Interviews

I have been interviewing some other adolescent women with ADHD on their personal experiences, this is what they have to say…

Names have been changed

What Do You Find To Be The Most Difficult or Frustrating Part of Having ADHD ?

Bella– When you’re in social situations and you become very aware of people watching you so you can’t really do what you want to do. Also, shutting down when you have lots to do.

Marie– When people say I’m overreacting or downplaying it by saying everyone gets the same.

What Are Any Questions, Comments, or Stigmas Around ADHD That You Get Annoyed By or Dislike ?     

Bella– When I first told my parents and teachers, they didn’t believe me. Or, when they say everyone experiences it, trying to relate to it in a way that undermines me. Or when I’m compared to the male version of ADHD.

Marie– That we’re just lazy or talk to much. The main bit, though, is that ADHD is an excuse to be lazy.

What Is Something People May Not Know About ADHD ?

Bella– How hyper-aware we are. I overshare in conversations but I’m so hyper-aware I have to remind myself to listen, but I can’t stop. Also, how ADHD overlaps with a lot of other things that you wouldn’t associate with it such as anxiety. 

Marie– Simple things that make no sense to other people but really help me, like fidgeting with something when I’m having an important conversation with someone.

Do You Have Any Coping Mechanisms or Tips For Managing ADHD ?

Bella– Reminders! I have 50,000 reminders set on my phone. Also, my mum helps me sort things out, like if I have everything prepared the night before I have to do something. I ask people to write down any instructions they give me. Lastly, only do what you actually need to do, don’t try and push it. 

Marie– I’m still coming up with things as i go along. Anything I have to do I put on a list, so even if I forget it I have a place to remember it.

Have You Taken Any Medication For ADHD? If So, How Do You Feel about it ?

Bella– tried Concerta. I was excited to take it, but there are side effects like it suppresses appetite. Also, other people use it recreationally, so they see me as an easy access to a recreational drug. However, they don’t acknowledge if you give them your prescribed medication you’re missing out on something you need. People also see it as an easy route to academic success, like an advantage. Medication helps to even out the playing field, it’s not a leg up.

Marie– I currently don’t because I haven’t fully got my diagnosis, but i’ll potentially try it if it can help me in certain situations.

What Time of Day Are You Most Productive ?

Bella– Late at night. I get burned out easily around lunch time and the afternoon, and I find it hard to get started in the morning.

Marie– Either early in the morning or late evening. When I’m productive is more about the days. I’m most productive Monday to Wednesday but not Thursday to Sunday, which is annoying.

Do You Hyper-fixate? If So, What Do You Typically Hyper-fixate On ?

Bella– I do hyper-fixate, but it’s weird because I didn’t realise I was because I only hyper-fixate on things I love or really random things. I hyper-fixate on the different species of guinea pigs, or G-force, or water-proof animals. One time I hyper-fixated on insults against my sister. However, I can’t choose what I hyper-fixate on. 

Marie– Yeah! I do that. It jumps between loads of different things. I went through a phase in lockdown when I wanted to do art, so I bought loads of art supplies, now I do it for hours even thought I’m very bad at art. If I have something to do, I procrastinate on it by doing anything else. One time, I read a whole book ( even though i hate reading because I’m dyslexic) to put off doing a short essay.

Do You Experience Difficulties With Memory ?

Bella– I’m not super sure if it’s ADHD, but I’m trying to learn names at work but I forget them immediately. Weirdly, I remember random things like ocean facts from Octonauts I watched years ago. I remember things I’m interested in, but I forget important things.

Marie– It’s words! I find them hard to remember. With actions I’m better. I’ll remember something someone did over something someone said.