ADHDAF Episode 31: Hana Walker-Brown - ADHD, Misdiagnosis & Forgiveness
Thunder bolts and lightning, very very…frustrating! This episode is proof that three women failed by the system uniting really can cause a storm!
Alongside being an award-winning Documentary Maker, Creative Director, Author, and Yoga Instructor, Hana Walker- Brown also has the patience of a Saint! This legendary lady persevered with this absolutely chaotic episode in which we battled the elements. A terrible storm caused internet problems, with Dawn getting booted off Zoom multiple times! There are a lot of stops and starts (hence slightly longer length) and a fair few really irritating Discord notification noises - too quiet for Laura to notice with her hearing problems, but loud enough to be picked up on the recording - APOLOGIES! At least it shows that our ‘We are ADHDAF’ Community Platform is popping! :D
Never has there been such a catastrophic and brilliant interview! As contradictory as the traits of ADHD and Autism; both of which Hana signified in her neurodivergent screening process. Diagnosed with ADHD at 31; she may pursue an Autism assessment in the future once the first diagnosis has sunk in.
Like so many of us, Hana is extremely hard on herself. At university, she had such extreme burnout, she was hospitalised! Misdiagnosed and prescribed anxiety and depression meds time and time again. Through raised awareness, she finally recognised her struggles as ADHD symptoms, only to be dismissed by her GP who stated, ‘a lot of women think they have this!’
If you are listening lady - SHAME ON YOU! Hana has been waiting two years for NHS ADHD therapy.
This episode is rammed full of insight, pearls, camaraderie, compassion and validation. So do follow the wonderful Hana’s lead and persevere with this slightly disjointed conversation. It truly is a special one! From at first viewing ADHD as her Superpower to then her kryptonite and now finding self forgiveness. This is one hell of a ride... Enjoy!
THANK YOU SO MUCH HANA! We hope to join forces again and cause more storms very soon!
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Trigger Warning: Strong language, mental health struggles, depression, anxiety, misdiagnosis misogyny, self loathing, ulcers ;)
Photo credit: @lizseabrook