Anyone discovered they have undiagnosed ADHD since having children?

[Mummysparrow]

Has anyone since having children realised they have undiagnosed ADHD? Since having my now 2 year old l I have realised so many things I do point to inattentive ADHD but I think I must have been able to mask something before but now finding it a lot harder. Has anyone found therapy for ADHD useful? I am not going to bother trying to get an official diagnosis as I know waiting lists are long but thinking of getting a private therapist

Genuinely curious because my understanding of ADHD is very limited, but what is the difference between ADHD and anxiety? Or stress? The symptoms seem so similar to me 😬

Is this a serious question?

Yes though my kids were a bit older when I realised, reading around for DC1’s dyslexia (which I also have) and realising how linked ADHD and dyslexia are and how ADHD explains a lot of things I’ve always struggled with and then found a lot harder with young kids

i Think mothering young babies and kids with little support as we do in our society is very demanding and so exposing of things you could avoid or compensate for when not so stretched

interested if others have suggestions of therapy or techniques that help with eg organisation / overwhelm

id love to find an ADHD equivalent of a spell check function!

Yes. I was diagnosed 18 months ago when my kids were 10&12. My advice is start the ball rolling regarding diagnosis. I personally don't see what therapy would do. It's not a mental health condition that can be cured. Your main thing is to find strategies that help you cope.

I am pretty sure I have it after two of mine going through the dx process.
I'm not seeking an official DX at the moment, or therapy, I'm not convinced therapy would help with symptoms but could help with dealing with the guilt and shame of not achieving my potential.
I'm working through things myself with the help of online material. It helps me talk to DH about what I struggle with too, humorous memes on Instagram being the main vehicle for this!

I was diagnosed with ADHD 6 months after my son was. TBH, it was only after his diagnosis it led me to question both myself and my father.

I paid £500 for a 2 hour assessment and computer tests and it was well worth it; it explains so much and also the link between ADHD and chronic pain syndrome that I suffer from.

In relation to your question about motherhood; personally I found the demands of parenting (on top of a career/day to day life) tipped me over the edge and caused a cycle of anxiety and overwhelm.

I've not gone down the CBT/therapy route but there are options out there if I need them.

I would at least look at a ADHD screen in the first instance - you'll be able to find them online.

I think I'd spend the therapy money on a private diagnosis and (if diagnosed) some medication.

@yoshiblue where did you get your assessment? They all seem so expensive that's why I was considering whether CBT would be helpful

At The Priory in North West and it was a Consultant Psychiatrist (not a nurse led assessment). You are welcome to DM me for the details of you like.