Adolescence was more of a struggle for me. I was more interested in taking pics of myself (No change there 😆), partying, friends.. anything other than school really.

I never felt I fitted in. I had friends across various friendship groups but always remember wondering, “why don’t they think like me?” I had SUCH a mask on. Came across as confident but inside was a different story. Never fully believed people liked me.
With the exception of my best friend! We were weird, authentic and loved to laugh. I’m so grateful for her. She’s always accepted me for who I am, supported me & tells it like it is. 👩🏻‍🤝‍👩🏼

⛪️ I went to a catholic school so it was quite strict. I was cheeky and definitely pushed boundaries. I can see now how much I struggled to focus and not get distracted in lessons, it often felt impossible but I never understood why. 

🤓 I was a bright student. I just didn’t… wait for it… “apply myself”! Every school report would say the same thing. “We know she can do it but we just don’t know why she isn’t.”
There just wasn’t the awareness back then about how ADHD presents in girls. 
My parents had me tested for dyslexia at one stage. I remember when I was told I wasn’t, I felt like a failure. I really wanted to understand why I struggled, so if it wasn’t that - what was it? Why was I like this? 🤷‍♀️ 

📝 I did ok in GCSE’s but dire in my A-Levels which was devastating considering I had my heart set on a teaching. I was put on report in sixth form for my behaviour and my focus was just all over the place! 

🚌 I also really struggled with routine. The memories I have of getting up early to get to the school bus in time, fill me with dread even now! 

🧐 On reflection, it was evident that I struggled a lot at school and I wish there’d been the support there for me. Which is why I’m so passionate now about raising awareness around ADHD in girls. So many women are receiving a diagnosis later in life because the signs were missed in childhood. In particular the inattentive type. 

So ADHD ladies, please keep speaking out about your journeys - it will make a difference. 🧡