What is time blindness in ADHD?

Time blindness in ADHD means an inability to accurately perceive the passage of time, where minutes can feel like much longer periods, and the future is difficult to conceptualize.

How did ADHD affect Zeenia's career?

ADHD significantly impacted Zeenia's journalism career, leading to difficulties in newsroom environments and job losses due to struggles with task management and focus.

What financial costs are associated with ADHD?

ADHD can lead to substantial financial costs, including an estimated £10,000 lost by one individual due to impulse shopping, fines, and replacing lost items.

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

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

5 Feb

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Summary

Zeenia lost £10,000 due to ADHD-related impulse spending and fines.
Time blindness causes significant challenges in professional life.
Diagnosis at 25 brought validation after years of struggle.

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.