I was finally diagnosed at age 71. I knew there was something wrong with me since I was little. At first, nobody ever talked about it. Then, I struggled in school. I worked twice as hard to get B’s. I had to study all night, and right up to the class time, so I wouldn’t forget what I was trying to remember. My life wasn’t perfect, but masking was my middle name. So, what am I saying? Please try and get help for you. It me five years, having therapy for “depression”. After a couple of therapist changes, I finally convinced them to please test me. I got my diagnosis two months ago. I cried all the way home. I cried for the missed opportunities. But, I got my diagnosis. No more tears. I’m taking the correct medication, and I am moving forward. Get your diagnosis. Keep demanding, while you’re masking, for yourself. Never ever give up.

74. Diagnosed a month ago. Just getting started on learning.

I was diagnosed with ADHD at 36. At first I felt relief, then grief for all the years I spent blaming myself, wondering why life felt so much harder than it seemed for everyone else.

Vyvanse has been life-changing for my focus, but I’m hoping a lower dose or a different medication will help with the side effects. Your videos have given me so much hope. Thank you for being honest and calming all the fear around ADHD. Happy to subscribe.

Sara, UAE 🇦🇪

Meds changed my life, I was suffering from terrible emotional dysregulation. Now I am calm, and be there for my 5 kids. Was diagnosed at 32, and 33 now diagnosed with Autism too. AuDHD wowzas

8/25 and congratulations on the book. Diagnosed at 59. Three years or so in. A rough road. It’s good to have the knowledge.

Got diagnosis earlier this year. Used the meds but didn’t work. Best thing is write down everything in your mind and create your brain’s own guideline.

This really hit home getting diagnosed this year at 53 years of age.  Looking back on my life is frustrating but on the other hand liberating.  To your point I am trying to understand my innate mental state to in unison with my ADHD because there are other things that can affect your cognitive ability, so finding that combination is important to understand "MY ADHD" and listening to others to get tips and ideas of how to deal with the ADHD understand I am not the same person as them.

I self diagnosed myself about 2 1/2 three years ago and I joked around about having it all my life! The shame & the guilt that I was made to feel since childhood was traumatic, but I’m so glad now there is more awareness and I am thankful for your channel and support! As a social worker and healthcare provider and mental health Worker and supporter it’s important to have the awareness as well as a community and support along this journey! I look forward to working with other people and helping them along this road.  thank you

I’m 64 and last year I matched my symptoms to the T. My therapist at the time couldn’t give me a certain diagnosis. I’ve been treated for anxiety with panic attacks since my late 20s. My post part um lasted two years and it was a disassociation feeling. Wish I’d knew then.

I received an initial diagnosis from a therapist when I was 58. I was told I will never get a formal diagnosis as the waiting list to see a suitably qualified clinician is YEARS and I would not be considered a priority case, given my age and that I only have moderate symptoms. Many people in the UK have gone for private diagnosis instead. However, the National Health Service here is now refusing to prescribe medication on the basis of a private diagnosis, meaning thousands of people are trapped with no way to access the drugs that might help them. Thank you for this video. It is good to get some sensible advice and perspective from a qualified clinician and fellow ADHD sufferer.

Omg I’m stunned. I just a few days ago I started saying I feel like I’m cosplaying as a human/adult/myself and then you said that exact thing!

I had a childhood psychologist express suspicions of ADHD, when I was 7, but because I was also high IQ (tested as teenager), it wasn’t obvious anymore. I later struggled when intelligence alone didn’t pull me through anymore, when consistency was required, but I couldn’t deliver consistency.

I didn't get diagnosed until my mid 20's. Always struggled in school and even when I was in the military.

I've always felt most people write it off and don't truly understand how chaotic adhd can make your life. Every proposed "solution" that neurotypical people suggested never worked, and people just assumed I was lazy or making excuses.

First time I tried stimulant medication and it was like my brain turned on for the first time. My first thoughts were.. is this what it's like for normal people? And then I became so productive. (Until it wore off).

But until I found your content years ago on social media... I truly felt isolated, alone and felt like no one really understood.

Even the doctors who prescribed my meds... like they knew what the condition was.

They could intellectually conceptualize what the symptoms are and how to treat, but there always seemed to be a disconnect.

Knowing about something and experiencing it yourself are very different things.

Then I found your content a few years back and I was like "YES... Finally, someone who actually gets it!"

Sincerely wanted to say thank you for the videos. They've been far more useful than any treatment I've had through the VA.

Thank you for validating the bumpy road of getting a diagnosis of ADHD. Dx and meds have made 100% difference.

You're sharing such important work. I have 10,000 thoughts about all this, but that's the one that really matters. It is making a positive difference in my life. Thank you, truly.

I wholeheartedly agree with all of this. Every person's journey is unique, even if you relate to what others are going through and have experienced, your own childhood, your own physical body, your own hormones, are still unique to YOU. What works for one person may or may not work for you. Even though it can be a dreadful journey, keep trying different things, keep exploring yourself and what works for you.

Thank you for this. The masking part is so real.  At 43 I still feel like I don't know who I really am. I change to whoever I'm around.

Apparently got diagnosed a year ago at 26, COMPLETELY DID NOT REALIZE/FORGOT, and was recently reminded at almost 28 😂

Love this. So many little nuggets:

Diagnosis isn't an answer, it's the start of an investigation
Write your own story about how your brain works

Thanks Sasha

Funny you mentioned the planner app. I built my own, for my AuDHD brain and all its weird contradictions.

At first, thanks a lot for your output! I’am a 62 year young woman from Germany and i‘ve been diagnosed just this year. I felt so relieved after all these years of worrying and shame. It‘s never to late starting to be the Captain on ones own ship!