How I Got Diagnosed with ADHD

What happened:

Last year, I was talking to my brother Josh about our early years of education. Reflecting back, I had found it harder to sit still than other kids, was often daydreaming or reading in class, and found difficulty in regulating emotions. In adulthood, I was having trouble retaining information, staying focused on projects, and studying for an IT certification. Point blank, Josh asked about the possibility of me having ADHD, since many of my childhood memories involved symptoms.

I was curious, so I went to the doctor the next week to get screened for ADHD. The nurse asked me a few questions about why I thought I had ADHD and then gave me a written copy of the Wender Utah ADHD Rating Scale. I took the exam, it was a questionnaire only about ten minutes long and focused mostly on emotions and experiences I could recall from childhood. The doctor scored the exam and then he diagnosed me with a high probability of having ADHD. 

What now:

This diagnosis kicked off my journey of looking into what ADHD actually means, what options of coping and treatment are available, and a deeper understanding of self. I’m gentler on myself when I forget things or get distracted because I know a little bit more about how my brain functions. I look for coping mechanisms to get things done. 

What next:

I’m taking you along for the ride. I’m trying to figure out what’s next in career and education, fitness and health, and life in general. I’ll share tips and skills I’ve learned along the way. 

Note: If you think you have ADHD, please go see a doctor. The state of Utah uses the Wender Utah Rating Scale for ADHD, you can Google it to get an idea of what the test might involve, but remember that only a licensed professional can make the official diagnosis.

Cover photo by @haley.mcgee.photos on Instagram