Interview - Doing Life with ADHD via BellaNaija

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Hi ADHDers!

How have you all been?

I managed to take 2 weeks’ leave from work to go on holiday to the USA!

I visited New Orleans for the first time and it’s such a vibrant, joyful and colourful city!

Anyways, during my time in the US, I was contacted by one of Nigeria’s biggest online publications, BellaNaija which was a HUGE deal for me.

I was born and raised in London to Nigerian parents.

I don’t think people realise how difficult it can be for Neuridfigent people who are ethnic minorities to open up about their experiences due to stigma, internalised ableism, and shame.

So to be recognised by BellaNaija who has an audience of millions of undiagnosed/diagnosed Nigerians that I can reach out to, is special to me.

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Extract

Q: How has living with ADHD influenced your daily routine and lifestyle?

Trying to stick to a routine feels like I’m putting my on-the-go ADHD brain in a cage, that it doesn’t want to be in. I know that routines are meant to be helpful but I can’t help but feel restricted and bored with having a daily routine. I think it’s important to find what works for you, that doesn’t feel like a chore or self-punishment. There is no set way of adulting with ADHD but here are a few things that I have found helpful I have found a few things to be helpful: using a reward system, employing gamification methods, practising productive procrastination, using fidget toys, engaging in body doubling, writing a list to organise my thoughts before starting a task, picking 1-3 ‘must dos’ for the day, and setting daily markers instead of creating a strict schedule, which allows for more flexibility. I also use the ADHD Traits Flashcards I created which include a coping strategy for each symptom I’m struggling with, which makes things so much easier.

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Q: You’re very open about ADHD on social media. How do you maintain a positive mindset and stay motivated despite the challenges of living with it?

I only started my AdultingADHD Substack newsletter and also tweeting about my ADHD because my post-diagnosis appointments with the psychiatrists got cancelled due to the COVID-19 lockdown in the UK. I had no one to turn to, so I started my newsletter as an informal online buddy to anyone else feeling lonely and mainly for myself. It’s amazing to have over 11,000 subscribers now. I was dealing with internalised ableism and embarrassment so my Twitter account was anonymous for about 1 year which helped me develop confidence and build community online. I have good days and bad days but not chasing perfectionism has helped me a lot. I also have supportive friends and family and my faith in Jesus helps me tackle feeling defeated, down and not enough.

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Q: A skill or hobby you picked up in the past year and enjoy?

Improv! I completed Level 1 in May and completed Level 2 in July which ended with my first live performance in a packed room. The highlight was being able to be creative and be any character on the spot, it also helped that the audience found me funny.

Q: What advice would you give to others who have been recently diagnosed or are struggling to manage their ADHD?

Please read the full interview here! I talk about my career, unconventional thoughts, proud moments and much more here:

Full interview

That’s all from me!

Rach with ADHD.