As a student, David Powell struggled with temper tantrums, had difficulty concentrating, and lacked organizational skills. These problems will continue only in his adulthood – leading to long bouts of unemployment and failed relationships.
But a message from an online stranger in 2002 will change his life forever. The 40-year-old was browsing an online classic car forum when he was contacted by another user. The man asked if he had ADHD.
“My behavior was very unreasonable,” he said. I was impatient, did not process information and made hasty conclusions. I created complete chaos in the forum – I caught the wrong end of every stick, got into pointless arguments and exploded everywhere. “
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“I contacted my GP, but in those days he was completely imperfect. It was before the NHS took ADHD in adults. They had nothing on the signposts.
“I was sent to a psychiatrist consultant and they said they knew nothing about it. It was a complete waste of everyone’s time. “
David, now 60, eventually turned to a private clinic in a desperate offer of diagnosis. It took him four long years to get the answer he already knew deep down – he had ADHD for adults.
“I call it my rebirth day: June 30, 2006,” he continued. I went to Sheffield to be 100 percent sure I had ADHD. I knew I wasn’t 100 percent sure because I was 100 percent sure on the way home. “
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a mental health disorder that involves a combination of persistent problems such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and impulsive behavior.
Later in life, this can lead to unstable relationships, poor performance at work or school, low self-esteem and other problems. Although it is called ADHD in adults, the symptoms begin in early childhood and continue into adulthood. In some cases, ADHD is not recognized or diagnosed until the person becomes an adult.
David said his life changed after the diagnosis (Image: David Powell)
Throughout his childhood, David, who lived in Ashton-under-Line, had difficulty at school and could not concentrate or hand in his homework on time. “I found a box with all my old school reports and they all basically say ‘ADHD,'” David continued.
“In the 1970s, the term was not even coined. It was a model of “only if he concentrated, he would achieve great things”, “never give homework on time” and “lack of organization”.
“I’m 60 now and I have luggage for life – luggage with never realized potential. It was normal for my group of peers at school to become doctors, lawyers and senior executives.
“I have never been promoted from a junior position in my life. I had long periods of depression because I was so disappointed in myself. I have had long periods of unemployment, which makes you even more unemployed.
“My relationship, due to my explosive nature, was very short-lived. I have never been married and have no children. It was a long, lonely journey without much money and many disappointments. That in itself has an impactful effect. “
David is now taking medication to help with the symptoms of ADHD. Although he has suffered some side effects, he believes the pros far outweigh the cons.
“I’m a big fan,” he continued. “I am much more together. My thought process is much clearer, my control over my emotions is much stronger, so I’m not that explosive.
“It’s like adding an extra layer of skin to have thicker skin, or an extra tenth of a second of thinking time when you’re answering someone so you don’t say something stupid.
“Once you get to a decent level of medication, it’s like going from a TV show where every single TV is on in my head, to an empty cathedral where the silence is palpable and you can hear what you’re thinking. You only have one thought at a time, instead of all on one ball. “
David is now an ADHD advocate for mADDchester, a support group for those with ADHD. The group is based in Manchester and holds regular meetings throughout the region.
Everyone can be present, especially the undiagnosed, who can seek answers and advice from those with experience. For more information visit www.maddchester.com .
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