What it's like to live with adult ADHD | Britain and Me

[@rebeccamoorebehaviour]

I am newly diagnosed and I have contemplated suicide multiple times in my life because, as I understand it now, I feel that I cannot live up to normal people’s standards. This condition can kill and it is particularly underdiagnosed in women. I am in my forties and I have gone through this with no understanding of why I felt different and why people looked down on me for four decades. I now find that I cannot afford medication because I had to go through private to get anything done. I feel let down and I feel like I have no real future with this condition. I am a loser in the eyes of a society built for people who are neurologically and fundamentally different to me and that feedback over four decades is nigh on impossible to ignore

[@TheDandonian]

The powerless feeling is unbearable... BUT I say this as a tech expert who's still on the titration waiting list, 6 years after first raising it with my doctor. THERE IS A LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL. The advancements in AI are happening much faster than anyone could have predicted.

[@RanbuNoMelody]

ADHD isn't real.

[@Daz19]

Wow I'm surprised how accurate this was. I have autism and severe ADHD. While I’d never want to cure my autism, I want to be rid of my ADHD. My mind is always racing, leaving me feeling agitated, restless, and constantly underestimated. Living with this has ruined my health, and I can't tolerate the medications that might help. The only solution I can see working is living off-grid, surviving in nature as part of a community, but that’s not accessible to me. I don’t think ADHD is inherently harmful; I just believe it's incompatible with modern, industrial society.

[@RachelLondon]

The last paragraph is spot on!

[@icebridge3940]

Agreed

[@CinderVine]

Totally right about not wanting to get rid of autism. Autism is part of who I am, adhd is an affliction I suffer with

[@williamheafield2292]

I understand that some people don’t believe in ADHD, attributing it to a lack of personal responsibility, poor lifestyle choices, or societal influences. While their intentions might come from wanting the best for others, I think it's important for them to seek understanding rather than judgment. ADHD is a complex condition, and dismissing it without considering personal stories and experiences only fuels misunderstanding. In my own case, I’ve taken care of my health by maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly. After losing my dad to cancer at 15, I had to develop emotional maturity much earlier than others. Despite all this, I’ve still struggled with self-regulation, which aligns with ADHD symptoms and is why I eventually received a diagnosis. This isn't a matter of poor choices or immaturity-there’s a neurological difference in how my brain functions. I’m also actively working on self-regulation through practices like yoga, breathwork, and meditation. These methods help, but it’s not as simple as many might assume. Complex conditions like ADHD require a multi-faceted approach, and I believe in combining personal development with medication where needed to meet it halfway. Ultimately, the conversation about ADHD should be approached with empathy. It’s crucial to consider that our experiences differ, and those who are quick to dismiss ADHD might be missing the full picture. Instead of jumping to conclusions, a more compassionate and understanding dialogue would benefit everyone.

[@claireefrench]

Recently diagnosed at the age of 34. Has been liberating to find out why I find some things more difficult than others. Also sad to think how much easier life would have been with a childhood diagnosis and support through school. Understanding the brain fog, lack of enthusiasm for certain things, emotional disregulation, impulsive behaviour are all benefits of getting the diagnosis so I am very glad I managed to get it. The NHS needs to follow the science and help people to understand what ADHD is - as for women it doesn't tend to be hyperactivity.

[@KingdomofKinship]

The same people who keep denying the existence of ADHD will be the ones who shame people who have addictions (gambling,drinking,drugs,crime,sex), can't keep themselves in work,, mentally unstable, don't contribute to society etc. What yoiu have to understand is ADHD is under diagnosed - the people seeking out remedies/diagnoses/understanding of this life-affecting health condition are the ones who are working awfully hard to maintain a semblance of control over their lives and self improve. It would be way easier to fall victim to depression or compulsive behaviours. So this wave of people getting finally getting diagnoses of ADHD in our generation shouldn't be met with scepticism, they've likely exhausted all other possible routes and lived lives of serial disappointments and perceived self-sabotage.

[@apollocreed5391]

Adhd is a scam.

[@gertrudert]

This is all so true 💔

[@LetsGeTDeep]

All those workshy, lazy, crazy uncles and friends we had growing up just needed help and it's heartbreaking

[@leo_crossing]

i've just been diagnosed at 27. i haven't started treatment yet, but after doing as much research as i can, it's already changed my life.

[@therealist2000]

I'm happy that I'm seeing ADHD being discussed everywhere, I just hope people don't dismiss it because it's being talked about A LOT now. I have ADHD-C and I suspect I have level 1 Autism; I'm just now learning how to cope with it all now and I'm grateful for the huge amount of resources that are available to us to help us live with the disorder.

