Being in school was always difficult for me. No matter how hard I tried, I was constantly in trouble for not getting good grades and not being able to remember things. Because there aren't many studies done on women, people see ADHD [1] as the boy in school who can't sit still in class. But ADHD is different for everyone [2]. For girls, you can be successful and ambitious and high functioning, but have a lot of turmoil on the inside. It can be very overwhelming [3] and you always have this voice in the back of your mind telling you you're not good enough. You internalize the labels that adults and teachers put on you. I constantly felt misunderstood and underestimated.
In school, I always daydreamed. If something was boring, I could not pay attention. But for subjects I loved, like art or music or drama, I really excelled because I could hyper-focus on them. Instead of getting punished in school, I wish my teachers had spoken with me or asked different questions. It's hard being a kid and not having anyone to support you. I feel like the systems of school were not built for minds like ours. Even today, it's getting better, but there's still so much work to be done.
In my 20s, people started talking more about ADHD. My friends were getting diagnosed, and I started learning more about it [4]. When I spoke to a doctor and got diagnosed myself, it was such a relief to finally know that there was nothing wrong with me. It's just the way my brain works.
"I wouldn't be the entrepreneur I am today without my ADHD."
I've always been a risk-taker, an innovator — doing things first. I feel like that's why I've been a pioneer in so many different areas, from reality TV to becoming the first influencer . . . things that were really ahead of my time. I wouldn't be the entrepreneur I am today without my ADHD. I see it as my inner sparkle.
What made the biggest difference in my ADHD was speaking to my doctor, getting prescribed JORNAY PM [5], and finding a treatment plan that worked for me. Now, I can take my medication at night and it starts working when my day starts, which has been such a meaningful change. I can focus on my kids and what really matters to me in life, rather than feeling chaotic in the morning.
In school, my ADHD was more about not being able to focus. But now — as a mom and an entrepreneur – there are definitely a lot more responsibilities. It's important that I'm organized for back to school, especially with getting the kids ready and setting everything up the night before.
My tips are to find a treatment plan that works for you, speak with your doctor, and put systems in place that help you. Like having calendars and certain places where you can put your phone or your house keys so you're not losing things. I have notepads all over the house in every room, so I can write down ideas that come to my mind. Take time in the mornings to center yourself and breathe. When it gets really overwhelming, focus on the beautiful things in your life and your family. Everyone's life is different, but having those tools is really important.
I want to give people hope and inspire them to follow their dreams. Don't be too hard on yourself and know that you're not alone. There's nothing wrong with you — it's just the way your mind works.
— As told to Chandler Plante
Chandler Plante [7] (she/her) is a staff writer and PS Fit Producer. She has over six years of industry experience, previously working as an editorial assistant for People magazine, a social media manager for Millie magazine, and a contributor for Bustle Digital Group. She has a degree in magazine journalism from Syracuse University and is based in Los Angeles.