getting diagnosed w. ADHD at 33 - my mental health video diary

Here is my ADHD journey where I finally got diagnosed with adult ADHD at 33… as a Mom. This is a video diary of my entire experience… from the initial call, screening call after screening call to finally getting diagnosed and medicated.
Hope this brings some comfort if you too are trying to find an answer as to why doing simple tasks in your daily life seems a tad harder than others.
Resources that helped me:
Adhd in Women - • ADHD in Women
Amazing Ted talk - • ADHD in Girls and Wome...
Podcasts -
The ADHD adults podcast - open.spotify.com/episode/0IfM...
ADHD as females - open.spotify.com/episode/7Jjy...
Don't forget to watch in HD for better quality, yo!
SUBSCRIBE HERE!
bit.ly/2jImzbS
FAV BRAND DISCOUNTS
Shop my list at Amazon - www.amazon.com/shop/hellajam
NEED MORE JAM TIME?
Home Decor Thrift Haul - • HOME DECOR THRIFT HAUL...
Plant Tour - • MY HOUSE PLANT COLLECT...
MUSIC
Epidemic Sound
sleepy + hungry - baegel
round on me - justnormal
CAMERA GOODIES!
Canon GX7 Mark II - amzn.to/2q0xDTu
Lumix GH4 - amzn.to/2rjiEsi
Diva Ring Light - amzn.to/2pY1DQo
LET’S BE FRIENDZ!
Instagram: / thehellajam
Facebook: / thehellajam
About me:
HIYA! I’m a Filipina American born and raised in the Bay, mama of two that’s always down to disco.
I love storytelling through video and connecting with people on a deeper level. I just want everyone to feel seen and heard and lil less alone.
I’ve found power in embracing my imperfections (one day at a time) and hope by sharing my flaws, maybe you can embrace yours too!
I really do love Mother Earth. I hope by sharing my love for the world, leading an imperfect sustainable life, I can inspire others to think about making small changes in their lives to better the environment too.

[@thosetwinthings]

I've been wearing different socks everyday for the past 10 years. So much easier washing them and putting them away, no stress to find a pair, I just dump them in my drawer. I'm not diagnosed with ADHD but a lot of my friends around me are and now I'm thinking about going through that journey more and more. Thank you for sharing!

[@theHellaJam]

I never match my socks too hahahahah

[@lburgess2660]

Sock hack: buy all of the same sock/color. I only buy black crew socks. They all match from afar, haha

[@thuyrannosaurus]

Jaime!! First off. Congratulations!!🎉🎉🎉 Finding answers to a life long question is truly a moment to be celebrated! I am 35 and also have asian parents who i know would likely react the same if i told them the news of a diagnosis. Truly, i think I have made peace with the fact that their generation never got the "healing era" phase and never been exposed to the journey so i try not to hold it against them that they arent able to provide me with the comfort but i am grateful for my spouse who fills in those shoes and im happy stephano does that for you. Your family is so beautiful. I missed you. I use to binge watch you alll the time and then I left a lot of my awesome KZbinrs because the overconsumption was diminishing my own life and productivity. But man, life happens as it should and i found your videos again and more importantly, THIS VIDEO. You have no idea how many times i nodded my head throughout this entire video. THE SOCKS! BANE OF MY EXISTENCE,. I have a drawer filled of socks and a trash bag and absolutely wake up frustrated cause we dont have any. 😅 I am on the same journey and have tried different meds but have yet to find the peace you speak of..but I know it will come. I am so happy for you! Im also a toddler mom to 3 year old and i truly know im putting my mental health first not only for myself for once but for my toddler and husband. Our family. Because they also deserve a healed version of me too. And im so proud of you. Healing. Finding peace. Being the best version of yourself. I have been putting off going through the steps, knowing i need them but GIRL this video ... yes. I will take the steps. Also you looked amazing in your Instacart ad and Stephano does too! I love to come back to HellaJam after YEARS of hiatus to see this glow. So happy for you girl. Soooo happy ❤ im texting this on my phone at 530am and decided to just treat this comment like i am texting an old friend. ❤sending you sooo many positive vibes and love. 😊

[@lisa4498]

Thank you for this! ❤ This is all too familiar for me. I was finally diagnosed at 52. It is going to get better, I promise!

