Update 11/11/2023: Due to various factors the date of my challenge cannot go ahead on 22nd November and will now go ahead on 22nd February. Thank you so much to everyone who has donated so far 🙏🏼🧡

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On 22nd November 2022, I was diagnosed with Combined Type ADHD. I'd only been aware of ADHD being something adults and women could be diagnosed with about a year before, and until then I'd spent my entire life believing I was a useless, stupid, lazy person that self medicated with over the counter drugs, incapable of pulling together any sort of healthy structure, with awful mood swings, debt inducing money management, disordered eating, anxiety, debilitating migraines and sleep issues.

And honestly, although some days it doesn't feel like it, I'm one of the lucky ones. My partner, family, friends, GP and employer have all been supportive, my diagnosis and access to medication and coaching has been obtained through a lens of privilege and this is not the case for so many. Whilst any money raised will be unable to go directly to those seeking an ADHD diagnosis and support, it will be going to an amazing charity.

ADHD Adult UK provide psychoeducational content and resources through academic and lived experience, have created a community which is a safe space for ADHD adults, raise public awareness and advocate for Adult ADHD through engaging with policymakers. They are providing a lifeline where institutions are failing, and are part of the reason I have been able to understand my diagnosis, educate myself and build better self awareness.

And if that hasn't convinced you we should care more about ADHD then here are a few stats surrounding the condition when it is unsupported:

- Adult ADHD assessment wait times upto 7 years in some areas, and some NHS trusts have closed their waiting lists altogether, preventing access to diagnosis, support and medication.

- Prevalence of ADHD in prisons is 20x higher than the wider population, undiagnosed, unmanaged and unmedicated ADHD increases risk of offending and reoffending.

- Adults with ADHD are at higher risk of suicide, men are 5 times more likely (14% vs 2.7% without ADHD) to make an attempt on their own life, and rising to 1 in 4 (25%) in women.

- Adults with ADHD have a 42%–47% increased rate of serious transport accidents compared with individuals without ADHD, in both men and women.

So in a bid to support my neurodivergent gang I've set myself a triathlon style challenge to celebrate my one year diagnosiversary on 22nd November 2023, which ended 36 years of the unknown, and I'd love it if you could throw some pennies my way!

Laura's ADHD 36athlon

Fundraising Goal: 36x36= £1296

Between now and 21/11/23, as part of my training I will complete and log at least:

- 36 swims of 36 lengths

- 36 runs of 3.6 miles

- 36 bike rides of 3.6 miles

Finishing with my 36athlon on 22/11/23: 0.5m swim, 5.5m run, 30m bike ride.

For comparison an Olympic standard triathlon is: 0.9m swim, 24.9m bike, and 6.2m run. I have about 30 weeks, almost zero executive function, and I'm horribly unfit... wish me luck!!! 😂💪🏼

Laura 🧡

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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects 2.5% of adults. it is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterised by a pattern of behaviours which usually appear in childhood. The symptoms of ADHD can be categorised into 2 types of behavioural problems: inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness, with many people with ADHD falling into both these categories. Many adults with ADHD struggle with everyday activites and need information, support and guidance to help them lead happier and more fulfilled lives.

ADHDadultUK provides support for adults with ADHD (or those with ADHD symptoms) through psychoeducation, an online community forum and The ADHD Adults Podcast. Our aim is to support all adults who require it, and to build community around and public awareness of ADHD.