[@rowshambow]

Her comment "it adds so much diversity to thought". I felt this deeply. This is one of the reasons im super skeptical about taking medication for it. I don't want to lose that diversity

[@nickyjlyons]

Up until about a year ago, I’d never in a million years have thought I had ADHD. I thought I was lazy, unmotivated, lacking in discipline and afraid of failure. I also would have been one of those people who said “everyone seems to have it these days”. 5 months ago I got a diagnosis and every struggle in my adult life was written off in an instance. I still struggle each day with various things but I’m much less tough on myself and find ways to work around these struggles. Sadly there are a couple of people close to me who don’t believe in it.

[@DBSE2008]

What helped? The medication?

[@nickyjlyons]

@@DBSE2008 I've not tried medication yet. But having an answer, the validation and a better understanding of how and why I think and behave the way I do has improved my mental health and well-being 10 fold

[@taihaole4900]

I couldn't agree more. Having a word for it and a 'list' of symptoms has given me some grip on the problem, whereas before I would just stumble around in the dark

[@dawnmelrose9971]

​@@DBSE2008 i started medication 2 years ago am age 46 and yes the medication has helped me lots

[@jarrydadams9218]

I was diagnosed at 9, all of this is making sense and I live through it daily. Life is chaotic I change jobs regularly and I never had a calm life

[@SymthArt]

I remember taking ADHD medication for the first time, the way I saw the change that could be possible, my life had been so down and it really was a life not worth living. It has been a year since I've been taking it and with my art I have been able to strive towards a life in art, it has been life changing. I don't know where I would be without the medication but I can 100% say I would not be where I am today.

[@Drunk3nMonk3y72]

I was diagnosed 6 years ago at the age of 46. Since then I have tried all the ADHD meds, unfortunately for me, I can’t tolerate the side effects so Ive had to come off them. The worst part of my ADHD is the emotional dysregulation, and the comorbid sleep disorder I have with it. It was easier for me when I was younger, now it's just a nightmare. I have very broken sleep and am constantly fatigued through the day with brain fog. Ive lost so many jobs to it, I really wish I never had it. I hate it

[@geml6540]

Sorry to hear about your struggles 😢 I also have ADHD and struggle massively with sleep, but I recently cut out caffeine and started drinking decaf and it's changed my life. It's really worth a try

[@govang5191]

Dr Berg , mushrooms, Reshi, Loins main

[@peacefulpath222]

Magnesium & meditation before bed might help, also organic cacao

[@apollocreed5391]

Adhd is a Scaaaaaam

[@NoName-tx7zv]

Lil joint in da morning maybe one at night get the good stuff

[@MartinParnham]

In case anyone thinks that a multiple-year waiting list isn’t a thing, I am currently waiting for an assessment and was told that, in this area, the waiting list is five years.

[@carlhudz]

It is a very long time.. I have just been told 3 years wait from my doctor in the north east of England

[@awakekiwi]

That's insane. I know I have ADHD but I don't need a doctor to tell me I have it. So I have to self medicate and arrange my life to suit. Keep everything as simple as possible or I fall over and can't cope. I've slowly improved every year I'd say since I had all my old dental amalgams removed but I know I'll never be "normal". I'm certain that certain substances like mercury make the symptoms much worse. That's why I had my fillings removed. It's made it possible to function whereas before then I was getting worse every year I'm now slowly improving in mental clarity and attention.

[@ryanhowe7912]

Go down the Right to Choose route

[@mikeskybrowser]

It's definitely a thing. I've been told one to three years.

[@sapenpen9362]

I am so grateful I am on the right path. ADHD is awesome! I now know what a gift it is. I love that I see outside of the box.

[@The_Voice_of_Reason_is_here]

2 years now and still on the waiting list to be diagnosed.

[@oingpla]

18 months for me, cant afford to go private.

[@crispycat7412]

3years since approaching GP and still waiting for an NHS diagnosis or even meeting with any form off specialist in south london

[@CynicalOldDwarf]

I asked my GP for an autism and ADHD assessment, they didn't think I was 'twitchy' enough for ADHD but they did put me on the GP's list to get on the main waiting list for ASD. That was six years ago...

[@laurahill6321]

What they massively missed out in this documentary is the fact that they only studied ADHD in boys and not girls and girls symptoms are completely different to boys and they only recently found this out hence a massive increase in late life diagnosis for women! This should have been mentioned!.