[@theHellaJam]

Thank you love! I’m feeling so so so much better!

[@julieratter4942]

I need to see my doctor about this, I've been wondering for quite some time that I may have ADHD, thank you for sharing xx

[@theHellaJam]

So happy to be that gentle nudge for you to take care of yourself. I believe in you!

[@paoladiego3725]

I was also diagnosed exactly a year a go with ADHD at 30 years old and it was aye opening. I algo got diagnose with depression and Anxiety. and that one took some time but Im finally making peace with both diagnoses and it help me stop masking my symptoms. And that help with my depression a looooot. Medication really help me. Specially my ADHD medication.

[@theHellaJam]

Wow thanks for sharing. So so so happy you’re feeling better in your own skin rn. Mfn growth yeee

[@Shawtynameisdestani]

I feel you 1000000% girl! I want to get myself diagnosed too because I feel so misunderstood when it comes to my relationship because he just doesn’t get it. & I struggle daily with my mental health in terms of depression, motherhood adhd etc and I want to understand myself better. Thank you for sharing ❤️ You always always inspire me. Are you a libra? I feel like you aren’t lol but we are similar in ways that makes me feel so

[@theHellaJam]

Sending you big hugs boo. If you can, push for yourself to get the care you need. You deserve it. Thanks for the sweet words love. 🥹 And I’m a Pisces! Lil fishy sensy baby lol

[@mxyx0404]

yes THIS!! I have been struggling with my childhood doctor for over 5 years with my mental health, I have been to therapy for anxiety and then I'd come back with it not working, then I got diagnosed with depression and went to therapy and was given meds for that but none of it felt like it was right for me and now finally I tried a new doctor who said it sounds like female adult ADHD and I am on the waitlist for a psychiatrist and I just feel like it's a weight lifted off me that finally my struggle has a reason.

[@theHellaJam]

that's how I felt!!!!!!!!!!! sending you big hugs!

[@nicoeeek.7181]

Such a brilliant video, super helpful, thank you!!

[@theHellaJam]

so happy this resonated with you!

[@froggylegs79]

I did not like this video… I love it. I teared up at the last 30 seconds seeing you feel so free. It reminds me of my struggles. I am so sure I have it too but never have seeked diagnosis. I feel it getting worse at 43yrs. old. I’m happy for you as a woman & mother that you can validate your frustrations and anxiety. Keep living yourself & your family & taking things moment by moment.

[@kimt.3760]

So happy for you, must be so relieving ! ❤

[@theHellaJam]

It really is! thanks for the kind words!

[@holistichealingyoga]

Wow this was so affirming! I am not diagnosed with ADHD formally but I do know I have PMDD which is commonly co-morbid with ADHD so thank you for using your platform for such informative content! 🥰🥰

[@theHellaJam]

Omg similar experiences and feels. So happy you’re feeling seen through this video. It shows that as scary as it is to post this type of video, it’s worth it. Thank you 🙏

[@n.p731]

I had no idea pmdd is something that also occurs with adhd... I have pmdd and it ruins my life

[@holistichealingyoga]

@@n.p731 Yes the comorbidity is huge!! I also just started meds for the PMDD and it has changed my life taking progesterone and folate have helped tremendously with mood swing and the anger honestly!

[@nicoeeek.7181]

Really interesting, thank you! @@holistichealingyoga

[@mustbe_lori]

This video hits so different, especially coming from such a genuine place. I am now at the point of just even realising that ADHD might be why my brain has never worked like for the rest. I have not been diagnosed, but as you say deep inside I know (after connecting the dots now at 31). Everything you say is resonating and makes me feel so much better, so thanks a million for your honesty and sharing your experience. You tha best girlfriend!

