The author recounts their journey of navigating through youth and young adulthood while unaware of the emotional struggles they were facing, all while feeling the pressure to succeed and meet their family’s expectations. They reflect on the lack of cultural competence among the professionals they encountered, leading to difficulties in understanding and addressing their emotional issues. The author acknowledges that anxiety and ADHD often coexist, with overlapping symptoms that made it challenging to pinpoint the exact cause of their emotional discomfort.
After six years of treating anxiety, the author was diagnosed with ADHD in 2023, which brought clarity to their negative qualities that were actually connected to attention deficit. With the diagnosis came an understanding of ADHD-related traits like time blindness and rejection sensitive dysphoria, shedding light on the origins of their quirks. Having a diagnosis empowered the author to take control of their path forward, finding the right mix of treatment and medication to prioritize emotional well-being.
The author, a journalist, acknowledges the ongoing journey of managing anxiety in a fast-paced and stressful news business while striving for a well-rounded life outside of work. They emphasize the importance of relying on loved ones for support, which was a challenge initially due to fear of being too much to handle. The author is dedicated to not being miserable, rather than seeking a recipe for happiness, and encourages others to reach out and talk to someone about their struggles.
During Hispanic Heritage Month and in honor of World Mental Health Day, the author highlights the disparity in mental health treatment access for Hispanic/Latinx adults and encourages those facing similar struggles to seek help. They stress the healing power of community support, especially in times of societal pressure, and emphasize the importance of reciprocating support to those who remain constant in one’s life. The author recognizes the value of seeking help and being part of a supportive community in overcoming challenges and maintaining emotional well-being.
