I Was Diagnosed With ADHD At 33, And It Changed My Life

“I never thought at the age of 33, I’d be diagnosed with ADHD.

But it’s not like I didn’t know I had it.

I knew.

Even Google told me.

But I thought, could it be that easy?

There can’t be something that labels it and can fix me?

I spent so many years trying to tone down who I was.

I had to work so hard to get results in anything: tricks and mind games and timers and everything to keep me on track.

I’d always fall short and do everything last minute.

I’d sweat every time I’d tell a story because I just knew people would roll their eyes when I couldn’t stay focused trying to finish it.

I’d procrastinate on important tasks and think I was just so lazy, so why should I try?

Actually, many people with ADHD feel like this.

They never believe their hard work is because they put in hard work; they think it’s a fluke or good luck.

They can’t celebrate successes because there’s always something else they have to do or something they haven’t done.

I had Imposter Syndrome with everything I did, even getting a diagnosis.

Telling people I’m on medication, I felt like they look at me like I’m just trying to get a cheap high or that I’m childish.

Again, an imposter.

Then I met a psychiatrist who told me, ‘You know Imposter Syndrome is a symptom of ADHD?’

It took me so long to believe that I have ADHD and for friends and family to acknowledge I have it too.

And you know what?

I don’t even need them to believe me.

I know my truth, and the proof is in the pudding.

Left is me off medication; right is me on medication.”

This story was submitted to Love What Matters by Laura Mazza, where it originally appeared. Follow Laura on Instagram here. Submit your own story here. Be sure to subscribe to our free email newsletter for our best stories, and YouTube for our best videos.

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