TikTok Sparks Life-Changing ADHD Diagnosis for Dublin Mother

A 30-year-old mother from Dublin, Lauren Steele Hegarty, discovered her lifelong struggles with focus and organization stemmed from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) after a chance encounter on TikTok. This moment of realization led her to seek a diagnosis and ultimately transformed her understanding of herself and her experiences.

Scrolling through TikTok, Lauren encountered a video featuring a woman discussing her own ADHD. As she listened, Lauren recognized familiar behaviors in herself, igniting a desire to explore the possibility of being diagnosed. Reflecting on her school years, she recalled frequent comments about her distractibility.

“Growing up in school, I often struggled with distractions,” Lauren explained. She noted that her report cards consistently highlighted her inability to focus, leading teachers to seat her at the front of the class. After following content creators who share their ADHD experiences, Lauren felt compelled to pursue an assessment.

She underwent a private evaluation and received her diagnosis on July 22, 2022, scoring 53 out of 54 on the assessment scale, indicating severe ADHD. Although the process was costly, she felt it was invaluable, providing clarity about her struggles with friendships, household tasks, and emotional sensitivity.

“It all makes sense to me now,” she said. The diagnosis validated her experiences and illuminated the challenges she faced daily, such as starting tasks only to be sidetracked by distractions.

In school, Lauren was not perceived as a disruptive student; rather, she was well-behaved, often organizing her materials meticulously to avoid work. This behavior, however, sometimes led to bullying as peers labeled her a “teacher’s pet.” Despite the numerous signs present during her childhood, neither teachers nor family suggested that she might have ADHD.

Understanding ADHD and Its Impact

After receiving her diagnosis, Lauren began to approach her emotional responses and daily challenges from a new perspective. She described feeling overwhelmed by seemingly minor stimuli and heightened emotions that could lead to tears over small incidents.

“Since my diagnosis, I’ve started handling these moments differently,” she noted. Lauren now takes a moment to reflect on whether her reactions are appropriate, comparing them to those of others without ADHD. This newfound awareness has helped her navigate the complexities of everyday life, including household chores and meal preparation.

Despite the difficulties, Lauren considers the advantages of her condition. She believes that the hyperfocus associated with ADHD can be a “superpower” in certain situations. For instance, she recently dedicated five hours to completing overdue orders for her small business, an accomplishment made possible by her ability to concentrate intensely under pressure.

Raising Awareness and Sharing Experiences

Lauren has become an advocate for ADHD awareness, particularly among adults who may not recognize their symptoms. She emphasized the importance of understanding the condition, as many women mask their symptoms, causing delays in diagnosis.

“The diagnosis brought answers and helped me understand myself better,” she said, reflecting on the positive feedback she received after sharing her journey on TikTok. Her openness has fostered connections with others who were diagnosed later in life, encouraging conversations that help reduce the stigma surrounding ADHD.

According to estimates, approximately 56,000 people in Ireland are affected by ADHD, which falls under the broader category of neurodivergent conditions. Symptoms can vary widely among individuals, with some experiencing difficulties in concentration, organization, and impulse control.

As Lauren continues to navigate her daily life with ADHD, she has learned to manage her challenges while embracing the unique aspects of her condition. She hopes that by sharing her story, others may find the courage to seek diagnosis and understanding, ultimately promoting greater awareness of ADHD in adults.