Voices of resilience: living with ADHD, anxiety and depression

Felicity Edward-Olaniyi

Welcome to the beginning of what I hope will be a captivating series of interviews shedding light on the untold narratives of young individuals courageously battling various health conditions. In "Voices of Resilience," we aim to amplify their voices, raise awareness, and foster a sense of community and support.

To kick off this series, I had a conversation with Kay, a university student who navigates life with ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Our conversation delved into their journey, challenges, and triumphs while pursuing higher education.

One of the first questions I posed to Kay was to define ADHD and depression in their own words and how these conditions manifest in their own life. It became clear that the official definitions provided by institutions only scratch the surface; failing to capture the unique experiences of individuals.

Kay: “ADHD and depression to me is a condition which is mostly internal and does take up a lot of my mind and time. I find doing certain things that for everyday people would be a simple task but for me would be a struggle. Motivating myself to do things is a challenge as well due to self-criticism.”

Typically, ADHD is associated with impulsivity and restlessness and diagnosed in childhood. However, in Kay's case, they were not diagnosed until they were 17. Kay mentioned how in their community ADHD and other mental health conditions is not something that is always acknowledged.

Kay: “ADHD and other mental health conditions is not something that is often talked about in my community so I don't think, if it wasn’t for my friend, I would have been able to start working towards a diagnosis. When I finally found a doctor who listened to me, it felt like I was given a referral and then left to fend for myself. I wasn't contacted again until 8 months later.”

Kay's journey to a formal diagnosis shed light on the challenges faced by marginalised groups accessing healthcare. They took their time to mention how they had been to many doctors in the past and found how it was often older doctors were quick to dismiss their symptoms for ADHD as well as depression.

*Knaak et al 2017 found that one of the reasons for stigmatisation was due to therapeutic pessimism, the idea that some providers did not believe that recovery was a possibility for people with mental illnesses so many would have a mindset of ‘what I do does not matter’.

Long waiting lists within the NHS and inaccessible private options can hinder timely diagnosis. Consequently, self-diagnosis has become a popular trend, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted regular healthcare access.

I decided to get Kay’s opinion on this as they are also a psychology student. They acknowledged the value of online resources for those seeking assistance but cautioned against relying solely on unverified information. While self-education is vital, seeking a formal diagnosis from qualified professionals remains crucial for accessing appropriate treatment options and resources.

Kay: "I think that there are some good treatments in place for people with ADHD and depression and I also believe that there are also some amazing people in the NHS who truly care but there needs to be more emphasis on community-based programs as it can make all the difference for people."  

I was curious to learn how Kay copes with their conditions. Upon receiving a formal diagnosis, they were offered medication as a treatment option but, due to past experiences with SSRIs, opted for alternative routes. Kay emphasised the importance of a support system, particularly through friendships, and maintaining a routine that complements their needs.

Their university also provides accommodations, such as extra time for exams and essays, acknowledging their ADHD, anxiety, and depression, which is better than their college as they stated that back then it was brushed off and not taken seriously. Kay believes that community-based support and diverse treatment options can make a significant difference in managing these conditions.

"I have gone back to some of the old Arab medicines with teas and different herbs and have found that it does help with a range of physical ailments, and I think that there are ways of healing the mind without tablets’ I do think there are some people who do truly need it but it’s not for me and prefer to look for different alternative"

Kay's journey led them to explore different approaches to healing, ultimately deciding to forego medication for his depression. They rediscovered the benefits of traditional Arab medicines, such as teas and herbal remedies, which have positively impacted their physical wellbeing.

Lions Mane is a supplement that Kay uses and confirms it helps them with their ADHD in allowing them to concentrate and felt less impulsive. Lions Mane has been found to relieve anxiety and depressive symptoms. Vitamins can increase dopamine levels in the brain however is not recommended for those who are already taking ADHD medication.

Other methods of remaining level minded for Kay have included a range of hobbies such as poetry writing which helps them to understand their feelings and thoughts, partaking in various form of arts and crafts, baking, physical activity and even yoga/meditation.

Kay "It is important to note not all, if any, of these methods are applicable to everyone. That said, there are boundless activities or ideas that can be used to help relieve depressive or ADHD symptoms. Try as many as you can in all the different ways possible to understand yourself, your desires, and needs. It will most likely take time, and for every time you give up, remind yourself that there can be something bigger out there for you. No one can pick the cards we have been dealt, but you have the power to turn it into your favour, only you."

Looking ahead to their future, Kay remains optimistic and determined to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding and stigmatisation of ADHD and mental health conditions. Their personal experiences have fuelled their passion for serving underserved individuals from diverse backgrounds and conditions. To start working towards this Kay spent their summer as a unit leader in a camp in America, creating memorable experiences for individuals with learning disabilities and physical disabilities.

Their message to younger individuals struggling with ADHD, depression, or any other condition is one of resilience and self-acceptance. They encourage prioritising mental well-being, seeking available resources, and embracing unique qualities and interests in the journey toward healing and personal growth.

Kay's story serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination that young individuals with health conditions possess. Their journeys deserve to be heard, appreciated, and supported. Through "Voices of Resilience," we hope to continue shedding light on these stories, fostering a sense of community, and encouraging individuals to embrace their own paths toward healing and growth.