A Journey of Rediscovery

Have you ever felt like there was something within you, something you couldn't quite articulate, but you knew it was there? That feeling of being different, of not quite fitting into the mold society has carved out for you? For years, that was my reality. I felt like an outsider in my own life, constantly struggling with everything.

For so long, I blamed myself. I thought that if only I were more determined and disciplined, I could overcome feelings of inadequacy. But the truth is, no amount of determination can change who you are at your core, and I was tired of trying to be someone I wasn't.

It wasn't until the birth of my second child that I reached a breaking point. Despite my best efforts, I couldn't seem to take control of my life. It was slipping through my fingers, and I didn't know how to stop it.

Then, one day, I stumbled upon Harvard Business Review's Women at Work podcast, Season 9, Episode 3, titled "ADHD Is Different for Women". I've never been a podcast girlie. Admittedly, they are sometimes too long, and I can't focus for extended periods. However, on this day, I listened from beginning to end. As I strolled the aisles of Target, at times with tears in my eyes, I clung to every word, and lightbulb after lightbulb went off in my head. Suddenly, so much of my life made sense. The scattered thoughts, the difficulty focusing, the constant feeling of being overwhelmed — it wasn't just me being lazy or undetermined. It was something deeper, something beyond my control. At that moment, I realized that I wasn't flawed or broken. I was simply me, and that was enough.

So, I embarked on a journey to learn more and get a proper diagnosis. We'll talk more about the costs and availability of therapists for adults in another post because that is an extensive rant just waiting to be unleashed. I finally found a therapist, and on December 24, 2023, three weeks after my initial evaluation, I got the best present I could have ever asked for and paid for: validation. 

With this newfound understanding, I dove head first into researching ADHD in women. And what I discovered was eye-opening. Women with ADHD often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed because their symptoms present differently than those of men. And yet, so many of us are struggling silently, unaware that there is help and support available. 

That's when I knew I had to do something. I had to speak up, not just for myself, but for all the women who feel lost and alone. So, I decided to start this blog.

This blog isn't just about my journey; it's about yours too. It's a place where we can share our stories, our struggles, and our triumphs. A place where we can lift each other up and remind ourselves that we are worthy, just as we are. Together, we can build a supportive community that understands and embraces our unique experiences with ADHD.

This blog is the beginning of something beautiful. Let's embark on this journey together, embracing our differences and empowering ourselves to live authentically and unapologetically.

Welcome to The Quiet Struggle. I look forward to sharing this journey with you.