Recognizing ADHD in Adulthood: “I Thought It Was Just Me”
For many adults, an ADHD diagnosis later in life doesn’t just explain years of struggle—it reshapes the story they’ve been telling themselves.
They may have spent decades adapting, masking, and pushing through, wondering why they always felt different. Why deadlines were overwhelming. Why conversations drifted. Why emotions felt so intense. Why they could be incredibly focused on things they loved but unable to complete simple daily tasks.
They were often told they were “too sensitive,” “not working hard enough,” or “just disorganized.” Many internalized these messages, assuming something was wrong with them.
For late-diagnosed women, these challenges often look different. ADHD has historically been underdiagnosed in women because research focused on boys with hyperactivity, leaving many women misdiagnosed—or overlooked entirely. Instead of externalized hyperactivity, their symptoms may have shown up as perfectionism, anxiety, or chronic overwhelm.
An ADHD diagnosis can bring relief, validation, and frustration all at once—relief in finally having answers, frustration in wondering why it took so long to be recognized. But the diagnosis is just the beginning. Therapy can help bridge the gap between understanding ADHD and learning how to work with it.
How ADHD Shows Up Differently in Late-Diagnosed Women
Women with ADHD are more likely to:
Mask their symptoms by developing high-functioning coping strategies.
Experience more internalized symptoms (overthinking, emotional sensitivity, rejection sensitivity) rather than externalized hyperactivity.
Feel exhausted from overcompensating—pushing themselves harder to keep up.
Struggle with perfectionism and imposter syndrome, assuming everyone else has it “figured out.”
Have difficulty prioritizing and following through on tasks, leading to overwhelm and self-doubt.
These patterns often go unnoticed because women with ADHD don’t always “look” like they’re struggling—but they’re constantly managing a mental load that feels overwhelming.
How Therapy Can Help Adults with ADHD
ADHD therapy isn’t about “fixing” attention issues—it’s about helping you work with your brain, not against it.
Therapy provides:
Executive Function Strategies – Practical tools to improve time management, organization, and follow-through.
Emotional Regulation Support – Understanding how ADHD impacts sensitivity, frustration tolerance, and rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD).
Unlearning Self-Blame – Shifting from “I’m lazy” to “I process tasks differently” and developing self-compassion.
Breaking the Cycle of Overwhelm & Avoidance – Learning how to approach tasks without the all-or-nothing pressure.
Navigating Work & Relationships with ADHD – Understanding how ADHD influences communication, career challenges, and personal interactions.
What to Expect in ADHD Therapy
Therapy is a space where you don’t have to explain why you struggle with things that seem “easy” for others. We already get it.
Personalized Approach – Therapy is tailored to your specific experiences, strengths, and challenges.
Evidence-Based Strategies – Sessions integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Executive
Function Coaching, and Mindfulness-Based Techniques.
A Judgment-Free Space – Therapy isn’t about “getting it together”—it’s about understanding how your brain works and finding strategies that feel sustainable.
Many late-diagnosed adults describe ADHD therapy as the first time they’ve truly felt seen and understood.
Start Your ADHD Therapy Journey
You don’t have to navigate ADHD alone. Therapy can help you understand your brain, build confidence, and create strategies that work for you.
We offer virtual and in-person ADHD therapy in NW & SE Calgary.
Book a consultation today to explore how ADHD therapy can support you.