[@mustbe_lori]

Also, literally my parents and friends from childhood being the ones "opposed" to me having it and mocking me about it when I shared it with them..... I feel you. I personally told them that their reaction sucked and that it was very sad and that unlike my partner and my true friends in Amsterdam, they couldn't be happy for me (identifying it). Then they kind of -KIND OF- stopped trying to prove me wrong. It's a step. Much love ♥

[@jellypopfm]

as someone who is also filipino that bit where you talked about telling your parents about your diagnosis.. i cried so so much. my parents are the exact same and knowing they wouldve reacted that way if i ever had to tell them, and my hubby is also my rock who has given me the love i needed growing up. i'm 32 and have been wanting to get officially diagnosed for adhd for so long. you give me hope and comfort putting this out there. one day when i can afford it i will. i also have kaiser and i already know its gonna be an obstacle to get one at all 😭 so thank you for being vulnerable 💖 happy youre on a good path with a clearer mind 🥹🫶🏻

[@theHellaJam]

Yo I almost edited that part out bc I felt it was too personal. Like I would put shame on the family for sharing… but this comment shows that this is my experience and other Filipinas may feel the same way. Thank you thank you thank you. Sending you so much love and strength!

[@abbyswaringam3386]

Would love to keep hearing more. Im trying to get diagnosed as well and also questioning my other diagnoses and the relation of depression in it all.

[@tracyeast3397]

My adult daughter was recently diagnosed with ADHD @ 37. She then came to me and said "Mom, I think you have it too" so doing some research I check off most of the boxes. I haven't been to the Doctor yet, I am 66 lol

[@sylviarippey6488]

My 22 year old son suffers from depression. We've tried every anti depressants and none of them worked due to various reasons. We started TMS treatments yesterday. It's a 7 week program. It's like an MRI but for the brain. No medication and no side affects. Maybe look into it. It "resets" the brain. I'll see how it goes with him. 🙏 ❤

[@freefraction]

[@judithkstephens8564]

I’m 75 yo and I have self diagnosed myself as ADHD. It happens as you are aging.

[@beachgirl9823]

That’s the diagnosis you wanted - 1 person says you have it (all others say you don’t) and now you’re doubting it 😂

[@simoling]

ADHD is your super power. You're not a victim.

[@theHellaJam]

A mfn mennnnnn thank youuy

[@csmtcqueen]

And just like depression, ADHD shows up differently in Women of color as well. This is extremely helpful in sharing your vulnerability with others.

[@theHellaJam]

I didn’t know it shows differently in WOC! Thank you!!!!!! And thanks for your kind words love

[@csmtcqueen]

@@theHellaJam It does because many minority communities (I am African American female), many times we are assumed to be "emotionially strong" or mental health is seen as indulgent. Therefore, we try to press ahead as we are falling apart internally. So depression, ADHD, etc. presents differently with those dynamics. And healthcare personnel, are not educated on how to assess us when we are in the medical system. That could have been a factor in why you were undiagnosed for so long.

[@theHellaJam]

@@csmtcqueen mind blown. Yes yes yes

[@jnmrz72]

I went thru the same experience at the same age. Anxiety check, depression check, ADD check. I used Aderol for 3 months when first diagnosed and it helped but never went back on it again. My nephew was on vivance from age 9 to 20 but it kind of made him a zombie.

[@theHellaJam]

Oh no… ya I’m taking my medication day by day. Reflection is so important. I tried a higher dose the other day and it made me irritable so the lowest dose for me is best. Thanks so much for sharing love

[@taya2420]

I’m a psych nurse and I have had a patient turn full blown psychotic from mixing vyvanse, cannabis & mushrooms at home , They got super sick and had to be admitted inpatient with us for 6 months. Please be careful ❤

[@theHellaJam]

Thank you!!!!!! I’m not doing them together ❤️👌 I mentioned in the video that since starting vyvanse I haven’t needed to micro dose bc my head space is so much better :) appreciate your knowledge and sharing! Xx

[@user-sv7ut3gy8f]

🙌 so happy to hear you finally have a diagnosis and can move forward with better insight and understanding of your mental health 💜 and duuude socks!! I fucking cannnt with socks. I throw them all into one pile and I have my sock bag next to me. I put all the unmatched socks in the sock bag and that bitch is currently loaded 😂

[@theHellaJam]

Hahahahahhahaahhahaha A BASKET FULL OF SOCKS IS MY BRAND