Could It Be ADHD? Signs You Might Have Been Overlooking.
Here at Ferniks, we specialise in supporting late-diagnosed ADHDers to explore their lives as they are, how they would like them to be, and to bring deeper healing and understanding of themselves.
Do you constantly feel disorganised, overwhelmed, or like you’re always playing catch-up? Have you struggled with forgetfulness, time management, or emotional ups and downs for as long as you can remember? And the constant grinding guilt of 'never being good enough/doing enough/remembering enough'? If so, you might have wondered at some point: Could it be ADHD?
Many people think of ADHD as simply being hyperactive or easily distracted, something that young boys have. You may even remember 'that kid' in your class with ADHD, but it’s much more than that. In adults—especially in women—it can show up in subtle, unexpected ways, often leading to years of frustration and self-doubt before a diagnosis is even considered. If you’ve ever felt like you’re trying harder than everyone else just to keep up, this post is for you.
Some Misconceptions About ADHD
ADHD is often misunderstood. Many people assume it only affects children or that it always involves hyperactivity. However, ADHD can present in a variety of ways, including inattention, impulsivity, emotional sensitivity, and executive functioning struggles. Because of this, many adults with undiagnosed ADHD have spent years blaming themselves for difficulties that are actually rooted in brain differences, not personal failures. Couple this with living in a society that is not set up to support or understand them, and it makes sense that struggles are common.
To help you understand ADHD better, let’s look at some of the common (and often overlooked) signs.
Common Signs of ADHD in Adults
1. Constant Forgetfulness & Disorganisation
Do you lose your phone, keys, or important documents regularly? Do you struggle with keeping up with tasks, appointments, or deadlines? ADHD often impacts working memory, making it difficult to keep track of daily responsibilities. You might have tried countless planners or organisational systems, only to abandon them after a short time because they didn’t seem to “stick.”
2. Time Blindness & Procrastination
ADHD can make time feel abstract—five minutes and five hours can seem the same. You might always be running late or underestimating how long tasks will take. Procrastination is another key sign, not because of laziness, but because starting tasks can feel mentally overwhelming or impossible.
3. Emotional Sensitivity & Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria
People with ADHD often feel emotions intensely. A small comment or perceived criticism can trigger deep feelings of rejection, sadness, or frustration. This is known as Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD), and it can make relationships and workplace dynamics particularly challenging if not supported well.
4. Hyperfocus vs. Distractibility
While ADHD is associated with distractibility, it can also lead to hyperfocus—becoming completely absorbed in something you find interesting while tuning out everything else. This can make it difficult to switch tasks or pull yourself away from hobbies or work, especially if you’re engaged in something stimulating or rewarding.
5. Feeling ‘Lazy’ or ‘Not Trying Hard Enough’
Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD have spent years thinking they just need to be more disciplined, work harder, or “get it together.” You might have been called lazy, careless, or disorganised growing up. In reality, ADHD is a brain-based condition that affects motivation, focus, and executive function—not a lack of effort.
The Emotional Toll of Undiagnosed ADHD
Living with undiagnosed ADHD can lead to a lifetime of self-blame. You might feel like no matter how hard you try, you’re always falling behind. Not only that, but others have been quick to point out when you have forgotten, run late, lost, or not finished something, which has added to the internal narrative of being 'not good enough.' Years of struggling with organisation, focus, and emotional regulation can contribute to anxiety, depression, and burnout, as well as chronic health conditions. And there is good news: understanding your ADHD can be a game-changer.
What to Do If This Sounds Like You
If these signs resonate with you, consider exploring the possibility of ADHD further. Here’s what you can do:
Experiment with ADHD-Friendly Strategies – Body-doubling (working alongside someone else), using external reminders, setting timers, and breaking tasks into small steps can help manage ADHD-related challenges.
Consider Therapy or Coaching – Working with a therapist who understands ADHD can provide you with tailored strategies and support. Keep in mind that you don’t have to be professionally diagnosed to identify you have ADHD or manage it well, finding the right support people is the
Final Thoughts
ADHD is not a character flaw. If you’ve spent years feeling like you’re constantly falling short, it’s not because you’re lazy or incapable—it’s because your brain works differently. And once you understand that, you can start learning how to work with your brain rather than against it.
If you suspect you might have ADHD, reaching out for help can be life-changing. You deserve understanding, support, and tools to make life easier. You are not alone, and with the right strategies, you can thrive.
