(1-minute read) I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was 34 after years of anxiety, burnout, or feeling chronically overwhelmed. That’s not uncommon: many women are diagnosed with ADHD later in life. We tend to slip through the cracks when we’re younger because instead of physical hyperactivity, ADHD shows up as internal restlessness, difficulty prioritizing, emotional overload, and/or persistent self-doubt.
Growing up, we learn to compensate. We work harder, mask struggles, and push through to meet expectations such that ADHD isn’t obvious. Over time, this effort leads to anxiety, exhaustion, and a sense that something is always just out of reach.
When ADHD goes unrecognized, anxiety often becomes the focus of treatment. While anxiety is real and deserves care, it may be a response to years of managing unacknowledged neurodivergence. Understanding ADHD can bring relief, self-compassion, and a clearer path forward.
Therapy with Summerhill Counseling is neurodiversity-affirming and addresses both anxiety and the underlying patterns related to attention, emotional regulation, and executive functioning.
If anxiety has been a constant companion and ADHD is a newer or emerging piece of the picture, a consultation can help you explore how these experiences connect. Reach out, I’d love to see if I can help.
