ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how someone focuses, manages their impulses, and regulates energy levels. Despite the name, it’s not just about “hyperactivity” or “not paying attention”.

There are a few different ways ADHD can show up:

• Some people find it hard to stay focused, especially on things that aren’t interesting to them.
• Others act quickly without thinking, speak out of turn, or feel restless much of the time.
• Many experience both, which can lead to frustration, exhaustion, or being misunderstood.

ADHD isn’t caused by bad parenting, sugar, screens, or vaccines. It’s a different way of thinking, feeling, and processing the world — often shaped by genetics and brain development.

It doesn’t always look the same. For some, it shows up as being easily distracted. For others, it’s about emotional intensity or a need to constantly move. It’s also common to develop ways of hiding symptoms (called “masking”), which can make it harder to recognise — especially in adults, women, and marginalised people.

Diagnosis can be life-changing, but it’s also valid to explore ADHD traits without one. Understanding how your brain works can help you build a life that fits, rather than forcing yourself to fit a life that doesn’t.