Professional Insights and Personal Revelations
ADHD wasn’t on Diane Macedo’s radar until she saw videos like Libby’s. A licensed psychologist evaluated her, and she was surprised by how quickly her symptoms were identified. “I think all my coping mechanisms worked really well for me until I became a mom,” she said. Managing two children and the expectations she placed on herself became overwhelming, leading her to seek answers.
Women with ADHD often excel in areas like creativity and problem-solving, making their struggles with organization and time management seem like personal failings. Jessica Covington noted, “I would write lists and not be able to find the list or make a system and forget the system.” These challenges often lead to depression and anxiety due to the immense mental energy spent compensating for their symptoms.
Finding Help and Offering Support
Jessica now coaches others with ADHD, while Libby uses her platform to spread awareness. “I have been stopped on the street countless times by women who have said they never would have gone to their doctor if I hadn’t shared my story,” Libby said. This resonates deeply with Diane, who feels empowered by her diagnosis to set up her life for success.
Understanding ADHD in women and its impact allows women to adjust their lives and manage their symptoms more effectively. Diagnoses have enabled many women to troubleshoot areas where they previously struggled, leading to significant improvements in their daily lives. Here are 10 of the most common symptoms shared by women who suffer from undiagnosed ADHD.
10 symptoms of undiagnosed ADHD
1. Chronic Disorganization
- Messy Spaces: Constantly struggling with cluttered rooms, desks, or bags, no matter how often you try to tidy up.
- Losing Items: Frequently misplacing everyday items like keys, phone, or wallet, leading to frustration and wasted time.
2. Forgetfulness
- Missed Appointments: Regularly forgetting appointments or important dates despite using planners or reminders.
- Incomplete Tasks: Starting projects or chores and forgetting to finish them, leaving a trail of half-done activities.
3. Time Management Issues
- Chronic Lateness: Often running late for meetings, events, or picking up kids, no matter how hard you try to be on time.
- Procrastination: Putting off tasks until the last minute, leading to rushed and stressful work.
4. Emotional Sensitivity
- Mood Swings: Experiencing rapid changes in mood, feeling overly emotional or irritable without a clear reason.
- Sensitivity to Criticism: Taking criticism to heart and feeling deeply hurt or defensive, even over small comments.
5. Difficulty Focusing
- Easily Distracted: Struggling to concentrate on tasks or conversations, often getting sidetracked by unrelated thoughts.
- Daydreaming: Frequently zoning out or daydreaming, making it hard to stay present in the moment.
