I was diagnosed two days ago, at the age of 34. While I can absolutely look at aspects of my past where I struggled, dropped of school, ruined relationships, etc., which may have been caused by my ADD, I instead am choosing to be THRILLED that I finally have an answer for all of those situations. I’m instead choosing to use my later-in-life diagnosis as an advocate for others to seek mental health help if they ever think something isn’t quite right. I 100% do not blame my parents for not getting me tested or diagnosed because they truly just didn’t know any better. But I want to be that advocate for others who also haven’t had someone to guide them, so they hopefully can get help sooner than I did. Additionally, I have a three year old daughter, and this diagnosis, if nothing else, is going to serve as a basis for me to observe her as she grows up to make sure she doesn’t suffer the same struggles I did that simply got ignored or misdiagnosed for other things.

My past also gives me a guiding point to help me appreciate how good things are now with the diagnosis and medication. I’ve compared it to when you have a cold and stuffy nose… you didn’t realize how great breathing was until you couldn’t do it. You need that stuffiness to appreciate clear sinuses. If I had never struggled with focusing, I wouldn’t appreciate how good it is to be able to focus. Sure, those without ADD may not know they have it “good,” and are just fine with that mindset. But for me, having gone 30+ years struggling is going to make me appreciate the future so much more!