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.
Further reading
How to help kids with low self esteem
Well done for sharing your story in such a positive manner – it will definitely help others in similar situations. Lots of people have ADHD and it really helps to know all about different ways of living with it x
Author
So agree Steph it is so helpful to hear other people’s stories. It helps to stop us feeling so alone – thanks so much for your comment
Issy, how inspirational that you’ve shared your story. It is great to hear that you are getting support. I know a couple of people with ADHD and honesty and openness always seems best…them being honest with me and me being honest with them, for example saying I’m not sure how to help, what can I do? I think the more we talk and understand each other the more we’ll be accepting. You’re openness in this blog will help others, well done.
Author
That’s really useful Sarah – I think honesty and openness are the way forward and agree completely Issy is an inspiration
Than you Issy for such an informative piece of writing. I am so glad you are feeling happier and you are getting extra support in school. Thanks so much for sharing it’s an awesome thing to do.
Rachel x
Author
Totally agree Rachel x
Thank you for sharing your story, Issy – I absolutely loved it and it did resonate.
Thank you for sharing your story! It is so helpful to learn about it from your perspective, I really appreciate that you are being so open about teaching others about life with ADHD.
Author
It is so helpful Maggy, thanks Isssy
Thank you for sharing your story. We are in the process of an ADHD assessment for our 6 year old, so it’s really helpful to read about the condition from a young person’s perspective.
Author
That is SO good to hear. I hope the assessment process is smooth for you and you get the support and clarity you need
Well done Issy for sharing this. So important to help others understand ADHD and for those that have it to know they aren’t alone. It’s amazing you and ur Mum have realised what’s going on and are working together to support each other. Your story will help others that have it too xx
Author
Thanks Helen
Well done Issy for writing this and educating us all! Good to see your school have out in measures to help you manage things. You are amazing! X
Author
She truly is!
I’ve been wanting to learn more about what it’s like to live with ADHD. Thanks for sharing
Thanks for sharing your story Issy – you’ve explained things so well. My daughter is waiting for an ADHD assessment too and the things she struggles with sound very similar to you. I’m glad that things at school have improved since your diagnosis and that you feel believed and understood now. Wishing you every success – and keep up the writing!