From childhood learning delays to climbing school buildings “just for fun,” the signs of Felicity Henry’s ADHD were always there—but never recognized. Diagnosed at 32 after years of anxiety, perfectionism, and self-blame, this mother of two and two-time Survivor contestant now channels her journey into studying counselling, determined to ensure others receive the early intervention and understanding she desperately needed as a child. This is Felicity’s story.
My name is Felicity. I’m 32, a mum of two boys, and I was only recently diagnosed with ADHD this year. Looking back, the signs were there my whole entire life, but like many women my age, I grew up in a time when ADHD wasn’t recognised, especially in girls.
Early Signs
At an early age, I had learning delays and had a session with a speech pathologist. In the report, they wrote: “Felicity cannot sit still, she struggles to hold a 1-to-1 conversation, she keeps fidgeting throughout and looking out the window.”
The signs were there, but still no one ever connected the dots. This continued throughout my whole life. By primary school, I was always in trouble and constantly talkative in class. I always remember day dreaming aswell and not being able to pay attention. When I was in 4th grade, I climbed a two-storey building at school just for fun. I got detention but couldn’t understand why.
That sense of being misunderstood became a constant in my life.
Teenage Years
As a teenager I struggled a lot with anxiety. I didn’t know how to regulate my emotions or talk about my feelings, so I kept everything inside. Alcohol, substances, and thrill seeking became my way to cope, which often put me in unsafe situations. I won’t even go on about some of the things I did, and situations I was in as a teenager. Absolutely wild (and I will probably have to write a book one day about it all!).
Sport, however, was my outlet. It was where I felt capable, confident and happier. (Obviously getting a natural hit of Dopamine and Serotonin!). I didn’t think of myself as academic or artistic, but on the field I could truly shine.
I also loved being social and connecting with people, though I felt deeply if someone didn’t like me, always wondering what I’d done wrong, even if I had not done anything wrong at all.
Challenges and Growth
I spent my early adult years on antidepressants, anxiety medication, and sleeping tablets due to insomnia. I struggled deeply but always had the drive to do and be more. That drive to challenge myself led me to appear on Survivor, twice. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done (at the time), but also the most rewarding. It proved I could endure tough moments and come out stronger, marking a huge shift in my life.
Diagnosis and Understanding
Before becoming a mum, I did a lot of inner work and often suspected ADHD especially after reading all of the symptoms. But the cost of assessment and the stigma of late diagnosis held me back.
Some people dismiss it as a “trend,” but for me it was never that. I have struggled with Mental Health my whole life due to not being diagnosed and never receiving the support I desperately needed as a child.
I then became a perfectionist, I was always pushing myself to do more and be better, terrified people would see my flaws. My diagnosis gave me clarity. It helped me stop blaming myself and start understanding myself and not needing everyone to like me. I am who I am and I am proud of that and now I can heal myself, heal my inner child, and make sure my boys grow up feeling understood and supported no matter what.
Today
I’m now studying counselling and extremely passionate about early intervention. I want others to know: It’s never too late to be diagnosed, never too late to learn about yourself, and never too late to thrive.
My ADHD doesn’t define me, but it explains me. And with that understanding, I can move forward with compassion and teach my children and others to do the same.
- Felicity Henry
Every ADHD Story Is Different
Explore more from our ADHD Unscripted series
Oli Steven Unscripted: Finding My Pace
Adrien Koning Unscripted: Becoming the Calm in a Crisis
Meagan Cooke Unscripted: Little Miss Scatterbrain Meets Her Diagnosis
Felicity Everest Unscripted: The Balancing Act of AuDHD
