How I Discovered I had ADHD

I discovered I had ADHD on accident. I was watching one of my favorite Youtuber’s weekly vlog. She started describing her ADHD symptoms only I felt like she was describing MY entire life! She started talking about how she has a zillion tabs open in her mind at once. Yet, because of all the open tabs, she’s too drained to actually complete any tasks. As she continued down the list of symptoms, it was CLEAR to me that I could relate all too well and likely had ADHD.

To confirm my suspicion and gain more knowledge, I followed up with multiple psychiatrists. After evaluations, I was officially diagnosed. From there, I watched a ton of videos and read several books on ADHD. One of my favorites was “The ADHD Advantage: What You Thought Was a Diagnosis May Be Your Greatest Strength", by Dale Archer. I especially appreciated Dale’s outlook on how ADHD is actually a super power. I also found his “do I have ADHD” questionnaire extremely helpful (I scored off the charts).

My diagnosis does not define me. However, it does help me understand why I am the way I am. When I learned about my ADHD and its symptoms, I finally felt understood. Things that did not make sense suddenly had a meaning behind them.

For example, for as long as I can remember, I would get “stuck” repeating certain behaviors. Two of these behaviors include picking my scabs to the point of bleeding and scratching and picking at my scalp. I know that these behaviors produce scars (currently using bio oil to undo decades of scars) but at times it is so hard to pull myself away. You might say, “everyone scratches their hair Stacy”! But, does everyone get “stuck” doing it? I have spent hours and hours in the mirror doing this. So, imagine the understanding and relief I felt when I learned that scalp picking (dermatillomania) and other body-focused repetitive behaviors are linked to having a neuroatypical brain (ADHD, autism, OCD, etc.).