Katy Smith, a Sydney-based fashionista diagnosed with ADHD in 2018, shares her journey from misdiagnosis to self-discovery. She discusses the challenges of masking symptoms and how ADHD has affected her mental health and relationships. Katy humorously reflects on her adventures, including a chaotic moped ride and crafting dresses from bin bags. They also dive into the complexities of ADHD diagnosis, the role of dopamine in motivation, and emphasize the need for community and better support systems for those navigating similar experiences.
Receiving a late ADHD diagnosis at 38 profoundly transformed the speaker's life, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's mental health journey.
The conversation highlights the impulsivity associated with ADHD, showcasing how undiagnosed symptoms can lead to risky behaviors and dangerous situations.
Significant systemic changes in healthcare are needed to improve access to ADHD diagnosis and treatment, reducing stigma and enhancing public awareness.
Deep dives
Late Diagnosis and Empowerment
Receiving a late diagnosis of severe combined type ADHD at the age of 38 has been transformative for the speaker, highlighting the crucial role of understanding one's mental health. This diagnosis not only improved their life but saved it, leading to a commitment to advocate for change in the ADHD community. They emphasize that self-diagnosis is valid and promote the idea that ADHD can manifest in unique ways for different individuals. The speaker seeks to create a supportive environment where those with ADHD know they are not alone, countering the stigma often associated with the condition.
Challenging Impulsivity and Substance Use
The episode candidly addresses the impulsivity often associated with ADHD, drawing from personal experiences of engaging in risky behaviors and substance use during younger years. These memories, while nostalgic, serve to raise awareness about how undiagnosed ADHD can lead to dangerous situations due to lack of understanding about the condition. The conversation underscores the importance of acknowledging such behaviors as symptomatic rather than shameful, aiming to foster an atmosphere of acceptance. Resources for individuals struggling with substances or disordered eating are also highlighted to encourage seeking help without stigma.
Navigating Relationships and Emotional Responses
The speakers discuss the challenges of maintaining relationships while grappling with ADHD traits like time blindness and emotional turmoil. They reflect on how ADHD affects their capacity for connection, often leading to feelings of isolation and shame when they couldn't be present for friends or family. The importance of understanding and communicating one's ADHD experience is emphasized to foster stronger relationships. Additionally, they explore the need for kindness towards oneself, especially during difficult times when ADHD symptoms feel overwhelming.
Systemic Change and ADHD Awareness
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the systemic changes needed within the healthcare system to facilitate easier access to ADHD diagnosis and treatment. The speakers highlight the challenges they faced in both Australia and the UK, including long wait times and bureaucratic hurdles. They call for greater recognition of ADHD as a serious condition that requires proactive management and public awareness. Through advocacy and education, they hope to improve the experiences of others seeking help and reduce the stigma surrounding ADHD diagnosis.
Finding Happiness Through Self-Acceptance
The episode closes with reflections on the personal journey of self-acceptance following the diagnosis. The speakers share how understanding ADHD has allowed them to embrace their true selves, building healthier coping mechanisms and pursuing enjoyable activities. They emphasize the importance of leading with kindness towards oneself and others, recognizing that everyone navigates their own unique challenges. Ultimately, this journey has fostered a deeper understanding of their identities and a greater appreciation for life, despite the ongoing ups and downs of living with ADHD.
I can't even guess the number of times I've told the story about the conversation with a newly diagnosed friend which led to my ADHD discovery. Well, THIS IS THAT FRIEND! I am so excited to share this VERY special in-person interview with the girl who kicked off this whole safari...
All aboard the late ADHD discovery roller coaster with the one and only Katy Smith. Katy is 'in fashion', and always fashionably late! :) Sydney's finest was misdiagnosed with BPD in childhood, but as is often the case, she wasn't told about it until adulthood and the diagnosis didn't fit at all.
Suffering a lifetime of masking her ADHD symptoms and battling commonly co-occurring anxiety, depression and disordered eating. Alongside bashing her self esteem to smithereens, the wrecking ball of ADHD destroyed her personal relationships. An ex made her realise she had ADHD, and once diagnosed in 2018 she 'subtly' mentioned her newly discovered condition to the most ADHD person she knew; a person she met and raised hell in Thailand with seven years prior...me! This legend plays an enormous role in ADHDAF Podcast history.THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING KATY!
And thank you to Sessionz Services for cleaning up this audio of two excitable fidgeting ADHDers in an echoey kitchen!
Trigger Warning: mentions of triggering topics including: depression, anxiety, ED, body dysmorphia, alcohol abuse, mental health struggles,burnout, misdiagnosis, alcoholism, escapism, Covid, health trauma, hairloss and skinpicking. Also contains a lot of swearing and cackling.
If you are in need of support YOU ARE NOT ALONE! There is immediate help out there so please REACH OUT As mentioned in the episode: - Alcohol and drug abuse support HERE - ED support HERE - ADHD Medication Directory for those struggling to access medication during the national medication shortage HERE
Check out photos of some of the ridiculous capers referenced in this episode HERE
You can apply to be part of ADHDAF Emporium: an online marketplace championing neurodivergent makers and small creative businesses HERE Browse the first few handmade items by neurodivergent creatives HERE and read the blog about our first festival HERE
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