Canberra woman embraces ADHD, inspiring others with disabilities

Cathrine Mupangure, a 25-year-old social worker from Canberra, shares her experience of growing up with undiagnosed ADHD. She reflects on how cultural expectations and racial identity made her struggles even more challenging. Growing up, Cathrine faced difficulties with everyday tasks like showering and cleaning her room. She felt immense pressure to meet the expectations of her family and community. If she didn't, she was often seen as lazy or careless. These feelings persisted into her adulthood until she received an ADHD diagnosis at the age of 22. In her teens and early adulthood, Cathrine battled depression and strained relationships. She felt overwhelmed by responsibilities and struggled to take care of herself. It was during a podcast that she recognized her symptoms aligned with ADHD, leading her to seek professional help. After changing doctors, she finally received an accurate diagnosis after a year of searching. Receiving this diagnosis brought Cathrine a sense of validation and understanding. She learned that her challenges were linked to ADHD, not personal failings. It allowed her to seek support and connect with others who shared similar experiences. Today, Cathrine embraces her ADHD and the qualities it brings to her life, such as adaptability and authenticity. She recognizes the uniqueness of her cultural background and hopes to inspire other women of color to share their own stories. Cathrine believes it’s important to create spaces where people can discuss their experiences and understand that it's okay to exist as they are.