This episode is dedicated to Jodi Walsham and to all ADHD adults tragically no longer with us. Jodi's Mother Jayne shares Jodi's story on World Mental Health Day in ADHD Awareness Month to raise awareness about the serious danger to the lives of what is underestimated at 196,000 vulnerable people currently on waiting lists for ADHD assessment in the UK.
It is a common misconception that ADHD is a mental health condition. It is in fact a Neurodevelopmental condition. But in many cases the impact of battling through life with unidentified and unmanaged ADHD, and the trauma this can bring to life circumstances can lead to commonly co-occurring mental health conditions and severe mental health crisis; and as in Jodi's case - who was also awaiting assessment for Autism - the lack of support available resulted in tragedy.
TRIGGER WARNING: There are very triggering topics covered from the very start of this episode, including: suicide, suicidal ideation, self harm, drug addiction, premature loss of life, bullying, relationship struggles, depression, anxiety, self harm, divorce, traffic accidents.
If you are struggling, please do not suffer in silence. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. There is free and immediate support out there so please REACH OUT FOR HELP.
Jayne is heavily involved with the suicide prevention charity Baton of Hope. I am so grateful to Jayne for all of her support and for allowing us to hear about and from her wonderful daughter Jodi.
Love and Scars, written and performed by Jodi Walsham
ADHDAF+ Charity is dedicated to Jodi Walsham, to all of our absent friends and to our 'absent minded' friends, the Leopard Print Army.
Though in its infancy, ADHDAF+ Charity number: 1208650, aims to connect and empower ADHD adults of marginalised genders in England and Wales, with plans to extend into Scotland once we are properly up and running.
The website and domain are currently connecting, but if its not there yet, you will be able to find out more at www.adhdafplus.org.uk and social media will be coming very soon: @adhdafplus
The cover artwork for this episode was selected by Jayne as a fitting tribute to her daughter and to convey the message of this crucial conversation. It was taken on ADHDAF Day '23 by Gem Clack Photography
In a system so broken that people in mental health crisis could be waiting the best part of a decade for life changing and in many cases life saving ADHD assesment, diagnosis and treatment; what we do have is each other.
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