Not at all—I wasn’t diagnosed until I was 50! Knowing what I know now, I’d say my symptoms in general had been getting worse for a while. Probably due to perimenopause. But I’ve also been depressed on and off since i was a teenager. Something else I didn’t realize because I assumed D-depression meant you couldn’t get out of bed. So I was going through a rough period and one day just basically lost it. And because my focus, memory etc were also declining I went to a neuropsychologist, thinking there must be something going on with my brain, and my extreme emotional reactions, rage and despair, were part of that. He immediately suspected adhd (this was before covid and the all the new awareness, so I’m very grateful he saw it.) He sent me to a psychiatrist, an adhd specialist, and i got an official diagnosis. Crazy that my whole life no one suspected ADHD or depression, including me. Even though my dad was diagnosed with both, he was part of the first wave of adult (mostly men) to be diagnosed in the 90s.
Yes, I think perimenopause and menopause really brings it to another level. Awful that you got diagnosed so late, but how fortunate to find someone who really knew what was going on. I’m sure you have a lot to say about these issues. Perhaps I can persuade you to do a Q&A for the substack!
Great post/advice! Can totally relate to all if this. Emotional dysregulation has been the bane of my existence since i was 2! 😄
If you don't mind me asking, CJ, how long did it take until you knew why?
Probably way more info than you wanted! But I assume you’re aware of the risks of asking an ADHDer a question! 😄
Not at all—I wasn’t diagnosed until I was 50! Knowing what I know now, I’d say my symptoms in general had been getting worse for a while. Probably due to perimenopause. But I’ve also been depressed on and off since i was a teenager. Something else I didn’t realize because I assumed D-depression meant you couldn’t get out of bed. So I was going through a rough period and one day just basically lost it. And because my focus, memory etc were also declining I went to a neuropsychologist, thinking there must be something going on with my brain, and my extreme emotional reactions, rage and despair, were part of that. He immediately suspected adhd (this was before covid and the all the new awareness, so I’m very grateful he saw it.) He sent me to a psychiatrist, an adhd specialist, and i got an official diagnosis. Crazy that my whole life no one suspected ADHD or depression, including me. Even though my dad was diagnosed with both, he was part of the first wave of adult (mostly men) to be diagnosed in the 90s.
Yes, I think perimenopause and menopause really brings it to another level. Awful that you got diagnosed so late, but how fortunate to find someone who really knew what was going on. I’m sure you have a lot to say about these issues. Perhaps I can persuade you to do a Q&A for the substack!
Couldn't agree more. This reminds me of your piece on impostor syndrome. It's so easy to spiral, isnt it?
It really is!
"Feedback loop of shame." That about covers it! Great post and even better reminders.