[@M2Mil7er]

Symptoms are broadly the same. It's the presentation that _can_ differ due to masking. I'm male (51) but missed diagnosis because of this gendered view of it.

[@fmj_556]

I was diagnosed late in life and looking back at my life it all makes sense.

[@paulvickers7997]

I’m 48. My parents were told I had something like this back in the very early 80’s but they didn’t want to do anything about it because of the stigma surrounding mental health, and so I went my whole life having no idea. Life has been hard, I mean really hard mentally and just trying to live in this society. I’m intelligent, full of love, creative.. but this would has battered me down.. I’m short tempered, always stressed about everything. I went to every psychiatrist I could but they had no answers for me apart from antidepressants… I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t thought of ending it every day of my life, I’ve been hanging in for most of my life. I love the creative thinking but everyone around me rejects my thoughts and basically who I am. I annoy everyone around me, so I have lived like a hermit since I was 16. I have no friends, not one. I have a wonderful partner but I feel completely unfulfilled. My potential has been wasted. I feel like there is no place to go and my life is basically over. This condition is just awful.

[@ryanhowe7912]

It’s a shame that getting medication is extremely difficult. I’ve been diagnosed for months now but it’s basically a sheet of paper - had no support or anything since the diagnosis

[@thinkingloud1988]

Doctors blame it on depression and anxiety

[@SprocketsTV]

It’s funny to me to see loads of really long comments from adults that have been diagnosed,, I also am ADHD, I’ve not finished any of the long comments!! Just skim read then skip to the end! 😂

[@CLOCKCHASER2222]

Haha this is really funny, now I’m going to explain why it’s funny and that will lead off to several side topics leading to other topics and so on and back and forth and oh wait I’m meant to be talking about why it’s funny that everyone has done long comments and it seems that mine is heading that way so off I go!

[@AshaLinklater]

This is me too I’m currently in the process of being diagnosed

[@badabing8884]

TBH I don’t really know any different. I struggle with processing a lot of information and planning how long a task will take especially when a piece of work will cost a client. Complex exams therefore take me longer - not the normal time limits. And ADHD is a spectrum - broadly there’s inattentiveness, hyperactive and combined. The clinical diagnosis is just the start and medication is not always effective and is costly and has side effects. Plus in short supply.

[@tudormiller887]

I was diagnosed with ADHD Combined 2 years ago. As an adult, I felt so relieved after going through my childhood, teens, 20s and 30s living with an undiagnosed disability. ADHD Combined is only one of three types of ADHD. The other two are Inattentive ADHD and hyperactivity ADHD.

[@drew2pac]

I have a bit of a left-field idea. Rather than say that ADHD is something that needs correcting, why not harness it? I did my research on entrepreneurship for my Masters, and ADHD is a really good predictor. Many creatives have ADHD. I work as a business consultant (I have ADHD), and I can't deny it is tough. Thankfully I have been able to lean into more creative work. But, in other areas I truly excel (I design and make furniture). The problem is that we try to fit square pegs into round holes, throughout education, employment etc. It is not good, we lose a big part of what makes humanity great.

[@Melanie____]

Absolutely

[@mikeskybrowser]

I have heard that medication can help with concentration but at the same time it can hinder creativity.

[@drew2pac]

@@mikeskybrowser Yeah 100%, I know people have been described as being a 'shell' after going on medication. Damn shame

[@ocher8931]

I think for a lot of people it’s having to fit into the grind to survive that makes it so difficult. I was diagnosed in 2022 and it’s hard just to maintain work to keep ticking over. I manage just about but I feel dead inside and I don’t have the means to do the things that may help improve things right now.

[@theham1000]

It is so very very lonely, scary, and isolating, being in a world that is full of other souls that believe they are entitlted to prevent other souls (especially with ADHD) from expereincing a decent way of living. To get any real help in the UK for any form of mental health (or learning difficulty) especiall in Teesside is almost impossible.

[@JoshuaWalsh-s3n]

I know from my experience there was a massive benifit that was unlocked when my college changed the way I worked. Originally I was writing and would miss things out even though my knowledge was a lot more in depth than my written work. They changed me to use and recording devices where it was easier for me to make links in my brain I'm vocalise them. My grades went from average to top consistently.

[@Sdween]

I received a referral for ADHD & autism when struggling during my Uni studies in Pedagogy based in Neuroscience. 5 years later I am still waiting for the assessment in the South-East. Some areas of the U.K have a waitlist of 2000 years.

