Podcast Summary
Bumble introduces new features to enhance compatibility and safety in dating: Bumble updates its app with new features to simplify compatibility, initiate conversations, and ensure safety for users. ADHD Adults Podcast welcomes a special guest, Hannah Walker Brown, for valuable tips and insights on living with ADHD.
Bumble, a dating app, recognizes the exhaustion people feel with the dating scene and is introducing new features to make compatibility easier, starting conversations, and ensuring safety. Meanwhile, on the ADHD Adults Podcast, hosts James Bryan and Alex Connor welcome their special guest, Hannah Walker Brown, a multi-award-winning documentary maker, author, and ADHD activist. Despite initial scheduling challenges due to ADHD, they're thrilled to finally have her on the show. Hannah shares her recent progress, including emotional acceptance during a chest infection, and encourages listeners who may have ADHD to tune in for valuable tips and insights. Despite a few mishaps, such as misplaced letters, the podcast continues to provide a platform for open discussions about living with ADHD.
Friend or family member's suggestion leads to ADHD diagnosis for many adults: Friends and family play crucial roles in recognizing and supporting adults with undiagnosed ADHD, often leading to eventual diagnosis due to their awareness and understanding.
Late diagnosis of ADHD is a common experience for many adults, and often, it's a friend or family member who first suggests the possibility. Hannah Walker Brown, a documentary maker, podcaster, and author, shared her story of struggling with symptoms for a long time without a name or understanding, but eventually receiving a diagnosis due to a friend's suggestion. This experience is not uncommon, as many people may recognize symptoms in others before recognizing them in themselves. The stigma and lack of understanding surrounding ADHD can make it difficult for individuals to advocate for themselves and receive a proper diagnosis. The importance of friends, family, and community in recognizing and supporting those with ADHD cannot be overstated.
Friend's intermittent acknowledgement of ADHD and speaker's contemplation of earlier diagnosis: The journey to accepting ADHD involves personal struggles, potential missed opportunities for earlier diagnosis, and a lengthy process to receive a formal diagnosis.
The journey to self-discovery and acceptance of ADHD can be complex and varied. The speaker's friend shared his experience of going long periods without contact, but occasionally acknowledging his ADHD. The speaker pondered on how his life might have been different with an earlier diagnosis and medication. The speaker herself struggled during the pandemic, feeling the need to move and confront her issues when living alone. She eventually sought a diagnosis through a lengthy process involving multiple doctors and a board, but was initially met with resistance. The process of seeking a diagnosis can be challenging and frustrating, but ultimately leads to understanding and acceptance.
Encountering Empathy and Understanding from a Stranger: Empathy from others can be a crucial step towards recognizing and addressing mental health issues, even without professional resources. Normalizing discussions around mental health and proper training for healthcare professionals are essential to reduce feelings of shame and isolation.
The support and understanding of others can make a significant difference in recognizing and addressing mental health issues, even when professional resources are limited. The speaker's encounter with Joanna, a stranger who recognized her struggles with ADHD during a board meeting, was a turning point in her journey towards diagnosis. The current mental health crisis, increased awareness through social media, and the challenges in the NHS system for obtaining a diagnosis are all interconnected issues. The lack of understanding and validation can lead to feelings of shame and isolation, making it crucial to normalize discussions around mental health and provide proper training for healthcare professionals. The speaker's experiences highlight the importance of empathy and advocacy in overcoming barriers to diagnosis and treatment.
Understanding an ADHD diagnosis: An ADHD diagnosis can bring relief and clarity, but also feelings of isolation and the realization it's lifelong. Remember, everyone's experience is unique, seek help, and know it's possible to live a fulfilling life with the right resources and support.
Receiving an ADHD diagnosis can bring a sense of relief and clarity, but it can also lead to feelings of isolation and the crushing realization that the condition is lifelong. For some, the initial relief turns into a period of introspection and grappling with the implications of the diagnosis. This can sometimes lead to feelings of hopelessness or even thoughts of giving up. It's important to remember that everyone's experience with ADHD is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing it. Awareness and understanding of the condition are crucial for those who suspect they may have it, as they can provide valuable insight into their own experiences and help them navigate the challenges that come with an ADHD diagnosis. Additionally, it's essential to remember that there is no shame in seeking help, whether that be through medication or other forms of therapy. The journey of living with ADHD can be challenging, but with the right resources and support, it is possible to lead a fulfilling and productive life.
