• May 27, 2025

Could It Be ADHD? Why Getting a Diagnosis Can Be Life-Changing

  • Aimee Smith

The truth is, many women have now reached adulthood without ever realising they have ADHD. They’ve masked it, worked around it, overcompensated, or internalised it as a personal failure. The truth is, many have now reached adulthood without ever realising they have ADHD. They’ve masked it, worked around it, overcompensated, or internalised it as a personal failure. But the impact is still there — in your work life, your relationships, your sense of self. Getting assessed for ADHD, and receiving a diagnosis can feel like someone finally switched the light on, and suddenly you see everything, every painful experience where you felt shamed or embarrassment, or confused, suddenly makes sense.

If you're a smart, capable, ambitious person who's always felt like you're working twice as hard to stay on top of things — you’re not alone. Maybe you’ve always felt a bit different, looked at your peers and thought, ‘why can’t I be more like them, they’re so…. Fill in the blank. I know I spent years feeling this way. Have you ever struggled with focus, or constantly battled that internal voice telling you you're "lazy" or "not trying hard enough."

And now, you’re wondering if ADHD might be the missing piece.

The truth is, many have now reached adulthood without ever realising they have ADHD. They’ve masked it, worked around it, overcompensated, or internalised it as a personal failure. But the impact is still there — in your work life, your relationships, your sense of self.

Getting assessed and receiving a diagnosis can feel like someone finally switched the light on, and suddenly you see everything, every painful experience where you felt shamed or embarrassment, or confused, suddenly makes sense.

This is why, getting an ADHD diagnosis  could be one of the most empowering decisions you ever make.


You Finally Understand Yourself

One of the biggest shifts my clients describe after being diagnosed is a deep sense of relief. Suddenly, past experiences make sense — the school struggles, the failed projects, the emotional rollercoasters, the burnout, the sensitivity to feedback, the unfinished projects, the many relationships or friendships where it often feels easier to keep them at a distance, because when you let someone in too close, they just don’t get you and you feel judged or often confused and let down by their behaviour.

An ADHD diagnosis gives you a framework. It moves the needle from self-blame to self-understanding. It’s not about “fixing” you. It’s about learning how your brain works and getting the right support in place, so all of the above greatly improves.


Access to Tools That Actually Help

With a diagnosis, you're no longer stuck trying strategies that don't fit. Instead, you gain access to tailored support — whether that's medication, coaching, therapy, or learning ADHD-friendly systems to help you manage issues like  time blindness, emotions, impulsivity and those really important executive function skills.

Imagine what it could feel like to work with your brain because you fully understand it, and not constantly hate beat yourself up because you just don’t feel good enough.


Improved Work and Life Balance

ADHD impacts more than your attention span — it affects your emotional regulation, memory, and how you prioritise and plan. For many, this shows up as chronic overwhelm, imposter syndrome, or struggling to meet expectations at work and home.

Getting a diagnosis means you can start untangling that knot. With the right treatment plan, many people experience major improvements in their career, relationships, and overall quality of life.


A Boost in Mental Health and Confidence

So many people come to ADHD assessments carrying the weight of anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem — often the result of years of missed diagnosis and misunderstood struggles. Undiagnosed ADHD leads to secondary mental health distress, episodes of low mood or even long-standing depression, and anxiety. Treating ADHD doesn't just help your focus; it can lift that fog, give you back your self-esteem, confidence and emotional resilience.


It’s the Beginning, Not the End

Receiving an ADHD diagnosis isn’t just a label. It’s the start of a new chapter — one where you get to honour your needs, set better boundaries, and stop judging yourself so harshly.

And it’s not just about symptoms. Many of my clients find that after diagnosis, they need space to process — to grieve for the years they were unsupported, and to begin building themselves back up.

That’s why coaching can be such a powerful part of the journey. It’s not about productivity hacks. It’s about learning to lead your life with compassion, confidence, self-esteem, and as cheesy as it sounds, true contentment and happiness.


If You’re Wondering — It’s Worth Exploring

If any of this resonates, I want you to know you're not alone, and you’re not imagining it. You don’t need to stay stuck in overwhelm, shame, or self-doubt. An assessment could be the first step in reclaiming your life today.

I offer a free 15-minute consultation so we can talk through your questions, and whether Core-ADHD is the right fit for you. You’ll be supported every step of the way — from assessment through to tailored support that actually works for you.

👉 Ready to start making sense of things? [Book your free consultation here.]