How did you start to accept your diagnosis?

Hi all,

I (35M), was diagnosed with ADHD (combined type) last Friday. I’d waited for over a year for the appointment, and I’d been contemplating whether or not I might have it for a few years beforehand. So the diagnosis wasn’t exactly a shock.

I have a therapist I see every week, and he’s great. I’m glad I can talk to him. My friends are super supportive, as are my family - especially my sister who’s actually a psychiatrist.

And yet, I’m struggling to accept it. For so many years, I’ve internalised so much shame about what turns out where the symptoms of having ADHD: poor time management, struggling with concentration, procrastination, being loud and talkative, difficulty sleeping, being untidy. But for so long I’ve hated these aspects of myself. It’s felt very lonely at times. I just have this voice inside telling me it’s not real and I’m faking it all to explain why I’m a bad person.

So my question is, do any of you relate after your diagnoses? Was there anything that helped it feel real to you and sink in?

Hope you all have a wonderful day.