Undiagnosed ADHD in Women (The Invisible Struggle)

Have you ever felt like you're constantly juggling a million things, struggling to focus, and experiencing a whirlwind of emotions without understanding why? Well, you're not alone! In today's eye-opening video, we're delving into a topic that often goes unnoticed: Undiagnosed ADHD in Women (The Invisible Struggle).

It's time to break the stigma and create a supportive community where every voice is heard and understood. Whether you're on your own journey or seeking to learn more about this important topic, hit that play button and join us in this empowering discussion.

Remember, your experiences are valid, and your journey matters. By raising awareness and fostering empathy, we can make strides toward a more inclusive and compassionate world.

#adhd

Writer: Chamae Quiachon
Editor: Caitlin McColl
Script Manager: Kelly Soong
Animator: Gosse
YouTube Manager: Cindy Cheong

DISCLAIMER: This video is for informative purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Please contact a psychologist, psychiatrist, or neurologist if you are struggling.

Discount code: "Loyalty" to get 15% off. Only first 50 people.

REFERENCES

[salemshannon]

As a woman who was diagnosed at a really young age. The amount of judgement and bullying i received when I was "attention seeking" mostly came from my teachers. The other students in my class would see how they treated me and would do the same. I made my first real friend in middle school. She also has ADHD and we have just hit our ten year anniversary of friendship! I have since moved away and started a new life and have made plenty of friends and held on to the people who were willing to get to know me and look past all the labels people would use. Terms like "attention seeking" cause a lot of damage. I was never looking for attention i was looking for dopamine and dispite never finding the right medication as a kid Ihave found one that works well for me now.

[gala]

ADHD is diagnosed in such a weird way.

I have met some girls who had school difficulties in elementary (which makes sense because at the school I went to the teacher would barely ever get to teach because of how chaotic and crazy the climate was). These girls also barely slept because of parents breaking up and other familial difficulties. But since their grades went down, some were diagnosed with adhd and later on realized they had been wrongfully diagnosed.

Meanwhile, I never had any school difficulties in elementary because I had a lot of advance. I didn’t really need to teacher to teach me what I already knew, so obviously my grades were great. But as I grew up and started losing the advance I had, I realized how incapable I am in listening and organizing and not losing my stuff all the time. I can’t motivate myself to do anything and feel overwhelmed all the time.

So many girls from elementary school have told me my symptoms of ADHD are worse than theirs yet I have never been or seemed a diagnosis.

They really need to stop using grades as the indicator.

[MegaGreatdanelover]

I always hated myself for being so lazy and disorganized but never had the motivation to fix it. Having been diagnosed since I was young, I’m just happy I’m not alone in the world and videos like this exist to help me now understand myself a little better.

[heatherwright]

As a female who was diagnosed with ADHD in my 20's, I know how hard this is to get through.

[lukiapotato]

My sweetheart's diagnosed with ADHD, and ever since we started dating, I've come to realize how much I relate and empathize with her struggles! I've never got a professional diagnosis on the matter and it made me curious to learn more and seek out proper help, for both of us.

And while living with an ADHD person can be a bit challenging, I wouldn't have it with anybody else. She's the most caring and passionate pumpkin ever, and I'm committed to making living a little easier for her. C:

Thank you for this video!

[beachboy]

As a recently diagnosed ADHDer (I'm a man) it wasn't recognised as ADHD because my symptoms were inside in my head, not the typical busy boy. Because there is more studies about ADHD in women it helps men too who share those same symptoms that are typically common in women. This is why inclusion of all sexes is important and strengthes us all

[VapingNurse]

I wasn't diagnosed until the age of 47. I can attest it has been brutal. The diagnosis was such a relief.

[fnaffanatic]

My mother refuses to believe that I have ADHD. So I haven’t gotten a proper diagnosis, my father has it, and I show all symptoms.
It is extremely difficult for me to socialize because people find me odd or weird, and it’s generally heartbreaking.
At least I am aware of the symptoms, most women who struggle with it don’t even know, and it’s terrible to not know.

[AnotherTuesday]

When I was diagnosed in high school, they said it was "mild, " because I wasn't hyperactive and was really good at looking like I was paying attention while being miles away. It still deeply affects me and my relationships in adulthood. I'm so used to smiling, while inside I'm a mess.

[bcgrote]

"You got good grades (40 years ago) therefore you don't have ADHD" 😢

[Carvgoo]

I´ve been diagnosed with ADHD and a high IQ since I was 5 years old. Most people think that is awesome to have a genetic advantage, but that combination was brutal because only by having ADHD I struggled to pay attention to simple things and with a high IQ I get bored so easily, so it was quite a challenge for my family in order that I could finish school in a proper way. Honestly speaking, I´ve always felt that having ADHD has been such an advantage and interesting perspective because due to my natural curiosity, I get obsessed by any random topics and I am able to connect different fields in order to have a wider view. One of my biggest strength has been having ADHD because I can create and organize information in a way that most people can´t do it. So for girls that are just like me, believe me there´s nothing wrong with you and it´s amazing how your brain works and evolves in a creative rich enviroment, I know it can be tough but you got this, there´s so much beauty within you.

[melon]

Timestamps <3
0:54 numbers
1:47 misdiagnosis and undertreatment
2:39 the impact
3:21 social effects
4:21 mental health impacts (triggerwarning)
6:07 ADHD symptom checklist

Have a great day <3

[Jesus_is_Lord]

I appreciate the calm voice-over. It’s not loud and bombastic which helps people who are easily overwhelmed by loudness.

[LydiaDeKett]

My parents both agree i probably have ADHD( and/or autism) but dont want a diagnosis because they dont see any reasons a diagnosis would help. To anyone struggling: you are loved very much, dont give up hope❤

[aIparica]

"Do you find yourself easily emotional?"

Me already having a breakdown just by watching this video especially after knowing that menopause can decrease dopamine and serotonin levels and realizing that it's only gonna get sadder and harder than this in the future.

[ohkaygoplay]

I was finally diagnosed last year at age 41 after spending 2 years struggling to get myself the help I knew I needed with no external support or help finding resources, making calls, and doing the work. That's why it took so long. My ADHD (and discovered I have autism, too) was the roadblock I was fighting to get help to fight the roadblock.

My life began to make so much more sense after I started getting treatment.
I still feel like an outsider, and still struggle with all 7 of the questions at the end of this video. Learning to unmask is an almost impossible challenge.
There are times when I slide back into rage about how I was treated throughout my life up to now.

[AlicesEntertainment]

I think the «hyper active» part often manifests as physical tension, fidgeting and racing thoughts. Often due to societal expectations to how girls and women is «supposed to behave».
I’ve been chronicly ill and fatigued half my life due to undiagnosed ADHD.

[Anadorado]

I just want to say this to all the women in their 20s and 30s who have just received their diagnosis… some healthcare professionals won’t understand our struggle. Don’t let those people stop you from finding the providers who care and want to help. Don’t give up on yourself. Find support in friends and family. You deserve to be happy ❤

[pippalongstrum]

I was diagnosed in my 50s. It’s been a relief to give a name to what I’ve struggled with my entire life.

[sheilia]

Hi there! As a female diagnosed with ADD as a kid, which is now another form of ADHD. These are all so very true. I will admit I've gotten more emotional as I've gotten older. And it's really hard to "manage" the negative emotions as life just seems to get harder. Guys do seem to get more spotlight (?) on the whole thing. That's because us girls are taught early on how to mask our ADHD. And when you bottle up those negative emotions it takes a toll on you. So to all of those ladies out there struggling, just know that we are there with you! Please stay strong. Now if you will excuse me, I should be asleep. Stay safe!