30/03/2026
I was speaking with a lovely young lady recently about how she has been thinking about getting a diagnosis for ADHD.
She said her parents had always been skeptical of it, so we chatted about what it would mean for her. She said it would help the way she experiences life to be validated. Allow her to have a greater understanding about herself and how she functions, and hopefully that would make a life a little easier.
We also chatted about how she studies and how bright she is, but people tell her she needs to do things differently. I said instead of doing things their way, why not do it your way, but with more preparedness. So, the last-minute study, could be supported with food, space and hydration so that she feels better. If she plans to the study last minute, then she can also give herself some grace, that means no guilt or shame, which gives a lot more space to retain what she is studying. It really is ok it we don't do things like other people; we don't all work the same. But a validated and supported system will function better than one that is torn down by others and shamed out loud.
As we ended our chat I asked why don't you look into a diagnosis? She said "Well, there are others that need it more than me, I don't want to take that away from them." I said, " but your existence makes you worthy".
It is true, you are here to live this one life, this is what makes you worthy of all the good things that are waiting and already being held for you, you are allowed to understand yourself too. Acceptance of self can be a big thing, so today, a gentle reminder you are worthy. ###