ADHD's Hidden Cost: £10k Lost, Careers Derailled

A 25-year-old woman finally received an ADHD diagnosis, bringing clarity to lifelong struggles with time blindness and impulsivity. This validation came after years of significant challenges, including an estimated £10,000 lost to impulse purchases, fines, and lost items. Her condition severely impacted her professional life, leading to job losses and a sense of constant struggle.

The diagnosis explained why simple tasks felt like an uphill battle. Time blindness meant minutes felt like hours, and the concept of 'not now' was incomprehensible. This neurological condition led to significant financial costs and strained personal relationships.

Early signs of ADHD, like restlessness, were present from childhood but unaddressed due to a lack of awareness in the early 2000s. Dismissed by school and mental health services, she internalized feelings of inadequacy. Her journey through depression and anxiety was a consequence of living with untreated ADHD.

Her journalism career suffered due to difficulties keeping up with newsroom demands. Repeatedly losing jobs without clear explanations fueled self-doubt. Friends' comments often reflected a misunderstanding of her neurodivergence, comparing her struggles to neurotypical colleagues.

Seeking a diagnosis involved long waiting lists across different health boards. Eventually, in London, her severe symptoms led to a comparatively quick assessment. Though medication helps, ongoing support remains limited, with referrals sometimes rejected if not deemed 'at risk enough.'

Managing ADHD now involves relying on alarms, lists, and external structures rather than willpower. Strict financial controls, like avoiding credit cards, are employed. While hyperfocus and boundless energy are potential positives, the primary challenge remains functioning within systems not designed for neurodivergent brains.