Living with ADHD: Amanda's Journey to Diagnosis [S6 E208]

Listen to the full episode below:

Just like our students are unique and have brains that work in all different ways, the same is true for us as teachers. The more information that we have about our students, and ourselves, the better we can support them and appreciate their individuality. 

Today it’s just me, Amanda, and I’m taking a risk as I get incredibly vulnerable behind the mic. I’ve had suspicions that I may have ADHD and decided to start my journey towards a diagnosis so that I can figure out how my brain works and make improvements in my physical and mental health.

Statistically, there are so many high-achieving women who were never diagnosed with ADHD when they were younger and I know many of you are faced with the same challenges I am. So, I’ve decided to document my experience of being tested for ADHD.

Inside this episode, you’ll hear live snippets of each step of the process from the tests I went through to the recording of a call with my doctor where she shares my results and next-step recommendations.

While this was extremely scary to share with you, I’m proud of myself for doing it. I hope it encourages you to take similar steps if you are struggling in any way with your mental health, whether that involves ADHD or something else. Here’s to loving ourselves exactly as we are!

Topics Discussed:

  • Why I wanted to go through this diagnosis process 

  • The steps I’ve taken that led to my ADHD diagnosis

  • The connection between ADHD and anxiety/depression

  • What the tests were like, and which ones were especially draining for me

  • The power in seeking out information to support our students with ADHD

  • Results of my ADHD testing, and how I can use this information moving forward

  • Pros and cons of ADHD medication

Resources Mentioned:

check out other bnt episodes:

More about Brave New Teaching:

Join hosts Amanda Cardenas (Mud & Ink Teaching) and Marie Morris (The Caffeinated Classroom) in discussions about being brave, trying new things, and all things teaching! As seasoned classroom teachers, Amanda and Marie bring their experience, insight, energy, and oh, so many opinions and ideas... It's time for all teachers to take their classroom and teaching practice into their own hands!

Tune in on your favorite podcast apps like Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher.

Amanda Cardenasinterview, inspiration