Hi, my name is Heidi and I was diagnosed with ADHD on my 40th birthday. Unlike some other people, I had no idea that I had ADHD as I was actually pursuing an Autism diagnosis (which was also confirmed). Prior to being diagnosed, I constantly felt like there was something wrong with me as I felt so different to everyone else. I struggled to fit in, was unable to make or keep friends (as well as relationships) and didn’t know how to understand social expectations. I struggled with almost every task and human interaction. I managed to scrape some decent grades at school but failed two attempts at getting two A-Levels. It was almost like I was alien who appeared to be human. I had seen many doctors and therapists in my youth and was diagnosed with anxiety and depression, but the medication only seemed to treat the tip of an iceberg. I resulted to self-harm on many occasions.

For me, the ADHD diagnosis was a huge shock as I had never considered it and I actually argued with the psychiatrist over his judgment. He told me to go home and look up ADHD in Women and it might make more sense. He was right! Like Autism, ADHD can look different in women and this is why I had been hidden under the radar all that time.

It’s very common to go through the seven stages of grief and I did exactly that. It also started my learning journey – not only on the condition itself, but the diagnostic criteria, medication, presentation, co-morbid conditions (I have a lot of those too!) as well as treatment and reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act. As a result, I have become an advocate for neurodiversity within my workplace and am part of numerous squads to deliver change and challenge misconceptions. I also mentor people with neurodivergent conditions.

When I found out about the ADHD UK Ambassador scheme, I knew I had to apply. I have experienced many devastating situations due to being Neurodivergent, but it has also helped me find my people, understand my strengths and the power of sharing your story. There’s lots of negative news about ADHD diagnosis levels going through the roof and I firmly believe this is due to people self-diagnosing initially which finally becomes medically confirmed. The more people who are aware of the condition and its symptoms, the more people will potentially recognise that in themselves and seek the support they need.

I believe that the stigma of ADHD is slowly reducing but it’s not fast enough. I’d like to share the positives of ADHD and empower others to seek diagnosis and communicate their needs to others. Huge reform is needed from the NHS. Like many others, my Shared Care Agreement has been cancelled by my GP and I have been without the medication for several months (which had reduced my symptoms dramatically). I hope to work with ADHD UK to lobby for change and help people with ADHD to prosper rather than just survive.