“I am writing to say thank you to you for helping me finally get the diagnosis and medication that I so need for my severe combination type ADHD. I am happy to report that my primary care physician has now taken over in helping me to get the 60mg Elvanse dispensed to me through the NHS. This is a wonderful testimony to what I see is the UK starting to take ADHD seriously as a mental health issue for women like me. However, none of this positive outcome would have been possible without your generous support and your professionalism. Thank you, dear Dr Humphries... you’ve changed my life for the better.
Although I know that my struggles with ADHD will be a life long process, I feel hope. I can finally begin to reframe my life experience and see them in a whole new light. This diagnosis has helped me learn, for example, that I can move away from my shame and begin to discover a new self dialogue; that of self-compassion.
As I strive to achieve my professional doctorate, I am also able to approach my learning goals in a new way. For example, I now find myself approaching the enormous task of writing this doctoral dissertation with a sense of humour, clarity, creativity, and my own unique set of organisational systems now in place. Plus, I now understand that many people with ADHD, because we are not neurotypical, will not even bother to attempt to get a doctorate. And, this thought now makes me even more focused and determined to put out into the world my unique voice into this space.
In my dissertation, I am advocating for less rigidity and more agility in the ways we work, think, and build our organisations. In my practice, I want to help create open and accommodating spaces, within academia and the wider world of work, for all of us to thrive, even those of us who have ADHD brains.
Dr Humphries, I wish you continued success. Please continue to do your good work, as we certainly need you! ”