Episode 31: Hana Walker-Brown - ADHD, Misdiagnosis & Forgiveness

Thunder bolts and lightning, very very…frustrating! This episode is proof that three women failed by the system uniting really can cause a storm! Alongside being an award-winning Documentary Maker,  Creative Director, Author, and Yoga Instructor, Hana Walker- Brown also has the patience of a Saint! This legendary lady persevered with this absolutely chaotic episode in which we battled the elements. A terrible storm caused internet problems, with Dawn getting booted off Zoom multiple times! There are a lot of stops and starts (hence slightly longer length) and a fair few really irritating Discord notification noises - too quiet for Laura to notice with her hearing problems, but loud enough to be picked up on the recording - APOLOGIES! At least it shows that our ‘We are ADHDAF’ Community Platform is popping! :DNever has there been such a catastrophic and brilliant interview! As contradictory as the traits of ADHD and Autism;  both of which Hana signified in her neurodivergent screening process. Diagnosed with ADHD at 31;  she may pursue an Autism assessment in the future once the first diagnosis has sunk in. Like so many of us, Hana is extremely hard on herself. At university, she had such extreme burnout, she was hospitalised! Misdiagnosed and prescribed anxiety and depression meds time and time again. Through raised awareness, she finally recognised her struggles as ADHD symptoms, only to be  dismissed by her GP who stated,  ‘a lot of women think they have this!’ If you are listening lady - SHAME ON YOU! Hana has been waiting two years for NHS ADHD therapy. This episode is rammed full of insight, pearls, camaraderie, compassion and validation. So do follow the wonderful Hana’s lead and persevere with this slightly disjointed conversation. It truly is a special one! From at first viewing ADHD as her Superpower to then her kryptonite and now finding self forgiveness. This is one hell of a ride... Enjoy! THANK YOU SO MUCH HANA! We hope to join forces again and cause more storms very soon! If you've found this podcast helpful and you are in a position to do so, please help us continue to help others by joining our Community. Packages include: vlogs, blogs, live blethers, body doubling and all the chats! Or if you would prefer you can leave us a tip.  A massive thank you to our Patreon pledgers! With more supoport we will be able to continue producing ADHD As Females.  In particular a massive thank you to our Gold Tier Patrons: Sarah Newell, Ola Czarnecka, Rach, Callan Davy, Rachael Riley, Derec Thompson, Anne Barrow, Leanne Smith, Clare Hale, Amy Gramham, Liesel McDonald, Michelle Corcoran, Dee Naylor, Samantha Knowles-Owen, Kim Pierpoint, Sinéad McDermott, Amy Davies, Cecilia Leslie, Angela Curtis, Kelsey Fehlberg, Kate Wilkinson, Rochelle Fyander, Alana Pinatiello, Eleanor Macpherson, Katharine Kaufman, Lorna Crowe, N. Scott, Suzanne Tanser, Marianne Stevens, Philippa Pickering, Kate Smith, Jenna King, Jacqueline McGeachie, Lynn McKenna, Bee Wood, Jennifer Wilson, Seonaid Macdonald, Manar, Roz King, Helen McCann, Joanne Eccles, Eleanor Campen, & Christie Maxted who have helped make this episode happen; raising much needed ADHD awareness and providing validation and information to those who desperately need it. JOIN US!Trigger Warning: Strong language, mental health struggles, depression, anxiety, misdiagnosis misogyny, self loathing, ulcers ;)Photo credit: @lizseabrookSupport the show