S1, Episode 24: "The Lost Generations: A (common) story of late diagnosis…’ By Natasha Hickling and Kathleen Helm

Dear Diary,

Welcome to "The Indigo Diaries." Join host Natasha Hickling back in the first series: "The World Through Your Eyes.."

This week Natasha is joined by another fantastic guest Kathleen Helm.

Kathleen (they/them), is an ADHD-er who was diagnosed with ADHD in 2022 at the age of 30. Despite an objectively successful education and career in Events Management they have struggled with their mental health and chronic pain issues since childhood.

Since being diagnosed, Kathleen has been on a journey of self-acceptance, recovery, relearning and credits their diagnosis as not only life-changing but lifesaving. They are on a highly personal mission to support the neurodiverse community by challenging the popular narratives around neurodivergence through empathy, education and empowerment.

Kathleen is an ADHD UK Ambassador, working towards positive change in their region, and credits the charity’s support groups and volunteering, as a vital part of their own journey.

Kathleen is non-binary, queer, diagnosed with combined ADHD, self-diagnosed Autistic and multi-disabled. They live in Yorkshire, love to dance and cook for their loved ones and can be won over with pictures of dogs.

In this episode, Kathleen discusses their diagnosis of ADHD in 2022 and the impact of this on their life since as well as the grief of not knowing sooner and what impact this had on their mental health, physical health and childhood. Kathleen first discusses the ‘lightbulb’ moment when ADHD was first suggested to them and their own ignorance around ADHD, difficulty in pushing past imposter syndrome to seek diagnosis and the subsequent journey of being diagnosed. They touch on what diagnosis meant and how they, like many others, experienced trauma and grief .

Come, Learn, listen, and experience the world through not their eyes, our eyes!

The Indigo Diaries

Ps-

If you would like any additional information regarding our support group, coaching or are interested in the world hearing your story in series 1, please see the links below:

Email: natasha@indigo-hub.com

Website: www.indigo-hub.com

FB Page: Indigo Hub (https://www.facebook.com/indigohubadhd/) Instagram: @indigohubadhd (⁠https://www.instagram.com/indigohubadhd