ADHD Aha! | ADHD, loving intensely, and impulsivity (Ange’s story)

Ange Nolan once suspected she had ADHD, but she was dismissed by her doctor. Years later, she saw an ADHD iceberg infographic and related to almost every ADHD symptom it listed - including forgetting to use the bathroom. That’s when she decided it was time to approach a different doctor about ADHD.
After getting diagnosed with ADHD last year, Ange realized how it had been affecting her many romantic relationships. She’d crave the chaos of an intense connection and become a “chameleon” who fixated on her partner’s interests and happiness - until burning out.
Hear how Ange’s ADHD diagnosis helped her notice her own patterns, including hopping impulsively from one career to another. And stay tuned for a mini “aha” moment from host Laura Key on why she likes to be alone so much.
To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.
www.understood.org/podcasts/a...
Ange is a listener who wrote to us about her “aha” moment. We’d love to hear from you, too. Email us at [e-mail].
Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the 70 million people in the U.S. with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about “ADHD Aha!” and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2022 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Understood is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company.

[@johnhall8455]

You don’t forget to go to the bathroom…your body won’t let you forget….but your brain will be so distracted with so many other more interesting things….so going to the bathroom is pushed to the back of the priority list. Until you’re going to burst…. That’s pretty much the same for any boring tasks that require more than ten seconds thought…..

[@browni381]

Yes! That’s it! I was hoping someone said this!

[@TheEnterthedreaming]

For me it's eating.

[@1911darsh]

My experiences with ADHD: don't fight your brain. The following principle has helped me immensely to control my thoughts. Action, emotion and thought. Positive actions lead to positive emotions resulting in positive thoughts. Matthew 26:41 'Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. '

[@lastking804]

This story really did it for me i went years in my life not even knowing my gf at the time was able to tell me i have adhd i never knew im 37 now just looking to understand it but this story makes so much sense now its more of being honest with myself and having a balance and now right where im at now i believe i found my peace me and my lady friend is communicating alot more getting to understand eachother and now its been the best feeling between so where we have a better understanding eachother

[@ANNEMARGARET0319]

Ange’s story is why I went directly to a psychiatrist for my suspected ADHD, and not my PCP… I only did as far as a referral and then I didn’t even go for the testing because you have to wait a long time for that and for medication so I just went straight to a psychiatrist… my job is in jeopardy, so I did not have the luxury of time by the time I figured out that I might have it… Which I do have it… I found out last year at the age of 56

[@holly7869]

You left out forgetting to brush my teeth

[@TheEnterthedreaming]

Or remembering, then forgetting, then remembering but will get to it in 15 minutes, then forgetting again, then remembering but not near the bathroom thus forgetting again, then remembering in bed but not enough energy to get out of bed, I'll just do it in the morning. Five years later I have to have two fillings.

[@PVVI2015]

Thank you😊 More Insights! I especially related to the relationship issues - immersing into someone else’s life! Yikes! That explained a few of my most challenging relationships! And, I had not heard of the ADHD Iceberg so I checked that out. And, recently I had just explored my need to be alone at times. I didn’t make the connection between that and my ADHD - my Aha moment was only a few months ago so I’m still sorting myself out! I realize I need alone time not only to “settle and regroup”, but more so I need it because it’s exhausting being with people. I sure related to your shared experiences on that. Very validating🤗

[@MichaelMI88-88]

It can definitely be exhausting for ADHDers to be around others. That is a huge reason why we like to be alone.

[@anyamck2954]

Thank you 🙏, only this year I fully understand myself and I'm 48. After listening to you, I am realise I'm a bit chameleon too and can be very intense in a relationship so I am hyper fixated too...... And I love a tornado moment too. This makes so much sense. I am so relieved thank you so much. xx

[@adrianopper9472]

Relatable and much needed conversation ❤

[@ChirdXtreme]

I've had these relationship issues in the past and it makes me constantly on edge that I'm making the same mistakes again, whether or not I actually am.

[@kbl437]

My aha moment came at 40! 😅 I never felt so seen. Everything just clicked on why I am the way I am. A little embarrassed it took this long for me to realize it.

[@thebecbark]

Great podcast. Like I was telling my own story. I definitely need to go get diagnosed.

[@TheGrace020]

Appreciate all these stories keep it up! :)

[@UnderstoodOrg]

We're so glad to hear you like them!💙

[@IshtarNike]

Sadly, being people pleasing and hyperfixated on romantic partners makes you really easy prey for abusive or toxic people as well. As bad as you might be with ADHD, there's definitely worse out there.

[@jenfizz4312]

Oh my god