Being late diagnosed with ADHD - with special guest Christal Wang (Ep. 8)
Nov 12, 2024
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In this discussion, Christal Wang, co-founder and CEO of Shimmer, shares her journey of being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, particularly within the context of her Asian upbringing that stigmatized mental health. The conversation dives into the emotional toll of late diagnosis, including feelings of grief and acceptance. They also explore how structured routines can aid those with ADHD, the importance of teamwork, and the unique strengths that come with the condition. Christal emphasizes community support and self-advocacy throughout their enlightening chat.
Late diagnoses of ADHD can trigger significant emotional challenges and a journey of self-acceptance, particularly for those from stigmatized cultural backgrounds.
Individuals often navigate a complex relationship with structure, needing both flexibility and organization to manage ADHD effectively and enhance productivity.
Deep dives
Impact of Late ADHD Diagnosis
Late diagnoses of ADHD can lead to significant emotional upheaval and self-reflection, especially for those with Asian backgrounds where mental health is often stigmatized. Individuals often find themselves grappling with their past behaviors that were misattributed to lack of discipline, leading to feelings of rebellion and frustration. The realization that ADHD might explain their struggles can spark a drive to seek a diagnosis, which often reveals the underlying reasons for their challenges in structured environments. This discovery creates a duality of relief for having an explanation, but it can also bring regrets and 'what if' questions about missed opportunities throughout their lives.
The Need for Structure vs. Rebellion
Many individuals with ADHD have a complicated relationship with structure, often feeling both a disdain for imposed limits and a necessity for some form of organization in their lives. Growth in unstructured environments, such as during college, often leads to chaos and poor performance, which can eventually trigger them to seek help. The experience of some individuals reveals that while strict structure can feel confining, the absence of any structure typically results in diminished productivity and increased stress. Creating flexible structures that feel manageable and even enjoyable can serve as a helpful compromise, allowing for the freedom without the chaos.
Hyperfocus and Its Implications
Hyperfocus is a common trait among individuals with ADHD, allowing them to concentrate deeply on tasks they find interesting, yet this skill can often be misunderstood. While the ability to hyperfocus can lead to impressive productivity in certain contexts, it can also result in neglect of other responsibilities and relationships, creating an imbalance. With the understanding of ADHD, individuals begin to see hyperfocus not as a flaw but as an integral part of their cognitive style, which can be leveraged for personal and professional growth. Recognizing this trait enables individuals to structure their environments in a way that maximizes productive focus while minimizing potential fallout from neglecting other areas.
Community and Shared Experiences
The podcast emphasizes the importance of community among those with ADHD, where shared experiences foster understanding and acceptance. Connections with others who understand the nuances of ADHD help alleviate feelings of isolation and shame that often accompany the condition. Open discussions about ADHD can illuminate unique challenges and bring to light coping strategies that others have found beneficial. Engaging with a supportive community also encourages individuals to embrace their differences, celebrating both the strengths and weaknesses inherent in their ADHD experiences.
In this episode of The Distractables, co-hosts Marie and Jesse are joined by Christal Wang, co-founder and CEO of Shimmer. The trio discusses their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD as adults, the challenges they faced growing up undiagnosed, and the emotional journey of acceptance and adaptation.
They explore the triggers that led them to seek a diagnosis, the impact of cultural upbringing, and the balance between structure and freedom. The episode wraps up with a reflection on the positive aspects of ADHD and resources for support.