For as long as I can remember, I’ve carried the nagging feeling that something about the way my brain works was… different. Life often felt like a chaotic jumble of endless to-do lists, forgotten commitments, and an ever-present sense that I was just not keeping up. I attributed it to personality quirks, a busy lifestyle, or—let’s be honest—just not trying hard enough. It wasn’t until my 30s and to be frank, once I became a mother, that the puzzle pieces finally clicked into place, revealing an explanation I never saw coming: ADHD. Keep reading to learn about my journey to being diagnosed with ADHD as a woman in my 30s.
My “Aha” Moment
It was an ordinary evening when I stumbled across a YouTube Short that would change my life. In the video, a woman was describing her daily life as someone with ADHD. As she went through her list—struggling with side quests, losing her phone that’s actually in her hand, jumping from task to task without finishing anything—I couldn’t stop thinking, Wait… that’s me.
I dove headfirst into her videos, devouring everything she had to say about her ADHD journey. For the first time, I felt seen. Every example she gave hit home in a way I couldn’t ignore. From the overwhelming clutter that seemed to pile up out of nowhere to the constant battle of hyperfixation followed by burnout, it was like she was narrating my internal experience.
It wasn’t just a list of struggles; it was a roadmap to understanding myself. That was the moment I decided to stop brushing it off and seek professional help. Looking back on it now, it seems silly to me that a short, 60 second video on the internet prompted me to go down this journey, but I am SO grateful for it.
Taking the Leap
Finding a practitioner felt daunting at first—what if they didn’t take me seriously? What if I was wrong? But those fears didn’t outweigh my determination to get answers. I made an appointment and went in armed with notes about my experiences, my struggles, and even some of the things I excelled at (because, as I would later learn, ADHD isn’t all bad).
After a thorough evaluation, I received my diagnosis: ADHD, inattentive type. And honestly? I wasn’t surprised. It explained so much: why I’d always struggled with procrastination and deadlines, why I’d zone out in conversations, and why I could hyperfocus on things that fascinated me while ignoring everything else. It was like someone had flipped on a light switch in a room I didn’t know existed.
The Rollercoaster of Emotions
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is a wild ride of emotions. On one hand, I felt immense relief. There was a name for what I’d been struggling with all these years—and more importantly, there were strategies and tools to help me manage it.
But there was also grief. I couldn’t help but think about all the years I’d spent blaming myself for things outside of my control. How different would life have been if I’d known sooner? Would I have been kinder to myself?
Then came the empowerment. This diagnosis wasn’t a life sentence; it was an opportunity to reframe my perspective and find ways to thrive. I started diving into research, joining ADHD communities, and exploring techniques to work with my brain instead of fighting against it.
Living With ADHD in My 30s
Learning to live with ADHD has been a journey. I’ve had to unlearn years of self-criticism and replace it with compassion. I’m figuring out how to build routines that actually stick, how to communicate my needs to others, and—most importantly—how to embrace the way my brain works instead of wishing it were different.
One unexpected silver lining? ADHD has also helped me see the unique strengths I bring to the table. My ability to hyperfocus has made me an incredible problem-solver when something captures my interest. My creative mind helps me come up with ideas others might not think of. And my tendency to “think outside the box” has led to some of the most rewarding moments in my career and personal life.
If You’re Wondering…
If any of this resonates with you, I encourage you to explore the possibility that ADHD might be part of your story too. It’s never too late to understand yourself better and seek help. For me, the diagnosis was the first step toward embracing who I am—and that journey has been nothing short of life-changing.
To anyone who’s struggling, know this: you’re not alone, and there’s so much hope on the other side of discovery. ❤️
Did this post resonate with you? You can find all of my ADHD related content here.
Pin to pinterest to save for later!
