Late Diagnosis
Hello everyone!
Anyone else receive a late ADHD diagnosis?
I was diagnosed two years ago at the age of 34, after my older sister was diagnosed first. And honestly? It didn’t cross my mind that I could have ADHD too. I did well in school, especially in elementary and junior high, so in my mind I was like, “There’s no way I have ADHD… right?”
Holy bacon-wrapped hot dogs, was I wrong!!
Turns out the masking was very real. I had been performing, pushing, overthinking, people-pleasing, and trying to keep up with life in a way that looked “fine” on the outside but felt completely exhausting on the inside. The last two years have been such a journey of learning how to unmask, understand myself, give myself grace, and figure out who I actually am when I’m not trying to perform 24/7.
Anyone else feel this? I’m really curious about your story.
How did you find out you had ADHD?
What was your “aha” moment?
And what have you done since your diagnosis to better understand yourself or support your brain?
I’d love to hear from anyone who relates. No judgment here <3
Hi! I was diagnosed 2 years ago at the age of 50! My daughter had just been diagnosed at 26 yrs old. After our diagnoses, I suggested my husband be assessed. Sure enough....he has ADHD and he's 60 !! The Ah ha moment for me was....now I know why I talk so much and have about 10 different Hobbies. Also, Menopause and ADHD? Oh boy. A mean mix, it's like ADHD on steroids. I try to educate myself , be more patient with myself and my husband lol It's quite the ride. I also have Fibromyalgia, chronic pain and in remission for 2 cancers. I am rebuilding my life as an empty nester and someone with a disability who's been away from the workplace for almost 30 years!
Oh my goodness, you have had quite the journey! And the whole family getting diagnosed one after another… apparently once you started connecting the dots, you REALLY started connecting the dots! 😂
I was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult too, and that “ah-ha” moment of suddenly understanding things about yourself that you’ve wondered about your whole life is wild.
Between ADHD, menopause, chronic pain, beating TWO cancers !! and now rebuilding this next chapter of your life — you have so much lived experience to bring to this community. I’m really glad you’re here. 🧡
Also… 10 hobbies? Sounds perfectly reasonable to me. The real question is how many are currently half-finished. 😂