ADHD Aha! An unexpected ADHD diagnosis following her daughter’s traumatic birth (Erica Shoemate’s story)
Aug 19, 2025
Erica Shoemate, a maternal health strategist and advocate, shares her powerful story of navigating motherhood after a traumatic birth. She reveals how her experiences led to a late ADHD diagnosis and highlights the layered mental health stigma that exists within the Black community. Erica discusses the intersection of ADHD and hormonal changes, reflecting on her challenges with postpartum anxiety and PTSD. Her journey underscores the importance of mental health advocacy and support, encouraging open conversations about these issues.
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Daughter's Traumatic Birth Shifted Her Life
- Erica's daughter Nia was not expected to survive birth and surprised the medical team by crying at delivery.
- Nia later coded twice and survived open-heart surgery at 16 months, shaping Erica's advocacy work.
Postpartum Trauma Led To Long Recovery
- After Nia's rehospitalization Erica burst into tears and recognized she needed help for postpartum anxiety and PTSD.
- She spent over five years treating anxiety, generalized anxiety, and trauma from the birth experience.
Culturally Matched Care Improves Recognition
- Erica highlights heightened mental health stigma in the Black community, even when families discuss it more openly than average.
- She found therapists of color important for feeling seen and understood during treatment.