Acceptance, peace, and continued wildness after a late ADHD diagnosis: A late ADHD diagnosis can bring about a mix of emotions, including acceptance, peace, and continued wildness. With awareness comes the ability to find tools and techniques to manage symptoms, leading to a newfound appreciation for the complexities of the human mind and the importance of self-forgiveness and acceptance.
Receiving a late ADHD diagnosis can bring about a mix of emotions, including acceptance, peace, and continued wildness. Hannah shared her experience of feeling more ADHD after her diagnosis, leading to sensory overload and feelings of despair. However, with awareness came the ability to find tools and techniques to manage her symptoms. Hannah's newfound understanding of her condition has brought her a sense of peace, but not a calm one. Instead, she described it as "wild peace," a term her partner James loves. Looking back at her life, Hannah realized that her behavior and artistic process made perfect sense in the context of her ADHD. She encourages acknowledging and celebrating both the good and bad experiences, as they are all part of the journey. Ultimately, receiving a late diagnosis can lead to a newfound appreciation for the complexities of the human mind and the importance of self-forgiveness and acceptance.
Understanding and Embracing Our Challenges: Recognizing mental health challenges as part of who we are, addressing root causes, and acknowledging societal impact can lead to growth and a more balanced life.
Our struggles and challenges, including mental health conditions like ADHD, can be an integral part of who we are, rather than a separate entity. Embracing this perspective can help us understand ourselves better and reduce feelings of resistance or isolation. Additionally, understanding the root causes of these challenges, whether personal or systemic, can lead to valuable insights and opportunities for growth and change. Furthermore, the speaker discusses how overcompensating behaviors, such as seeking external validation through achievements, can be a response to difficulty. This can lead to a consuming focus on output, potentially impacting one's quality of life. Recognizing this pattern and addressing the underlying causes can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling existence. Lastly, the speaker touches on the complexity of mental health and the importance of acknowledging its impact on individuals and society as a whole. By viewing mental health challenges as a normal part of the human experience and working together to address systemic issues, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.
ADHD: More Than Just a Label: ADHD brings unique strengths and challenges, and it's essential to recognize and embrace the whole person, not just the condition.
ADHD is a neurological condition and not a reflection of one's worth or character. People with ADHD often face shame and self-doubt, but it's important to remember that it's not a personal failure. Alex and Hannah discussed how their experiences of growing up feeling different and unloved contributed to their perception of ADHD as a negative aspect of themselves. However, they also acknowledged that ADHD can bring positive traits like creativity, humor, and hard work. Another common myth about ADHD is that successful people cannot have it. Hannah, who considers herself successful, reflected on how she used to reject the idea that her ADHD could be a contributing factor to her achievements. But she now realizes that her tenacity and work ethic, which are also common traits among people with ADHD, have helped her rise from a working-class background and make a difference in her community. Justice sensitivity is a common trait among people with ADHD, and they often have a strong desire to help others. However, the administrative tasks required to make a difference can be a challenge for those with ADHD. In conclusion, ADHD is a complex condition that brings both challenges and strengths, and it's essential to recognize and embrace the whole person, not just the condition.
Focus on making a difference in someone's life: Success is measured by the impact on individuals, not the size of your audience or followers.
Success is not measured by the number of people you reach or the validation you receive online. For author Willyette Mojica, the true value lies in making a difference in someone's life, no matter how small. This was especially challenging for her when writing her book, "A Delicate Game," while dealing with undiagnosed ADHD and a full-time job. She struggled with procrastination and self-doubt, but eventually received a diagnosis and learned to adapt to new systems and work methods. The journey was difficult, but the reward was worth it: the ability to help others understand complex issues like concussion in sports and social dynamics. So, focus on the impact you have on individuals, rather than the size of your audience or followers.
