Middle aged women and The rise of late diagnosed ADHD
And how women can manage it
As a parent of a child with ADHD, have you ever wondered if you may have ADHD too?
The late diagnosis of ADHD in women has been evident. Many middle aged mothers in their 30s and 40s only learn of the possibility that they have ADHD after they have their child diagnosed.
And that was my story too.
As a kid, I was always the hyper one. I was constantly moving and was friends with everybody. But my thoughts were in constant disarray and my desk was in its disorganized glory. Eventually, I recognized that there were some things that other kids found easier to do, and I started to feel that I am different. But it was something I never shared with my parents or teachers. I masked and did my best to cover my struggles.
Surrounded by the help I needed
The good thing was I encountered good teachers who helped me build strong study habits and functioning skills that became my foundation to be confident and successful - I was in the honors class; I graduated cum laude during undergrad, and I got a near 4.0 GPA in graduate school. Believe me when I say it took a lot of hard work to make those things happen.
Being a mother whose son has ADHD diagnosis, I saw how I was as a kid in him and I also recognize his need to cover up his struggles. But with the right help and tools, I have seen how he’s thriving.
As I reached my 40s, some symptoms started to become more evident - forgetfulness, failing in time management, and disorganization. And as I have witnessed how my son is thriving with the tools and interventions, I know it’s also the right time to seek help.
Understanding ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD is a spectrum disorder, and it affects people differently. Different cognitive processes like executive functioning, impulse control, emotional control, and flexible thinking are affected because of an underdeveloped part of our brain. That’s the reason why people with ADHD sometimes have difficulty controlling their emotions, why they get sidetracked easily, and why starting on tasks can be a real struggle.
Since we are affected differently, managing ADHD also differs from one person to another. So it’s important that we find our coping means. For me, creating a to-do list and organizational systems is a big game-changer.
For women with ADHD, we have seen how the right tools and interventions can make a world of difference for our neurodivergent kids. And it goes the same for adults with ADHD.
Seeking Professional Support
It’s better late than never. The importance of professional evaluation and support can help improve one’s well-being. If you haven’t been diagnosed, but this conversation hits home, consider getting evaluated by a professional psychologist and psychiatrist for you to receive a support plan. Therapy is also a valuable tool for you to understand yourself and your brain better.
If you want to learn more about adult ADHD, you can head to www.nimh.nih.gov and download their free PDF. I have also found the book Thriving with Adult ADHD, by Phil Boissiere, MFT to be helpful, as well as the book Your Brain’s Not Broken, by Tamara Rosier, PhD. You can also subscribe to my bi-weekly newsletter, where I expound on podcast episode conversations and my available coaching opportunities. Or simply email me at jana@janafuchscoaching.com to book an informational / discovery call.
For those seeking professional help, I recommend finding a psychiatrist or psychologist through the Psychology Today website. They could help evaluate and provide the necessary tools for you. Educate yourself on how the ADHD brain works through books. Keep a journal to help you process your concerns and fears about pursuing treatment or medication, and then bring them once you’ve made an appointment with your clinician.
With the trend of late diagnosis of ADHD in women, we can inspire and support each other on how we are journeying this situation. You are not alone in this.
Janna Fuchs
Burnout and I are old friends, so I get that you are probably exhausted from being everything to everyone! In fact, I'm a recovering over-functioned myself, AND I've developed some seriously USEFUL strategies to catch the burnout cycle before it begins! Most importantly - I have learned to TRUST my voice and my "why" for redirecting my energy, harnessing my joy, and banishing my burnout. Now I'm ready to teach you how to do the same!🤗
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