KUALA LUMPUR – Adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) say they have a more positive lifestyle and a better understanding of themselves after seeking professional help.
Scoop spoke with several people living with the disorder about how they have dealt with their condition both before and after diagnosis.
For 38-year-old clinical cardiologist Rowina Lynne Murray, living with ADHD meant struggling with motor, organisational, and memory skills, which led her to seek a professional diagnosis after years of “self-help”.
“I never really understood why everything is harder and why it is so hard to remain consistent despite trying hard.
“I did well in school because my parents supported me in most things. I just needed to study.
“I tend to sleep a lot because I’m always exhausted. In university, I started struggling a little because there were too many classes.
“I could not use my usual coping mechanism of excessive sleeping.
“It was the worst (period) when I was pursuing my master’s because I did not know how to work and study at the same time before eventually quitting,” she said.
First diagnosed with anxiety, Murray’s initial treatment did not work, forcing her psychiatrist to investigate her childhood history before changing her diagnosis to ADHD.
“The post-diagnosis period was filled with anger for my lost years.”
“I had to relearn how to be human and struggle with medication side effects and complicated dose titration.
“But it was worth it. Because life is much better when you’re able to understand what’s wrong,” she said.
When asked about ADHD awareness, Murray suggested the best method of education is through social media.
“Everyone uses it, and it’s the easiest way to share personal experiences. Of course, there’s a risk of misinformation, but overall the benefits are still greater,” she said.
Having been educated about ADHD and its symptoms, Murray said she shares information about ADHD on social media in hopes of creating awareness for both the public and those in healthcare.
For Yaya (not her real name), the ADHD diagnosis comes as a relief after she has always been described as easily frustrated, having difficulty understanding the concept of time, being a slow learner, and rashly making decisions.
“I am now more aware of my triggers of emotional dysregulation and situations I dislike.
“Thus, I am not too hard on myself and have learned how to self-soothe a lot without lashing out publicly,” the 22-year-old student said.
For 26-year-old Hayatul Nornajwa, life with ADHD means that although she is very extroverted, she often zones out and has short attention spans, which affected her previous working life.
“I love working in the advertising industry, but because of ADHD (previously undiagnosed), I was struggling badly and blamed myself and thought I was the problem for not being able to perform like my peers,” she said.
Acknowledging that learning more about ADHD and mental health issues via social media is essential, she finally went for a professional diagnosis after watching TikTok videos on the subject.
“In my opinion, sharing videos would be the best way to spread awareness. Creative, informative videos by certified professionals will help those like me understand the symptoms better,” she said.
Najwa, as she prefers to be called, admitted being diagnosed only two months ago, and the time since has been tremendously helpful.
“The medicine doesn’t really heal my ADHD because technically there is no cure, but it does give me a shot of energy because it acts as a stimulant to motivate me.
“I feel my mind is more structured and organised. While my focus and attention are still short, I don’t zone out as I used to anymore,” she added.
Meanwhile, psychologist Izzat Zaid, who also has ADHD, said that to understand more about ADHD, the best method is to communicate and listen to their life experience.
“Everyone is a unique individual, even if they have ADHD, so ask them about their experience, the impact of it, and how to accommodate or leverage their strength.”
“Based on my personal experience, my current boss is amazing at pushing me with strength in the office, and I thrive a lot,” she said.
Meanwhile, a businesswoman with ADHD who prefers to be known as Shya, suggested that the government implement mental health education in our education system.
“In my opinion, education and mental health go hand in hand. We need to re-evaluate the education system and help kids with early diagnoses.
“If mental health is prioritised in schools, the next generation will grow up with a better understanding of this issue rather than struggling well into adulthood and being diagnosed in their late 20s,” she said.
Shya admitted after seeking professional assistance that she was fully aware that taking medications alone would not cure her condition, but she is grateful for the support she received.
“Having medical advice has helped me realise that I’m not alone, and it shows me that society is also trying to help me by including me rather than pushing me aside.
“Being diagnosed helped me accept and work through my issues. I have learned more about ADHD, and I’ve connected with more people who struggle with this disorder,” she said. – October 29, 2023