Tomorrow is my 36th Birthday; Happy Birthday to me! I don’t say that to brag, but because it actually fits well with the topic of this week’s blog article which is all about how ADHD is affected by the aging process.
I would say that my ADHD was at it’s worst in terms of managing behaviour and thinking until I was at least in my early twenties, possibly later if I’m being a bit honest. Though I should mention I did get diagnosed at ten years old, so I’d had plenty of years on the journey of ‘Who am I with ADHD?’
“Being diagnosed with ADHD starts a journey of self-exploration, which is why it’s important to recieve a diagnosis as soon as possible.”
ADHD gIRL
University was a big help for my ADHD, which I know sounds hard to believe but it was there that I was able to develop a sense of independence within a certain structure. It also challenged me in a way I could be challenged and that was so empowering which I was strongly believe education can change lives. My study skills tutor at university also gave me some valuable organisation skills that I’ve never ever forgot because they have become my daily coping strategies.
Between my mid-twenties and mid-thirties, I managed aspects of my ADHD extremely well. Yet once I hit 35, I started noticing a few changes. Things like smells and sounds seem enhanced (I’ve now got ear loops for this reason) plus my anxiety tends to be worse in crowded and unfamiliar places. The dreaded brain fog comes more frequently and the older I get the more I lose things. So, are these signs that my ADHD is getting worse?
“ADHD is arguably worse for woman in the sense that hormonal changes can have a big effect on brain chemistry.”
ADHD gIRL
Well, there is a lot of research between ADHD in woman and the menopause. Now of course I’m slightly young in general, to be menopausal but there is such a thing as perimenopause which is your body getting ready for change. Any women with ADHD who has periods knows how much they affect their ADHD, from anxiety to mood, it’s just awful. So, I can only begin to imagine what the menopause may be like. I know women who haven’t got ADHD and struggle with it, so is there any hope?
Of course, it may be nothing to do with the perimenopause, it may just be my body and brain trying to tell me I’m getting older and need to slow down, show myself even more compassion with my ADHD. Who knows? I’m not a doctor! I’m not a scientist! I’m just someone with ADHD trying to make it through each and every day. It’s just some days are easier than others.
Which reminds me if you also struggle with the messiness of having ADHD; physically, mentally and emotionally then you might want to checkout this month’s podcast called ‘Decluttering ADHD’ you can listen here.
