series of dismissive experiences with medical professionals, led to years of self-medicating with drugs and alcohol. For years, I was misdiagnosed and treated with various medications for depression and anxiety. This approach only ever felt like it was addressing surface-level issues and, ultimately, led to me attempting to end my life in my 20s.

It wasn’t until I made the conscious decision to stop drinking in March 2018, dedicating myself to a life free from self-medication, that I truly began to unravel the complexities of my mental health. This was not a passive act, but a deliberate and sustained effort to dismantle deeply ingrained patterns and forge a new path. I knew that to break the cycle of generational trauma, and avoid the pitfalls of addiction, I had to confront my demons head-on, without the crutch of drugs and alcohol. This commitment to personal growth allowed me to face my trauma, and finally receive a proper assessment, which led to the diagnosis of complex PTSD at 33, followed by combined type ADHD at 35.

Prior to my ADHD diagnosis, each medical explanation felt like a narrow spotlight in a vast darkness, illuminating only isolated symptoms. With ADHD, the entire room lit up. Suddenly, the scattered pieces of my life formed a coherent picture, and I finally understood myself. The relief was incredible.

I’m becoming an ADHD UK Ambassador because I want to use my experiences to help others. I know firsthand the pain of being dismissed and misunderstood, and the devastating impact of untreated ADHD. I want to raise awareness about the importance of early diagnosis and proper support, particularly for those who have experienced trauma. I want to be a voice for those who feel lost and confused, and to offer hope that understanding and acceptance are possible. I believe that by sharing my story, I can help break down the stigma surrounding ADHD and empower others to seek the support they deserve. I want to contribute to a world where those with ADHD are seen, heard, and understood, and where they can thrive, not just survive. 

Since becoming a father in 2024, I’m especially passionate about supporting parents and families navigating the complexities of ADHD. This is why I founded @ADHDadUK.