I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH ADHD AT 37
YOU South Africa|13 May 2021
Always in trouble at school. Dead-end jobs. Failed relationships. James Bloodworth often wondered why he found life so difficult. Then four months ago, a psychiatrist gave him the answer – and a new way of looking at the world. He shares his story
I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH ADHD AT 37

I’D GIVEN up. No amount of willpower was enough. Every time I sat down at the computer I got up again soon after, the empty Word document a shameful testament to my lack of focus.

Some days I didn’t make it to my desk. It felt as if my thoughts were written down on Post-it notes, hundreds of Post-it notes that were swirling around in a giant wind tunnel. I was in the wind tunnel too, frantically grabbing at each slip of paper. I was supposed to be a writer. But I was a writer who didn’t write. Instead I lay in bed, paralysed with ennui and despair.

I kidded myself that this mental shutdown was a result of lockdown. It was November 2020 and a second wave of Covid-19 was coming. Everyone was struggling to concentrate, I told myself, I’d probably be fine once things settled down again.

However, in my case this had been building up for years. Blaming it on Covid was a coping mechanism, one final dogged rationalisation. It was time to see someone about it, whatever “it” was.

I had hit a similar wall during my schooldays. I knew I was different. My brain was frenetic. Sometimes frenetic and at other times like a sieve.

It’s striking how often the same comments appear in my school reports, year after year. “Prone to interrupting”, “poor presentation”, “great difficulty concentrating”, “easily distracted”.

These evolved into disciplinary problems as the years trickled by. I went from distracted child to problem child. I thought I was dyslexic for a while. I couldn’t spell and my handwriting was illegible. Other kids would write sentences, whereas I’d put squiggly lines on paper. I was that familiar classroom underachiever: disorganised, often surly, always lost in a world of my own.

This story is from the 13 May 2021 edition of YOU South Africa.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the 13 May 2021 edition of YOU South Africa.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM YOU SOUTH AFRICAView All
HE'S GOT THE LOOK!
YOU South Africa

HE'S GOT THE LOOK!

His startled expression has turned Russian cat Fedya into an internet sensation

time-read
3 mins  |
28 March 2024
ROYALS AT WORK
YOU South Africa

ROYALS AT WORK

Here’s a look at the dwindling family members who make up Charles’ right-hand team

time-read
5 mins  |
28 March 2024
IT'S MY HAPPY COLOUR
YOU South Africa

IT'S MY HAPPY COLOUR

The woman known as the Green Lady just can’t get enough of her favourite shade

time-read
3 mins  |
28 March 2024
IT'S MY TIME TO SHINE
YOU South Africa

IT'S MY TIME TO SHINE

After years of slogging in Hollywood, Colman Domingo is revelling in the glory his role in Rustin has brought him

time-read
5 mins  |
28 March 2024
IRON LUNG, IRON WILL
YOU South Africa

IRON LUNG, IRON WILL

HIS life changed forever one summer day in 1952. Paul Alexander was six years old and cooling off in light rain outside his family home when his head and neck began to hurt.

time-read
5 mins  |
28 March 2024
WHY DID HE DO THIS TO OUR GIRLS?
YOU South Africa

WHY DID HE DO THIS TO OUR GIRLS?

A trusted figure in their community was found guilty of murdering their daughthers, but the two devastated families are still struggling to find closure

time-read
4 mins  |
28 March 2024
HE HIJACKED MY LIFE
YOU South Africa

HE HIJACKED MY LIFE

Abby Furness’ world was turned upside down when a stranger began impersonating her online, sending explicit messages to colleagues and friends.

time-read
10+ mins  |
28 March 2024
5 MINUTE FIXES
YOU South Africa

5 MINUTE FIXES

Don’t have much time to exercise? No problem! These super-quick workouts mean you can improve your fitness, strength and posture in the time it takes to make a cup of tea

time-read
5 mins  |
28 March 2024
THE JOY OF SELENA
YOU South Africa

THE JOY OF SELENA

After years of illness and mental health problems the Disney darling is finally in a really good place COMPILED

time-read
4 mins  |
28 March 2024
TAKE THAT CROCODILE!
YOU South Africa

TAKE THAT CROCODILE!

When Anthony was attacked in a dam on a weekend break, his fearless family and friends had no intention of losing him to the bloodthirsty beast

time-read
4 mins  |
28 March 2024