ADHD: Two Journeys from Childhood to Adulthood

In this episode, I sit down with Hamish Mertens, a Christchurch-based personal trainer, to explore the polarising experiences of being diagnosed and medicated for ADHD at vastly different stages of life. While I received my diagnosis and began medication at 37, Hamish faced his diagnosis and treatment as a child, ultimately choosing to live without medication as an adult.

We delve into how these contrasting journeys shaped our identities, coping mechanisms, and understanding of ADHD. Hamish opens up about the challenges of navigating stigma, medication, and social dynamics as a child, reflecting on how these experiences impacted his confidence, relationships, and sense of self. Meanwhile, I share my perspective on discovering ADHD as an adult, unpacking the shift in self-awareness and the role of medication in my daily life.

Together, we examine the strengths and challenges ADHD brings, from hyperfocus and lateral thinking to social and emotional hurdles. This conversation bridges the gap between the medical and cultural narratives around ADHD, offering insights into how the condition can be managed and reframed as a source of resilience and growth.

Whether you’ve been navigating ADHD for years, are newly diagnosed, or are a parent of a child with ADHD, this episode provides valuable perspectives and practical takeaways. It highlights the importance of understanding and supporting ADHD in all its forms, at every stage of life, and creating environments where the unique strengths of ADHD can flourish.

Find Hamish on Instagram: personaltrainerchristchurch

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