In this episode, Eric is joined by Lorri Hollingsworth who was officially diagnosed with combined-type ADHD about two-and-a-half years ago at the age of 64, having reached retirement without suspecting any neurodivergence. Yet, she always felt herself to be the “misfit” given the expectations set by friends, family, coworkers, and society at large, and forever assumed the role of “Inadvertent Perpetrator” with all the guilt inherent therein. Lorri will share her journey shaped by the absence of an ADHD diagnosis in early childhood, which inevitably led to numerous comorbidities over the decades, as well as the never-expected hope that she now experiences for her future.
You’ll hear about the different comorbidities that were discovered before Lorri’s ADHD diagnosis, how her husband of over 35 years aided in Lorri getting diagnosed, her journey of the ways her diagnosis changed the way she viewed her past, and the dynamics of her environment growing up undiagnosed. You’ll also hear about Lorri’s thrill of a challenge, and her journey through unhealthy eating behaviors, OCD, depression, anxiety, and more. Lastly, you’ll hear about the importance of learning, self-awareness, and forgiveness to move forward.
Questions Answered & Memorable Moments in this Episode:
- Lorri goes in depth about how important it is to get more stories of seniors getting diagnosed.
- What was it that led Lorri to get the diagnosis?
- “I think the persistent leaving of cabinets and drawers open should be part of the diagnostic criteria!” – Eric
- “…unless somebody does something drastic to get your attention, they don’t have your attention.” – Lorri
- Mentioned here: https://drgabormate.com/book/scattered-minds/
- How we show up in relationships: Is that a product of our environment, or does ADHD sometimes get in the way?
- “I, .as far back as I can remember, have been a ‘loner’.” – Lorri
- At 64, you’ve been through a lot of stuff, so why does it matter now (to get diagnosed)?
- “If you love your life, it’s worth the work.” – Lorri
- “You have to forgive yourself, and you have to forgive the people that might have contributed inadvertently to you being in that place. Forgiveness is so important.” – Lorri
