Hello You!
Living with ADHD can be an adventure filled with ups and downs, especially if you were diagnosed later in life. It's natural to experience a range of emotions when navigating this path. Let’s explore the significance of healing, forgiveness, and self-compassion for individuals with ADHD.
Self-discovery and self-understanding is so empowering and when we draw on our knowledge of positive psychology, wellbeing and neuroscience, we can take a whole-brain and whole-being approach to life.
The Journey of Later Diagnosis
Like so many of us with a later in life ADHD diagnosis, we’ve experienced so many challenges that have helped us build skills and resilience. When we finally got our diagnosis, it was filled with some mixed emotions, such as:
- Relief: Finally, there's an explanation for the challenges faced throughout life, providing a sense of relief and validation.
- Regret: Feelings of regret may arise, wondering how life might have been different with an earlier diagnosis and support.
- Self-Blame: Some individuals may blame themselves for not recognizing their symptoms earlier or for not seeking help sooner.
- Acceptance: With time, acceptance of the diagnosis can lead to a sense of self-awareness and an opportunity for personal growth.
Why is Healing and forgiveness so important in our ADHD journey? Because those strategies and behaviours we developed along the way were built on foundations of not knowing. We may have been covering up, masking, constantly burnt out, lacked boundaries etc. All of these responses are completely normal, but letting them go will help you feel empowered and lighter.
During the healing process we:
- Engage in self-exploration to understand your emotions, reactions, and thoughts related to your ADHD diagnosis. Embrace a process of healing by giving yourself the space to process the emotions that may arise.
- Release Self-Judgment and forgive ourselves for any perceived shortcomings or past decisions. Understand that ADHD is not a flaw but a unique aspect of who you are.
- Embrace Growth and focus on personal growth and the positive aspects of your ADHD journey. Embrace the strengths that come with ADHD, such as creativity, hyperfocus, and out-of-the-box thinking.
What about Self-Compassion?
Self-Compassion is a powerful tool in cultivating resilience and well-being. Research in positive psychology shows that practicing self-compassion can have a profound impact on the brain, including:
- Decreased Stress: Self-compassion reduces the release of stress hormones, promoting emotional well-being.
- Increased Emotional Regulation: Embracing self-compassion improves emotional regulation, helping you navigate challenging emotions with greater ease.
- Enhanced Cognitive Flexibility: Self-compassion encourages cognitive flexibility, enabling you to approach challenges with a growth mindset.
- Empowered Sense of Self: By cultivating self-compassion, you build a stronger sense of self and self-worth, fostering greater self-confidence.
How do we do self-compassion and resist that urge to listen to the inner critic? Let’s talk three quick strategies:
- Practice Mindful Self-Awareness: Be present and curious about your thoughts and emotions. Embrace self-awareness to understand your feelings and reactions.
- Speak Kindly to Yourself: Replace self-criticism with self-encouragement. Use positive affirmations and gentle language when addressing yourself.
- Seek Support: Connect with support groups or seek professional guidance to navigate the emotional aspects of your ADHD journey.
Healing, forgiveness, and self-compassion are transformative elements in your ADHD journey. When you embrace your ADHD diagnosis with acceptance and recognise that it's never too late to embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth, you’ll feel lighter and have a healthier relationship with your extraordinary brain.
