At 28, I was diagnosed with ADHD. But a lot had happened before this.
For years I had been suffering from unexplained physical complaints, which made it impossible for me to do my work and I ended up on sick leave. I felt worthless, a total failure, and sought refuge in partying and drug use.
Finally I found the courage to go to the doctor to do something about all those complaints. He found that the symptoms I had were consistent with soft tissue rheumatism, also called Fibromyalgia. The doctor signed me up for a rehabilitation program at Reade, aka Reuma Fonds Nederland.
During my rehab program, my rehab doctor noticed that I had a lot of ADHD-related symptoms and she thought I should be tested for it.
After being on a waiting list for a long time, it was finally my turn for the interviews and treatments for my ADHD. The psychiatrist told me early on in the process that due to having too low a BMI, I was not allowed to take medication. Well I wasn’t eager for medication either. I thought to myself „I’ve done it for 28 years without medication.
The ADHD diagnosis also made me look at my own behavior very differently. The diagnosis has given me a lot of recognition, awareness and peace of mind. It has also given me a lot of clarification about certain situations and phases in my life.
After the diagnosis and treatment for ADHD, I started my own development. I wanted to know what else was out there for people with ADHD other than just medication and that’s how I ended up with Orthomolecular Nutrition training. In it, it says that certain deficiencies and intolerances can make ADHD symptoms worse.
I have made many changes in my diet and lifestyle. I am closer to myself and therefore less likely to make impulsive decisions. Because of these changes, I notice that my ADHD symptoms are reduced and I can concentrate much better. I have become less sensitive to outside stimuli and I have more patience to listen to others without immediately interrupting them.
But even I can still occasionally be that nice busy ADHD person, but the symptoms are much less than they used to be!
A tale rich with profound transformations. Prior to this discovery, I battled unexplained physical challenges, plunging into despair and self-medication.
A courageous visit to the doctor unearthed a dual struggle with soft tissue rheumatism, guiding me toward rehabilitation at Reade, intricately interwoven with my ADHD journey.
In the labyrinth of interviews and treatments, a psychiatrist shed light on why medication wasn’t the path for me. The ADHD diagnosis acted as a prism, illuminating my past and offering recognition, awareness, and inner serenity.
Beyond a mere survival saga, this narrative explores uncharted territories, embracing Orthomolecular Nutrition and its promises.
Join me on this journey transcending ADHD boundaries, marked by reflection, dietary shifts, and the subtle triumph over diminishing symptoms.
