I was so fortunate to have the experience of talking with public Figure and motivational speaker Ryan Swain about his journey with ADHD. Ryan (who was diagnosed as an adult) has used his life experience and taken the opportunity share this and educate others on the aspects of ADHD and Mental Wellbeing. He currently tours schools, colleges, universities and other venues to share his knowledge.
Here’s what he had to say:
How old were you when you were diagnosed with ADHD?
I was 21 when I got my official diagnosis. I was at a point in my life where I’d recognised what I had, and wanted to get it looked at professionally to try and develop the non-existing happy medium within my life. My father came with me to the assessment for moral support, and he walked out with a diagnosis as well which was hilarious.
Prior to diagnosis were you experiencing any mental health issues? And how does it impact on your mental health now?
Yeah, major impulsivity and I was terribly disorganised, very sensitive and sometimes irrational emotional responses. I’ve always had heaps and bounds of energy and enthusiasm also.
How do you cope with that?
I’ve used and channelled a lot of my energies into helping others, but finding a focus point for anybody with ADHD can be challenging, but when you find it’s something you love doing or are passionate about it gets your undivided attention and effort. It’s always been a challenge living with ADHD and always will be, but I’ve accepted it and acceptance is the biggest part to overcoming any challenge. The second is using it to your own advantage which in my case I channel it into positive things, work, family and creative stuff.
What are your main challenges as a result of the condition?
My weakest links have to be taking so much on, with the intent to complete it all and not finishing stuff. My listening skills and zoning in and out can cause problems and my memory can be another issue as you have so many thoughts and ideas racing through your mind. This means that you forget things easily, or most importantly forgetting instructions quickly, which is why I write everything down that I am doing.
How easy / hard did you find it to access support, and what support do you have in place / have had?
This was very difficult. Unfortunately, there isn’t many social clubs or groups regarding mental health as a whole, and ones for ADHD are very sparce so it’s encouraged me to set up on my own. I’m currently producing a touring show called ADHD and Me, and I’m doing motivational and educational talks in colleges, schools, universities, social clubs, community groups, youth clubs and art centres. This gives me the chance to give people an insight into how they can still progress and achieve after diagnosis, and how most importantly they can get diagnosed and get help.
You can follow Ryan and his journey here:
Instagram: @officialryanswain
Facebook: @RyanSwain
ADHD can be challenging mentally not only for the individual diagnosed, but those close to them also.
Where to access help and support?
If you recognise the issues described and feel that you can relate to them and need further support, there are a few places you can access help, advice and support.
Initially I would suggest speaking with your GP about any concerns you may have.
The ADHD Aware website has some really useful information also: Getting an NHS ADHD diagnosis.
The UK Adult ADHD Network also have a list of specialists in the UK Adult ADHD Service Map.
Another option is to pay privately for assessment also, and many private clinics offering this can be found online.
Similarly if you are struggling with mental health issues, you can contact your GP, or there are a wide number of local counselling services you can contact along with ourselves. Here at CMHC we can also offer support and a variety of services that are open to the York community.
