Getting by with a little help from my friends and family My ADHD++ Journey Part 2

From Reactions to Acceptance

Initially, my mum rejected the diagnosis. I'd always just been me, but it became glaringly obvious upon reflection. Brian, my “other-half”, had apparently told me so, but I rejected the notion and forgot that he’d ever suggested it. My brother and friends, especially those who have known me the longest, mostly responded with, “Ah, that makes sense.” 

Instead of pushing me to get right back to life, my circle encouraged me to take things slowly. I couldn’t go outside without hitting the concrete in a panic attack, making it dangerous to leave the house alone.

With the help of family and friends, I saw and accepted myself. With my career coach's help, I rediscovered my “why” and acknowledged the voice and strengths I’d suppressed while exhausting myself trying to mask my quirks. With time and continued effort, the world feels less and less like danger lurks around every corner. I’m gradually enjoying the outside again. 

Unlabelled & Limitless

As I connected with people about my burnout and diagnosis, “Unlabelled & Limitless” became inevitable. We shared stories of how neurodiversity has shaped our lives.

Increasing awareness about neurological differences impacts global healthcare, workplace, and education resources. It’s crucial to hold space for honest conversations; too much stigma exists, and we need more action from those in power to empower what is now thought to be 15-20% of the global population to live to their full potential. We need better services, healthcare systems, a better understanding of reasonable adjustments, improved education, etc. 

Moving Forward Together

The problem is widespread, and now, with hindsight, I have much to say about it. My brother Ian shares similar sentiments and will join me on this journey. Ian is Autistic, diagnosed with Autistic tendencies as a child, but with high intellect and low medical needs. Asperger’s was not yet a widely used diagnosis. It was not until much later, in his teen years, that Asperger’s became a broad diagnosis, and he began to understand that he was Autistic, just like he had always known. Despite a competitive and volatile relationship, we always had each other's backs and sometimes even get along. Together, we’ll share our experiences and invite others to share theirs as we eliminate stigma and highlight the strengths of those thriving beyond the limits placed on them.

October is my favourite month, with Halloween as my favourite holiday, and I learned that it’s also ADHD Awareness Month. Awareness months are essential, but the impact of various issues needs to be recognised year-round. While I spotlight something personal to me this month, we will continue highlighting stories and raising issues that matter throughout the year, regardless of the month. We all deserve to feel like we belong in this world, and while 20% is a significant minority, we should never stop fighting for a more inclusive world for everyone. We can all benefit from a better understanding of what makes us unique and what we share in common. 

Every morning, I have the privilege of waking up feeling pure joy, excited about what the day might bring. I live life as it comes to greet me, I am present in each moment, and there is nothing wrong with the way that I do things, even if the way I do things doesn’t make sense to others.

I hope you’ll stick around to learn more about thinking differently and living a full and authentic life without limits at Unlabelled & Limitless.

Lois