My ADHD journey

Before I got diagnosed with ADHD I was genuinely considering writing a one woman comedy stand up routine called ‘Living Life The Hard Way Since 1989’. I’d constantly lose my possessions, get myself into ridiculous situations and was extremely fun at parties. The low level  day-to-day memory issues and what I now know as executive function challenges made me feel like I was a bit of a hot mess.

Thankfully I found my feet in the chaotic world of advertising and adventure as a craft lady at a summer camp. But there was always a sense, in the words of Katy Perry, that felt a little bit like a plastic bag blowing in the wind.

During the pandemic I spent a bit of time on TikTok and the algorithm found me. I recognised the symptoms of ADHD. The penny dropped, I read stacks of books on it and after realising I had ADHD, my world fell into place.

Learning about ADHD through ADHD coaching gave me language to describe why things in my life, relationships and work weren’t working. It was a huge relief to know why I’d been living life the hard way; I wasn’t lazy, crazy or stupid.

My psychiatrist told me that with ADHD there are pills and skills. Whether or not I decided to take medication, I should also learn some skills.

Receiving ADHD Coaching helped me gain confidence so I could take action towards BIG things like moving jobs and going freelance. It also helped me generally get my sh*t together so the little things like housework didn’t bother me as much.

After understanding how my brain actually works, every area of my life started to change. I could spot times when I’d worked with my ADHD, and times when I was struggling against it.I left the world of advertising and media and re-trained as an ADHD coach, founding ADHD club in 2022.

The biggest feeling I had when going through my ADHD journey was loneliness. My friends and family couldn’t understand what it was like feeling less capable for so long, and it was a huge relief to know that I wasn’t flawed, just different. Speaking to others with ADHD is magic because there’s a deep empathy and connection. I founded ADHD club to create a sense of community for others like me, with expert support and guidance.

I’m now more confident in myself, I have a business which suits my brain and I’m happier. My strengths are humour, love, creativity, curiosity, social and intelligence - exactly how I approach my work.

My coaching process has evolved from:

• More than 120 hours of specialist ADHD coach training

• Over 325+ hours of coaching people with ADHD

• 35 years of lived experience

I coach with curiosity, compassion and creativity.

Qualifications and experience:

• AACC certified coach ADDCA February 2024

• Level 1 ADHD Works coaching certificate March 2023, in-house coach supervised by Leanne Maskell Feb 23- April 24

• More than 115 hours specialist coach training with ADDCA - one of the only International Coaching Federation (ICF)accredited specialised training schools in the world

• Over 325 hours ADHD coaching

• For more information, see my professional background on LinkedIn