How My ADHD Diagnosis Changed My Life - Shareefa J

She describes school as a place where her behavior was repeatedly labeled as “wrong,” leading her to mask her hyperactivity and become highly apologetic and people-pleasing as an adult, which she links to depression and anxiety.

She says teachers flagged the possibility in school reports and to her mother, but because she grew up in the ’90s, it “wasn’t a thing for young girls,” so she was framed as “naughty” instead of supported.

She says the tipping point was getting negative feedback at major modeling jobs for not being able to “stand still” and follow simple sequences, which triggered depression and a shame spiral; her doctor sister then suggested ADHD, leading to a referral and diagnosis.

She describes medication as creating relief and a sense of being able to follow her train of thought, feel centered, remember things, and manage stress, but also says she was largely given medication without enough explanation, therapy, or symptom-management support.

She says she’s still grieving the “life that could have been,” wishing someone had helped earlier—especially with school difficulties and basic routines like bedtimes—because habits formed in childhood are hard to undo.