A huge thanks to Issy for sharing her story Me Myself and My ADHD to help, inspire and encourage those experiencing something similar.
Me Myself and My ADHD
‘I only got diagnosed with ADHD around three months ago. I was really happy and relieved when the doctor said I had it because I felt like someone believed me and there is a reason for the way that I feel and the things that I do.
My mum and I are still learning about ADHD and we have found out that there are some really famous people who have it like Emma Watson and Jim Carey.
Sometimes its hard having ADHD, especially when friends aren’t understanding. But my mum tells me that I am really good at showing empathy to others and true friends will understand that my ADHD makes me special.
Now that I’ve got my diagnosis, the teachers at school have been really supportive. They have given me a ‘brain break’ card so that if I’m feeling upset or frustrated, I can show the card to the teacher and leave the room to calm down. They have also given me a red and green card. I sometimes find it hard to ask for help when I don’t understand something so instead, I can just show the green card if I understand and the red card if I don’t.
If I get stressed anywhere, for example school, I like bringing fidget toys with me to help me calm down.
Sometimes I can feel like I need a big squeeze from my mum which helps.
ADHD can be different for different people for example, there are three types of adhd, inattentive, hyperactive and combined, I have the combined type with lots of symptoms including non-stop talking. Before I was diagnosed, I used to hold everything inside and come home feeling unwell and exhausted.Now I feel more comfortable about who I am, I don’t hold as much in and I don’t get as many headaches. I feel that I can let out a bit more energy in class.
I am proud of my ADHD because it is who I am!’
Issy Stubbs, age 12.
