In the last 5 years Women have been diagnosed with ADHD at unprecedented rates. In the UK the current waiting time for an ADHD diagnosis is on average around three years.

The ADHD Big Sister shares her story of undiagnosed ADHD and how to get support.

5 years ago, if you had asked me if I had ADHD, I would have been baffled. Back then, I thought ADHD only affected young boys who couldn’t sit still in class. Little did I know, my own experiences, like anxiety, burnout, perfectionism, people-pleasing, insomnia, low moods, and self-doubt—were also signs of ADHD.

Traditionally viewed as a disorder mainly affecting young boys with symptoms like hyperactivity and impulsivity, ADHD diagnosis has often neglected many women who can present with different symptoms. In women, ADHD frequently appears as mental restlessness, such as excessive worrying, rather than physical hyperactivity.

This has resulted in a ‘lost generation’ of undiagnosed women, who have navigated life without needed understanding or support, facing challenges in careers, relationships, and mental well-being.

Lacking a framework to understand their experiences, many of these women tended to blame themselves for perceived shortcomings, resulting in low self-esteem.

As a woman with undiagnosed ADHD, I faced significant life challenges, specifically around career and mental well-being. At 32, I was a high-achieving Advertising Director at National Geographic, however the level of stress, combined with it not being the right job, led to major burnout, which I now recognise was ADHD related.

This burnout was a wake-up call for a career change. ADHDers have an interest-based nervous system, and for the past 10 years, I have worked in my passion, as a Coach, helping women find their career paths and now specialising in empowering women with ADHD.

Women working in the UK can access fully funded Coaching through the Government’s ‘Access to Work’ scheme, even without a formal diagnosis.

If you would like to learn more about how I can support you please visit my website: www.theadhdbigsister.com, follow me on Instagram (@theadhdbigsister), or book an introduction coaching call with me.