[@janeevans6454]

What about the late diagnosis for women, it can be detrimental for some adults I feel like my life has been robbed at times 😢🙏

[@jbred00]

ADHD Adult diagnosis is an answer to all the horror

[@JammyFS]

Hmm interesting documentary, recently on a waiting list but I've also been diagnosed with CPTSD. Which has very almost the same symptoms of Adhd. If anyone struggles try look at CPTSD as a means for another way of thinking about yourself that could alleviate the feelings of intensity

[@stickleback73]

We paid for our son to go to the same private form the NHS has subcontracted to. He got ab ADHD diagnosis and the NHS has refused to recognise it!! He had had to join the waiting list, 5-10 years. Madness we paid to take pressure off the system and help our sone manage at uni He's had to drop out because he couldn't manage. As parents we tried so hard to help him through education now he's struggling as an independent adult. I feel like somehow we failed him

[@bea1365]

A friends son was diagnosed with ADHD. They found a Functional Medicine Doctor and he put him on a completely clean diet, no pre packaged, processed food and amazingly his ADHD disappeared. When his parents started looking at the ingredients in the so called food substances they sell in supermarkets it was horrifying how bad some of the ingredients were. Food has a massive impact on behaviour. The gut has neurons, they call it the second brain, but Scientists believe it could be the primary brain.

[@fatwalletboy2]

So i spend a lot of time on the phone. Some calls can be long where people are explaining something not necessarily mega complex but my mind cant take in whats being said on these longer calls and starts to become just a blurry noise....im then thinking about trying to concentrate and after the call I can bearly remember the key points....its debilitating at times....is this ADHD?

[@benjaminlamptey1867]

Some contact to get access for treatment would've been helpful, not all of us are depressed ot suicidal but that doesn't mean we don't want to improve our lives...

[@FortValance]

The easier the task the more difficult i find it.... the harder the task the easier i find it but most of the time i overthink everything and end up doing nothing

[@chrislieben901]

This is bang on

[@user-un3ce4bv7q]

if i could snap and no longer struggle, exhaustion from trying to keep up, in less than a heartbeat i would. im so tired

[@ryanredmond5559]

I have adhd and now in in the army i think ive put mine to good use

[@ollybell]

I'm going to illegally download this video so I can watch it without adverts which are very bad for my ADHD. I suffer from idiots and the chaos they bring.

[@rnapol3266]

I disagree with the whole “it’s part of me, I love myself as I am, I wouldn’t change a thing” …. Come on😊

[@VirtualAirshow]

Was diagnosed in 1995

[@thinkingloud1988]

At 36, looking for a breakthrough in my life..

[@AdrianPerez-ye8cx]

I was diagnosed at age 8 now I'm 27

[@thequackashow619]

To sum up this Video as an autistic: it sucks

[@ultimatefightingshorts]

I relate to the opening line, except I was never a little girl.

[@pairedsoles2822]

Does ADHD only effect people in 1st world populations or is it spread evenly throughout the world. Illness like balimea and anarexicea do exsist in the 3rd world but are considered real illness in the west.

[@The_Original_Yanis]

8 minutes in and i still dont know what its like to live with ADHD....

[@joehiker8114]

Would I get it cured.... in a heart beat.

[@ramsey633]

Every one says they have ADHD

[@captainvimes365]

did anyone else get frustrated with the soundtrack?

[@mrvera1970]

Thank god for speed 👍 I love it really helps me

[@THATBOISHAD]

I fully appreciate the optimism the two ladies have about ADHD. The issue is that it is not natural. Having your brain compete with itself all the time is not the way God created us to be initially. People may disagree with this but it's true. The original sin had consequences for us all and we all are living a diminished life because of it. ADHD is not different from cancer and any other illness. The Holy Scriptures gives us hope that when God's time comes, all of these things will be a thing of the past. Rev. 21:3,4.

[@CT-pv9gu]

We’ve all got this now haha!

[@mariannehavisham8323]

I mean borderline personality disorder is also a pretty terrible name..

[@Todischo]

True. I often have people express how these names make them feel. Emotional unstable personality disorder is another.

[@hifi8844]

How about ASD too that should be mentioned on this too.

[@apollocreed5391]

No but that is a scam too.

[@benjaminlamptey1867]

Yeah, that's a related condition

[@daviddasilva8383]

Plenty documentaries about it. This one is about ADHD

[@evelynchen8372]

​@apollocreed5391 why is this a scam

[@Fishingadventureuk]

Im adhd

[@mariusd7803]

Can’t even follow the bloody video. I’m straight to the comments! 😂

[@AdamGordon1]

3-4% of adults have ADHD. Honestly, this sounds low to me.

