As a child, my parents had an inkling that I was hyperactive, but decided against seeking professional treatment. As an adult, with the rise of well-being in media and society, I began to make my well-being a priority. Especially after covid, it suddenly became extremely apparent to me that I was not happy, despite running two successful businesses and having supportive friends and family. I felt overwhelmed by the smallest things, I dreaded getting out of bed and doing one small thing was exhausting. I could not figure out what I was doing wrong – I did therapy, coaching, self-help books, spiritual healing, and everything in between. I was eating right, exercising, meditating.
So I eventually decided to bite the expensive bullet and visited a psychiatrist, who diagnosed me with ADHD and burnout. My doctor worked with me to find the right medication, as well as suggested other ways such as books and training to help manage my symptoms with the goal of weaning off medications entirely (that being my long-term goal).
Even though along the way of adulthood I’ve learnt habits to manage my symptoms, it was still very validating to hear that I’ve been doing life on hard mode, when I could be doing it on a normal level with medication’s help. I was right to feel like I was struggling, not just because I was “lazy” or “procrastinating too much”. I can confidently say that the simple act of getting diagnosed alone has been life-altering and empowering.