Hi, I’m Amy Mitchell, and I’m the lead nurse for learning disabilities at Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust. This October, as it’s ADHD Awareness Month, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), I wanted to share my experience of being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult and reflect on both the challenges and the positives that come with it.
Amy Mitchell, lead nurse for learning disabilities at Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust
Growing up, I was always the “hard work” one. My family still talk about the time when I was six or seven, and I went missing in a shop – which I did often. I was eventually found at the top of a pile of snow sledges! I’ve always been impulsive for as long as I can remember, constantly fidgeting and full of energy. My mam used to spend a fortune on uniforms for the different clubs and hobbies I’d pick up, but I never stuck with anything long enough to wear them more than once.
School was tough for me, and I left without any qualifications. I was suspended so many times – usually for fighting with boys who picked on me for being different. Eventually, I just stopped going altogether. Looking back, the thought of sitting through exams terrified me. After school, I jumped from job to job, with no clear idea of what I wanted to do. But then I found my passion in caring for people who didn’t fit the mould of what society expects. I pursued an access course to become a nurse – thankfully, there were no exams back then!
My struggles became more obvious when I lived on my own. Simple tasks that seemed easy for everyone else were so hard for me, and it affected my mood. I kept asking myself, “What is wrong with me?” I went to the GP and was told I had depression and anxiety, which stuck with me for years. But it never fully explained why I was the way I was.
Then, one day, I attended a talk by a woman with ADHD from Your Voice Counts, a charity that supports people with learning disabilities, autistic people and people who are at risk of exclusion due to disability, illness or other challenges.
It was a lightbulb moment. Suddenly, it all made sense – taking 45 minutes just to leave the house because I’d lost my keys, or completely forgetting where I was meant to be going. When I became a mum, my ADHD became even more apparent. Suddenly, I had someone else to think about – appointments to keep track of, bills to pay – and I couldn’t just disappear when things got difficult, like I used to.
Being impulsive also had an impact on my little boy, which made me realise how much I struggled to contain the impulsive feelings my brain was constantly throwing at me. It wasn’t until I confided in my manager that I was finally diagnosed with combined ADHD, meaning I experience both hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive symptoms. Since then, I’ve started medication, which has been a game-changer.
I still struggle with certain things – I can’t sit still, I make impulsive decisions, and time management is a big issue for me. One of the most frustrating aspects is forgetting people’s names, which makes me worry that they think I’m being rude. I also get lost easily – I still use Google Maps to find my way to places I’ve been going to for years, like the shop around the corner!
Another challenge is emotional dysregulation. I feel emotions intensely and sometimes struggle to manage them. It’s been a journey learning to understand and accept the “new me.” I often worry that people find me too much or that I’m oversharing. I’ve lost friendships because of my bluntness or impulsive behaviour, but I never mean to be unkind.
That said, there are also some amazing things about having ADHD. I’m outgoing, loving, thoughtful, and caring – traits that I think are amplified in those of us with ADHD. I also pick up on good and bad vibes, something that only people with ADHD might fully understand.
I’m still learning, adjusting, and figuring out how to navigate life with ADHD. But I’m hopeful that sharing my story will help others who may be wondering, as I once did, “What’s wrong with me?” I also want to celebrate the great qualities that come with ADHD and create a space where people like me can come together, share experiences, and maybe even have a bit of a rant when things get tough!
For anyone looking to access ADHD support or resources, please visit the following trusted UK organisations:
- ADHD Foundation:
https://www.adhdfoundation.org.uk/ - MIND.orghttps://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/adhd-and-mental-health/
- Your Voice Counts:
https://www.yvc.org.uk/
These resources offer valuable information, support, and guidance for individuals with ADHD and their families.
If you’re a member of staff at Gateshead Health, consider joining the D-Ability Network. This network offers a safe space for collaboration, aiming to enhance the experiences of both staff and patients with disabilities. Membership is open to all staff who either have a disability, long-term health condition (LTC), or are passionate about promoting disability equality. For more information or to join, please email [email protected]