[@billyhawkins9273]

I agree! It's 10% in America apparently. One thing I did think of was 3%-4% of the UK is diagnosed. Surely it's 5% or more!

[@AdamGordon1]

@@billyhawkins9273 I'm certain it's 10% of the people I know, at least.

[@thinkingloud1988]

I think it is increasing rapidly due to over stimulation

[@AdamGordon1]

@thinkingloud1988 stimulation doesn't cause ADHD. It can however exacerbate the symptoms.

[@vélociti-001]

It's the 21st of October 2024 and there is ZERO availability of any of the medication in tablet form at all in the entire UK according to pharmacists. There's some availability for the capsules which aren't quite as good. To be switched over a psychiatrist must oversee and authorise the process. How long are even those already diagnosed waiting on the nhs? The medication usually is sourced from the EU. Brexit and a dearth of NHS psychiatrists are ruining people's lives. Welcome to the advanced society of the 5th biggest economy in world😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@cx_n1]

Lockdown ppl were in a home prison that doesn’t mean adhd it means that is not how humans should exit.

[@fixapp1775]

I dont want my ADHD, can someone take it please? its not nice to be able to be good at something only when u take meds. So meth in my case.

[@MarieCole-d1x]

96

[@Glynnster]

I have ADHD 8 mins is too much 😂

[@westhamaremassive8099]

Why u saying cure autism adhd. It’s just a different way of thinking I have both of these yet I have abilities that the average person doesn’t have but I just struggle in certain senarios. Adhd actually makes me more driven because I get addicted to things and I have a motivation to go hard or not at all

[@oingpla]

ACHD. ✌🏼🌍

[@weAreNotAloneHere]

It’s the food, it’s the injections . Thank me in 2 decades

[@techtinkerin]

Yaaaaay more drugs

[@liamh5127]

Get yourself a nice internet diagnosis! 😂

[@mariannehavisham8323]

No such thing

[@UltraPerception]

Yeah I dont want the drugs u can take the drugs instead :)

[@Hacienda_27]

Depends what drugs

[@CT-pv9gu]

Caffeine has a lot to do with this, and too much TikTok

[@------YeahOK------]

I got bored of this video 😂

[@johngower2208]

all medicine is in nature. every personal problem can be solved by asking questions, being honest with oneself, willpower and discipline. personal responsibility. but they want a nation of pill poppers. drug addicts. victims. customers

[@daniel542]

Medical grade speed for everyone! 😂

[@TheGunmanChannel]

Look at the carnivore diet sheeple

[@tomknowles7811]

ADHD is often over-diagnosed, with many of its so-called symptoms falling within the natural spectrum of childhood behaviour. I would contend that when these traits persist into adulthood, they often reflect a lack of emotional maturity and underdeveloped self-regulation. This issue is further compounded by a society that fosters dependency through a "nanny state" mentality, where individuals lean heavily on external support systems rather than cultivating introspection and personal accountability.

[@Mic1904]

^ None of this is based in reality, and ADHD is widely believed to be massively under-diagnosed.

[@zeromisery]

That's a lot of words just to say "I don't know what I'm talking about"

[@tomknowles7811]

@@zeromisery Respectfully, as a healthcare professional involved in ADHD diagnosis, my perspective is informed by clinical experience and data. My point was to emphasise that there is a genuine concern around misdiagnosis and the tendency to attribute normal variations in behaviour to ADHD, especially in certain populations. I recognise this topic can be divisive, but it’s important to have a discussion grounded in facts and research, rather than dismissing differing viewpoints outright

[@zeromisery]

@@tomknowles7811 @tomknowles7811 Hey fair point. I get defensive about it after my own experiences of being told it's not real or "everybody gets 'x' symptom sometimes" and the resistance from my GP when I asked for help. Especially given how life changing it was being medicated.

[@samsalter9480]

Completely agree, also a lot of the symptoms of ADHD are linked to fatherlessness. Even if one's father is present he can still be neglectful/not understand his role and I see this frequently.

[@savannahglebe5165]

What a load of BS!!

[@enigmaticbeing7796]

May GOD gift u this graceful bs

[@HihihiHello-b4m]

5:24 People with adhd, and people with disabilities shouldn't breed. It is cruel.

[@M2Mil7er]

Eugenics fan.

[@stevena644]

Bullshit - we were having too much fun , socializing etc until the last 10 years to think about this garage. No work or a soul destroying Job etc can bring on “ADHD”.😬

[@therealist2000]

terrible take.

[@MubashirHussain-rx9iv]

🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸

[@jagenv]

Is there a vaccine for this?