Living with ADHD: A Journey of Discovery and Understanding
In episode 42 of the ADHD Goals podcast, host Laurence sits down with Julie Legg, the author of “The Missing Piece: A Woman’s Guide to Understanding, Diagnosing, and Living with ADHD.” Julie shares her late-in-life diagnosis of ADHD and her journey from feeling different to finding clarity and solace in understanding her condition.
Meeting Julie Legg
Julie Legg hails from New Zealand and holds many titles beyond author—she’s a singer, songwriter, and musician. Diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 52, Julie brings a unique perspective to living with the condition, having navigated the vast majority of her life undiagnosed. Her book is now available in the UK, and it aims to provide a comprehensive guide for women struggling to understand and live with ADHD.
Julie’s Early Life & ADHD Diagnosis
Julie recounts her childhood, spent on a remote island without electricity. This idyllic setting allowed her imagination to flourish, albeit disconnected from peers who might have identified her differences. It wasn’t until she moved to the mainland and attended a traditional school that she felt distinctly different from others.
Despite these early signs, it would take decades for Julie to seek an assessment. It was only after a family member was diagnosed with high-functioning autism that Julie began her own research. She discovered ADHD traits within herself and sought a professional diagnosis to confirm her suspicions.
Challenges and Coping Mechanisms
Julie emphasises the transformative effect of her diagnosis. Knowing she had ADHD allowed her to view past events through a new lens, understand her behaviour better, and implement strategies to cope with her day-to-day struggles.
For example, Julie opts to remain unmedicated, choosing to see a psychologist rather than a psychiatrist. This preference hasn’t diminished the impact of her understanding and tackling her ADHD head-on. Her approach includes practical adaptations like embracing a simpler, rural lifestyle that allows her to connect deeply with nature—a choice she and her husband made even before their diagnoses.
Living with ADHD and Writing the Book
Julie’s book, “The Missing Piece,” is more than just her story. It includes the experiences of 30 other women diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. The book explores various traits outlined in the DSM, but with real-life examples that paint a fuller picture of what those traits mean in practical terms.
For instance, Julie explains how being forgetful as an adult carries more significant consequences than it might in childhood. Through personal anecdotes and those of other women, Julie’s book aims to remove the stigma and isolation often felt by those with ADHD.
Understanding ADHD from a Woman’s Perspective
Julie delves into the unique challenges women face with ADHD, especially those diagnosed later in life. The book covers a spectrum of experiences—from managing relationships to navigating the workforce and dealing with emotional and hormonal fluctuations. Julie’s aim is to provide a resource that validates these experiences and offers guidance for those feeling lost or confused by their diagnosis.
Historical Perspective on ADHD
Julie also touches on the history of ADHD, revealing that it was first described over 200 years ago. Despite this long history, the condition has only relatively recently been recognized in adults, and even more recently in women. The outdated view confined ADHD to hyperactive boys, often leaving girls and women undiagnosed and misunderstood.
Navigating Relationships with ADHD
Having a partner who also has ADHD, Julie discusses how understanding their diagnoses has strengthened their relationship. They’ve developed strategies to avoid conflicts and ensure open, empathetic communication. Their mutual ADHD diagnosis has allowed them to navigate emotional outbursts and misunderstandings more effectively.
Coping Mechanisms: Medication and Beyond
Julie and Laurence discuss various coping mechanisms, noting that while Julie chooses to remain unmedicated, others find great relief in medication’s ability to “take the edge off.” Both emphasise the importance of self-care practices such as exercise and mindfulness to help regulate the emotional and mental chaos that often accompanies ADHD.
Mindfulness and Meditation for ADHD
Julie shares her struggle with traditional meditation but finds peace in mindfulness practices like walking in nature and appreciating the beauty around her. Laurence echoes these sentiments, finding balance through regular exercise and body scan meditations.
Promoting ADHD Awareness and Resources
Julie believes strongly in the importance of community and support for those with ADHD. She encourages listeners to seek out resources, including her book, available in various formats to ensure accessibility.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Julie Legg’s appearance on the ADHD Goals podcast is an inspiring testament to the transformative power of understanding and accepting an ADHD diagnosis. Her journey, punctuated by both struggles and victories, highlights the importance of community, self-awareness, and practical strategies in living a fulfilling life with ADHD. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been navigating ADHD for years, Julie’s insights offer valuable perspectives and encouragement. She ends with a hopeful note, underlining that understanding ADHD is the first step towards a brighter, more self-assured future.
For more insights and to follow Julie’s journey, listeners are encouraged to pick up her book, tune into her podcast “ADHDifference,” and connect with ADHD communities for support and understanding.
In this episode of the ADHD Goals podcast, host Laurence welcomes Julie Legg, the author of ‘The Missing Piece, A Woman’s Guide to Understanding, Diagnosing and Living with ADHD.’ Diagnosed at 52, Julie shares her journey from growing up on a remote island in New Zealand to becoming an accomplished singer, songwriter, and ADHD advocate. The discussion covers the challenges of late diagnosis, the impact of ADHD on her personal and professional life, and how her book aims to help other women understand and manage ADHD. The conversation also delves into the benefits of nature, the complexities of relationships with ADHD, and the importance of self-care and community support. Julie’s insights offer valuable perspective for anyone navigating ADHD, making this episode a must-listen.
Links:
Julie Legg Website: https://julielegg.nz/
Timeline:
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
02:31 Julie’s Early Life and ADHD Diagnosis
07:10 Challenges and Coping Mechanisms
13:13 Discovering ADHD and Seeking Diagnosis
17:23 Living with ADHD and Writing the Book
22:55 Nature, Simplicity, and ADHD
32:53 Understanding ADHD from a Woman’s Perspective
37:20 ADHD Diagnosis in Women: Late vs. Early
38:26 Historical Perspective on ADHD
40:31 ADHD in Adults: Misconceptions and Realities
45:16 Coping Mechanisms: Medication and Beyond
48:04 Mindfulness and Meditation for ADHD
51:27 Navigating Relationships with ADHD
01:04:04 The Importance of ADHD Community and Support
01:09:08 Promoting ADHD Awareness and Resources
01:12:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
01:13:10 Outro to the ADHD Goals Podcast
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