Video Transcription

Introduction

It’s really hard to explain that it’s not anxiety, it’s not depression, it’s not a bad life or anything like that. It’s literally just my brain. I don’t really know what else to tell you.

Hello, my name is Rudy Gene Rig. My pronouns are they/them. I’m a comedian and a creative, and I’m diagnosed with ADHD. Today we’re having a chat about what it’s actually like being a young person with ADHD.

What is ADHD?

Can we actually talk about what ADHD means, both experientially and on paper?

The acronym ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It’s a neurodevelopmental condition. Although the word “deficit” is in the name, what we’re understanding now is that it’s more about regulation of attention rather than a lack of attention.

Everyone can experience dysregulation, but the cause or catalyst for that dysregulation is often different for someone with ADHD compared to someone who is dysregulated for other reasons. Because of that, the ways we manage it and the supports we put in place can look very different.

I wasn’t a kid who was physically hyperactive. For me, it’s a very internal experience. I first started to wonder whether ADHD was something I should explore when I realised I had a real difficulty switching tasks without becoming emotionally dysregulated.

My impulsivity often showed up in relationships with other people. I struggled to work out whether I actually liked someone or whether I liked something about the experience I was having with them.

Looking back now, having a different lens completely changes how I understand those experiences and what was actually happening for me at the time. Knowing this has helped me give myself more grace and, in a way, forgive myself — almost from a third-person perspective.

Another way my ADHD shows up is through perfectionism. It’s a level of perfectionism that’s impossible to achieve. A lot of people who receive a diagnosis later in life talk about overcompensating, especially if they grew up being labelled as the “naughty” or “disruptive” child. That narrative can lead to striving for perfection out of fear of returning to those shame-based labels, without people realising what was really going on.

Navigating ADHD in high school

When I was in school, I had an intense passion for only doing things I wanted to do. That meant I struggled with authority, and my learning style suited me rather than the tasks I was expected to complete.

When we look at systems like schooling, they’re often designed around what’s considered the norm — and that doesn’t work for everyone. School wasn’t an accessible or accommodating place for me.

Looking back, I really wish there had been an adult who understood ADHD and could explain what was happening and what support was available.

Deciding to get an ADHD diagnosis

Before my diagnosis, I went through a kind of grief cycle — wondering whether it was me or the world. I kept asking myself, “Is the world wrong, or am I wrong?” Eventually, I decided I had to know.

I accessed every reliable screening tool I could find online, and as soon as I was able to, I sought mental health support and was diagnosed that way. It felt like a once-in-a-lifetime chance to start again, and I really needed that.

I did experience a deep sense of loss and grief in coming to the diagnosis later in life. All I ever wanted was to connect deeply with other people, and for a long time that was really difficult for me. That sense of grief is incredibly common — whether you’re diagnosed later in life or as a young person — because you’ve often already internalised years of negative or critical feedback.

Life after diagnosis

Knowing what I know now has been incredibly helpful. It’s given me orientation and language, which isn’t talked about enough. It’s also given me a sense of community and connection.

For the first time, I’m able to connect with people on a raw and authentic level. Even if they don’t share the same lived experience, I know how I show up and who I am. I don’t feel the need to hide parts of myself anymore.

I’ve also gotten better at putting systems in place to help me achieve the things I want to achieve. That means when I do show up, I can show up better.

Exploring ADHD diagnosis and treatment

If someone is looking to explore a diagnosis, the process can look different depending on age. If you’re under 18, parent or guardian involvement is usually required. It can help to approach them with resources you’ve already looked at and examples of what you’ve been experiencing.

A common first step is visiting a GP to get a referral. That referral might be to a psychiatrist, paediatrician or psychologist. If medication is something you want to explore, a psychiatrist or paediatrician is usually the best option, as they can prescribe medication.

Unfortunately, the first person someone raises this with isn’t always supportive or affirming. If that happens, it’s important to try again with someone else. Finding a person who feels safe and can help you advocate for yourself makes a huge difference.

If you’re at school, a school counsellor can also be a great support. They can help you plan how to talk to family and provide referral options.

Medication isn’t for everyone. There are many other strategies and systems that can be put in place, often with the support of a therapist.

Getting curious about support services

There’s still a lot of stigma around accessing support services. If a service is available, try it. Even if you walk away thinking it wasn’t for you, that’s better than not trying at all and wondering.

The journey can feel intimidating and daunting, but if you’re curious enough to explore what you’re experiencing, help is available. There are many different types of support that can be introduced to make challenges feel more manageable.

It might sound cliché, but you are not alone.