02/10/2024
October is ADHD Awareness Month and marks almost a year since my diagnosis with ADHD (inattentive type), on 31st October 2023.
It’s been a whirlwind of a year. I used to view ADHD as something that only affected “naughty boys” at school, never thinking I might have it. I’ve discovered that the anxiety and rumination I’ve felt for years stemmed from a hyperactive brain. In the past, I’ve dealt with so much shame, often wondering:
- Why do I get so easily distracted at work by the slightest noise?
- Why can’t I keep up with a cleaning routine like everyone else?
- Why do I need a detailed to-do list just to remember basic tasks like showering or drinking water?
My ADHD has also led to painful experiences, including:
- Losing touch with old friends due to object (or rather, people) impermanence.
- Leaving a job that didn’t suit my way of thinking (luckily, I’m now in a better-fitting role).
- Having to take extended time off work due to burnout.
While ADHD presents challenges in my life, it also shapes who I am. It’s not a “superpower” as the media sometimes claims, but I do experience hyperfocus and a “flow state”, which is great for DJing. My resilience helps me bounce back from setbacks. I’ve always embraced challenges, like travelling alone in Colombia at 20, setting up a radio station in my house, and learning to code during lockdown, which I turned into a career.
I encourage everyone to learn about ADHD. Greater awareness fosters understanding and can help those affected feel less isolated. If you suspect you have ADHD or would even just like a chat about your experience, my DMs are always open. 💚
