I have always been a very creative person. I have always been very good at finding solutions to problems and I am handy in a crisis. I have also always been late, forgetful and sensitive, and always left everything until the last possible minute.

In my career, I decided to become a Diagnostic Radiographer. Working in the fast-paced environment of a trauma department or operating theatres suited me. I had a split role for several years, part-clinical and part-higher education. Working as a lecturer suited me too. I had structure, short and consistent deadlines, I was able to be creative and solutions-focused in my teaching, but always had the safety net of the academic calendar keeping me inline.

In October 2022, I became unwell, experiencing a sharp decline in my mental health. I had recently been promoted to Head of Discipline at a previous institution - a role I was capable of, but one that had self-imposed deadlines. Without the routine of the academic calendar, I started to drop the ball. I would double or triple book myself, I was always late, I lost things, or I’d turn up unprepared. I felt that I was failing, and I burnt out.

It was at this point I really started to consider why I had burnt out. What had changed? Why couldn’t I cope now? I had thrived and excelled in my career previously. A friend of mine brought my attention to how ADHD manifests in adults. She recommended an audiobook called Fast Minds: How to Thrive if You Have ADHD (Or Think You Might). I listened and I sobbed. I felt seen, understood, hurt and let down. I certainly had ADHD, and it was clear, looking at how I had struggled with certain areas of my life, and thrived in others, that I had always lived with it.

I started my journey to understand my ADHD brain, I engaged with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and was referred for an ADHD assessment. It was 20 months later that I received my diagnosis. Several of my female colleagues around my age have had similar experiences. This is why I found the strength to share my story.

I now understand why I struggle with certain tasks, like timekeeping, motivation, deadlines and remembering things that are not right in front of me. I struggle to complete ordinary household chores too and I have learnt that it is not laziness. It is in my wiring.

In March 2023, I sent a message to my friend, saying I was grateful to have an ADHD brain. No doubt that’s where my ideas come from and why I have been successful so far. Now I just need strategies to manage “the stodgy bits”.

I have found new strategies to help. Simple things like having a handbag with one compartment make a huge difference. Turning email notifications off so that I don’t get distracted and drawn into a side-quest and leaving my phone out of my reach during the working day, good nutrition, fresh air and peer-support all help me function better.

I am 38 years old and I started to understand my ADHD brain two years ago. I am open with my line manager and I feel that I get good support here at Leeds Trinity University. I find new ways to manage my life and role all the time.

If you have an inkling that you may be neurodivergent, I encourage you to speak to someone. It may not become apparent until the circumstances of your day-to-day changes. Don’t struggle in silence.

Kirsty Wood is Allied Health Professions Lead in the Faculty of Health, Wellness and Life Sciences at Leeds Trinity University.