I only discovered that I have ADHD a couple of years ago, but looking back, the signs were always there.
Since childhood, I struggled to focus on studies. I couldn’t sit and read for long—my mind would wander within minutes. But coming from a background where everything is judged by grades, I was constantly made to feel like I wasn’t good enough.
There wasn’t much awareness about ADHD in our country back then, so getting diagnosed early was never really an option. Instead, I just grew up thinking I was the problem.
The irony is, I actually have a strong visual memory. I understand and retain things much better when I engage with them visually. But our education system is heavily focused on reading, memorization, and marks—so none of that ever worked in my favor.
Over time, all of this built a lot of self-doubt. Being labeled indirectly (and sometimes directly) as a “failure” really affects how you see yourself, even as an adult.
I’m still trying to unlearn that mindset now.
Anyone else here had a similar experience growing up with undiagnosed ADHD?