Writing a book with ADHD: A challenging but rewarding experience: Despite the challenges, completing and publishing a book is a significant achievement for someone with ADHD. Even if not published, the effort put into writing is an accomplishment.
Writing a book, especially for someone with ADHD, is a challenging but rewarding experience. Hannah shared her personal journey of writing a book, which was a contentious subject due to its nature. She faced numerous legal reads and had to navigate through difficult situations with lawyers. Despite her apprehensions and feelings of being void of emotion upon completion, she realized the incredible achievement of finishing and publishing a powerful book. Hannah emphasized that even not getting a book published is an achievement in itself, but to write a successful one is fantastic. She also shared her typical ADHD mishaps, such as accidentally throwing a tea bag in the bin instead of the cup, microwaving a metal cup, or using the wrong sweetener, adding humor to the conversation. Overall, Hannah's experience highlights the determination and resilience required to write a book, especially for someone with ADHD.
Connecting with a community for support: Late diagnosis of ADHD? Seek validation, understanding, and a safe space by connecting with others who have similar experiences. Self-awareness, self-compassion, and experimenting with strategies can also contribute to overall well-being.
Building a support network and finding a community can be essential for individuals with a late diagnosis of ADHD. Hannah Walker Brown emphasized the importance of connecting with others who have similar experiences, as it can provide validation, understanding, and a safe space to discuss challenges. This can be especially helpful when dealing with skepticism or lack of support from family and friends. Additionally, self-awareness, self-compassion, and experimenting with different strategies, such as exercise and avoiding alcohol, can contribute to overall well-being. While there may not be a one-size-fits-all solution, focusing on personal growth and seeking out resources and communities can make a significant difference.
Finding an accountability buddy or something that motivates you can help maintain consistency with health goals: Identifying what motivates and works for you, whether it's a person, an activity, or a mindset, can make a significant difference in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Finding an accountability buddy or something that motivates you can significantly help in maintaining consistency with your health and wellness goals. This could be a friend, a motivational video, or even an exercise class that keeps your attention. For instance, the speaker mentioned her friend Darren, who motivates her to exercise, and cold water swimming, which she's been doing for about 13 months and feels the benefits when she can't do it. It's essential to identify what works best for you and stick to it, rather than forcing yourself to do something you hate. Additionally, the speaker emphasized the importance of addressing mental health and advocating for self-care, rather than minimizing it as a trend. For the speaker personally, her biggest struggle has been with self-esteem, which she's been grappling with since a young age. Overall, the key takeaway is that finding what motivates and works for you, whether it's a person, an activity, or a mindset, can make a significant difference in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Navigating Neurodiversity as an Adult: The speaker, despite making light of their struggles, acknowledges the deep-rooted impact of past experiences on self-perception and self-worth. They are using a blog and podcast to create a resource for those seeking understanding and tools for growth in neurodiversity.
Self-perception and self-worth can be complex and deeply rooted in past experiences. The speaker, despite making self-deprecating jokes, struggles with low self-esteem due to feelings of rejection and isolation from childhood. They are launching a blog and podcast under the banner "Late to the Party" to navigate neurodiversity as an adult, sharing their experiences and interviewing others to create a resource for those seeking understanding and tools for growth. They acknowledge the importance of nuanced conversations on this topic, particularly for underrepresented groups, and encourage open dialogue to help those who might not seek a diagnosis.
Owning Your Story with ADHD: Sharing your personal narrative, especially with a diagnosis, can empower others to do the same and help broaden the conversation around health and wellness.
Having the courage to own and share your personal narrative, especially when dealing with a diagnosis, can give others permission to do the same. Hannah Walker Brown emphasized the importance of owning one's story, even if it doesn't fit neatly into diagnostic criteria. She also highlighted the need for more voices in the conversation around ADHD, as each individual's experience is unique and valuable. The more voices we have sharing their stories, the better equipped we will be to navigate diagnoses and advocate for our health. It takes courage to be honest about our experiences, but it can also empower others to do the same. So, own your story, share your experiences, and give others permission to do the same. This is not only important for those dealing with a late diagnosis of ADHD, but for anyone looking to take control of their narrative and advocate for their health.
