How to Be Human Enough to… grieve the life you thought you had. Part 1.
The first in a three part series on the grief of late diagnosis
The first in a three part series on the grief of late diagnosis
Living with ADHD impacts how I perceive and manage time, often feeling overwhelmed and stressed. Coping includes routines and habits for stability and reminders to aid memory. Importance is placed on self-regulation and care, as stress undermines all strategies. Emphasising the value of intentional living, the key is finding a personal sense of need rather than conforming to external expectations, shifting to see time as a friend.
After forty years of people-pleasing and self-neglect, a coaching course sparked a person’s journey to self-discovery. An existential crisis highlighted their performative existence, but coaching and a global pandemic offered clarity and rejuvenation. Despite regressing into old patterns, opportunities and an ADHD diagnosis led to self-love, peace, and a true understanding of personal needs. Writing, coaching, and new self-care habits are now leading them towards a fulfilled life.
After a life-changing ADHD diagnosis, I’ve faced a five-month delay in receiving NHS treatment due to a global medication shortage. Nonetheless, I persist with honed routines, balancing a demanding job and family life, while dispensing with shame over my fluctuating capabilities. Currently, self-care and hope sustain me as I await medication availability, employing rest and self-compassion to cope with the challenges.