An accomplished businesswoman who was only 52 years old when she received her attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis has referred to it as her "superpower.".
Celia Gaze, who has operated an events venue in Bolton for the past ten years, received the diagnosis just one year ago.
She claimed that even though she could "work and work" due to her ADHD because once she gets an idea in her head, "it has to be implemented," a price was frequently paid.
The risk of burnout, according to Celia, is an adverse effect of having unusually high levels of hyper-focus and energy. She claimed to have personally experienced burnout while serving in a senior NHS management position.
Yes, it can be a superpower, but there is kryptonite, according to Henry Shelford, CEO of the charity ADHD UK. ".
And he added that rather than struggling so much, people with ADHD should consider what can be changed to enable them to "access their superpower.".
Many people are unable to get the support they need because of "woefully long" waiting periods for a diagnosis, according to ADHD UK, with some "often having to wait two years for an assessment.".
I've always worked crazy hours, nonstop, and I have this creative ability; I attribute it all to my diagnosis, Celia said.
"I am more likely than others to experience work-related stress and burnout because of the non-stop nature. ".
Celia didn't take her neurodiversity seriously until she had written about converting her husband's farm into a green wedding and events venue.
One of her book's readers, who said: "You've got ADHD. ".
According to ADHD UK, there are 2.6 million cases of the disorder in the country, with 80% of cases going undiagnosed.
The charity used data from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the Office for National Statistics, and NHS prescription records to arrive at these numbers.
In that she has "been a lot kinder to herself" and not so self-critical, Celia claimed that receiving her diagnosis had significantly changed her life.
When things got tough, she said she now understood that "it's not me, I'm not failing.".
"Having undiagnosed ADHD feels like being in a maze with no lights on," Mr. Shelford continued.
"A diagnosis brings understanding, the lights turn on, you can navigate, it changes your life.". ".
At the age of 24, Londoner Ted Lawlor received an ADHD diagnosis as well.
Looking back, he admitted, "I struggled my entire life without knowing why. It affected me in every aspect of my life. ".
Ted claimed he struggled in some classes and did best in those he enjoyed and could "hyper-focus" on.
Ted claimed that after graduating from high school, his untreated ADHD "really hit" him when he started working.
He explained, "I was trying to figure out what was wrong with me. "I struggled to understand how everyone around me managed to work uninterrupted from 9 am to 5 pm. ".
Hyperactive Attention Deficit Disorder.
- Inattentiveness and hyperactivity are the two behavioral categories under which ADHD is categorized.
- Though it is common for those with the condition to experience both, it is not always the case.
- Boys than girls are diagnosed with the condition more frequently.
- It can be treated with medication or therapy, though a combination is frequently the most successful.
NHS as a source.
According to Mr. Shelford, Ted's experiences are not unusual because untreated ADHD frequently compromises an individual's working relationship.
Managerial advice to neurotypical individuals may not be suitable or helpful to those with ADHD, which can result in misunderstandings.
The boss may believe that they are no longer being helpful and are being ignored, according to Mr. Shelford. ".
Ted claimed that after receiving his diagnosis, he was able to identify better coping mechanisms and was now "thriving" rather than just "coping,".
He had tried working in spurts, for example, "working for 20 minutes, then taking a five-minute break.".
Many people with neurodiverse traits create coping mechanisms long before they receive a diagnosis.
These frequently "have costs - they are not ideal, so you have to unravel and rebuild," Mr. Shelford continued. , this is a difficult task.
