Ep. 7: Addressing the Invisible: Women's Fight for ADHD Diagnosis

Explicit content warning

09/20/23 • 66 min

Have you sought diagnosis for ADHD, only to feel completely overwhelmed by the UK's labyrinthine diagnosis pathways? Well, we've been there, felt that, and today we are attempting to break it down a little for you.
Remember the time when you assumed your GP was the only hurdle between you and your ADHD diagnosis? We dive into the gatekeeper role of GPs and the impact of limited resources on the accessibility of the whole process.
Post-Brexit Tory Britain... Don't get us started!
We explore the options, including new 24/7 service Babylon GP (which we thought was NHS funded, but are now not so sure!), Individual Funding Requests, and the Right To Choose option for ADHD assessments. We mourn the state of affairs, with lengthy waits, and the potential price range for private diagnosis. We challenge the myth of over-diagnosis, and highlight the vital role of being an informed patient.
We throw light on the uphill battle of women in their quest for an ADHD diagnosis and the unwanted stigma fuelled by the media. We share compelling stories of those who embarked on private diagnosis journeys, and their fight to access treatment and medication.
Stay tuned for the final episode of Diagnosis month, next week, when we will be in conversation with Rosie Gill Moss, of Widowed AF podcast.

Further TW: This podcast references at times: alcohol abuse, depression, mood disorders, medical emergency, miscarriage, traffic accidents, grief and loss, teen pregnancy, anxiety, abuse, PDA, low self esteem, and anti-depressant medications, disordered eating, hoarding...

All music written and produced by Ash Doc Horror Lerczak.
Artwork by Gen
For more information about us, our podcast and our ADHD MUMS community, visit OUR WEBSITE.
To make a small donation towards our podcasting expenses, visit our BUY ME A COFFEE we are eternally gratefulllllll!!!
PLEASE like and subscribe, and if you enjoyed the show, leave us a review.
Let's get ADHD MUMS up the pod charts and raise awareness when we all need it most!
See you next Wednesday! xxx

Previous Episode

Ep.6: The importance of Diagnosis; in conversation with ADHD Coach Michelle

We're back again, with episode 2 of DIAGNOSIS MONTH!
In our weekly HIGHS & LOWS OF THE WEEK section, witness a chaotic complication of balancing independence and responsibility when it comes to money management for children, and ponder the life cycle of a frog!
Our special guest, ADHD coach Michelle, opens up about her own journey with ADHD - from the emotional rollercoaster of seeking a diagnosis to finally finding answers and the relief it brings. We examine the societal expectations that come along with the condition and the struggles of everyday tasks that others often take for granted. Michelle also talks on the impact of ADHD on mental health and how she navigated her way to a fulfilling career despite the challenges.
She shares the calming effects of meditation and Eastern philosophies, offering practical tips on incorporating these practices into a busy lifestyle, especially for parents living with ADHD.
In the face of negative media coverage and misinformation about ADHD, we discuss the importance of supporting each other and debunk some common myths. We touch on the sensitive topic of self-diagnosis and stress the importance of seeking professional help and finding a supportive community network.
Whether you're living with ADHD, and / or children, or simply want to understand more about the condition, this episode has something for everyone.
Thanks for joining us.
Your sisters in chaos! Gen & Claire xxx

Next Episode

Ep. 8: Embracing Neurodiversity in Motherhood: Rosie Gil-Moss shares her story

In todays episode, we chat to the wonderful Rosie Gil Moss of the Widowed AF, who candidly shares her unique journey to ADHD diagnosis. Rosie's insights into her private diagnosis of both ADHD and autism, offer a fresh perspective on the privileges and limitations of private diagnosis.
Parenting neurodivergent children as neurodivergent adults, can be complex, but it's a shared experience we are lucky enough, yet again, to share with our guest. Rosie navigates the challenges of managing a bustling household with four children, one of whom is Autistic, and others whom she suspects are neurodivergent. She shares the overthinking and overstimulation that can come with the life she has built since the tragic death of her first husband. It's a raw, honest look at the unique trials and joys of parenting in her shoes.
Together, we discuss the power of the self-awareness and self-acceptance that diagnosis brings. We also explore the unique struggles people face when seeking help and the societal pressures of parenthood intersect, reinforcing the stigmas around asking for support.
We would like to say an extra huge thank you to Rosie for her patience and understanding after our conversation was interrupted by wifi signal loss!
Special mention also to our great friend Ste Cole at What Studio, who shared his foolproof podcast recording advice in a consultation with us when we were preparing to launch. If we'd done exactly what you advised, we'd have been un-scuppered by the tech mess-up we experienced in this interview!
Next episode we begin PREGNANCY MONTH, looking at the complexities of pregnancy for women with ADHD.