Julie and Jel Legg discuss life following their adult ADHD diagnoses – taking ownership of their ADHD and how it has impacted their past, and will impact their future too.
They delve into how diagnosis provides clarity and self-compassion for past struggles while offering a framework for better decision-making and leveraging strengths in the present and future. From managing relationships and adopting routines to reassessing career paths and navigating life without medication, this episode offers a holistic look at the ongoing process of understanding and thriving with ADHD.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Emotional Reactions Post-Diagnosis: Diagnosis can evoke varied responses—relief, validation, or overwhelm—as individuals begin to make sense of their experiences. Unpacking the past through an ADHD lens can provide clarity, self-compassion, and forgiveness for previous choices or struggles.
- Past, Present, and Future: The diagnosis allows reflection on past decisions and behaviors, understanding how ADHD influenced them. Awareness of ADHD traits in the present enables better decision-making and management of impulsivity, hyperfocus, and emotional regulation. Looking forward, it offers a framework for growth, informed choices, and leveraging ADHD strengths.
- Relationships and Social Dynamics: Post-diagnosis, relationships often shift as individuals share their diagnosis and seek understanding. ADHDers may find comfort in looser social networks or deep but fleeting connections rather than traditional friendships.
- Practical Strategies: Small, manageable routines help counteract impulsivity and hyperfocus, such as setting boundaries for work hours. Identifying specific challenges and adopting targeted strategies can lead to improvement.
- Career and Creativity: ADHD traits like creativity and adaptability can influence career paths. Post-diagnosis, individuals may reassess roles and environments to align better with their strengths.
- Managing ADHD Without Medication: Many adults may not take medication due to health conditions or personal choice. Practical tools like exercise, routines, mindfulness, and professional support can help.
- The Holistic Journey: Post-diagnosis is a lifelong process of understanding and growth. It involves balancing emotions, adapting strategies, and finding a sense of identity within the ADHD framework.
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