Yay, it's ADHD: reason# 1

Many people find getting the diagnosis is really helpful. In this blog series I take you through some common responses I hear from my clients. Maybe one resonates with you particularly, maybe they all do. Here’s Reason 1:

Ah! It’s not me. 

There can be a huge sense of relief from understanding that the stuff which doesn’t work - or which takes a huge amount of energy and bandwidth - is not your fault. I frequently hear versions of  ‘Ah, I was never dumb/lazy/bad/fill-in-the-blank, it was just my brain!’ 

A diagnosis can provide a sense of ‘I’m OK! I was just trying to do things that were harder for me than for others. No wonder I didn’t manage as well, or that it took all my strength and bandwidth to get there…’ 

This sense of ‘Ah it’s not me, it’s my brain’ can lead to a lot more of self-compassion and acceptance. 

You did do the best you could, there is no character flaw here, you just needed more/different tools and strategies. My clients often realize that, actually, it’s pretty amazing they got to where they are right now. And I agree: It is. 

Curious about the other reasons? They are here:

Reason 2: Phew, now I can start figuring out what actually works for me.

Reason 3: OMG I can stop doing what doesn’t work.

Reason 4: Ha! Now the weird stuff I do makes sense!

Reason 5: Now I know how to explain what I need.

Reason 6: Now  I can figure out what’s me, and what’s ADHD.

Reason 7: Oh, now my family makes sense!

Here’s a link back to the main article if you want to read about the less pleasant flipside of a diagnosis – because that can be very real too.

So now what? 

Well, now you know you’re dealing with ADHD you can make a plan. And find out what works for you. There are excellent resources out there – books, magazines, YouTube video’s etc. And local healthcare providers, of course.

And if this feels like a lot to deal with by yourself, you don’t have to. ADHD coaching can give you a dedicated space and lots of support to figure out what’s next - for you specifically. Because there is no one-size-fits-all, or even fits-most. Together we can work out what managing ADHD looks like for you. I’ve got a bunch of experience, but you know you best. We can put that together to make the best plan for you - and I’ll help you stay on track.

Sounds good? Contact me for a free 30 minute session to get started.