The Virtual Confessional

The day of my ADHD diagnosis was a collision of fear and hope. As a Latina, I grappled with the cultural stigmas around mental health, fearing judgment and misunderstanding. Yet, the virtual space became my confessional, a place where my experiences and fears were met with validation and understanding. My doctor’s assurance felt like a beacon of light, guiding me through the fog of years spent questioning my abilities and worth.

A Journey of Healing and Advocacy

Choosing not to pursue medication was a decision that aligned best with my personal health, instead, I turned to mindfulness, creating systems to help me, supplements, and avoiding certain foods. I know not taking medications is not for everyone, but it was the best choice for me.

A Call to My Community

For too long, ADHD in Latina and Latino communities has been shrouded in silence, compounded by misdiagnoses and cultural misconceptions. Studies suggest that ADHD is underdiagnosed in Hispanic children, with a significant disparity in the recognition and treatment of the disorder compared to their non-Hispanic counterparts. This gap reflects a broader issue of accessibility and awareness in mental health within our communities.

To those who see their reflections in my story, know this: seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Your experiences are valid, your struggles are real, and your journey towards healing is deserving of support.

Additional Resources:

• Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD): A leading nonprofit organization providing information, advocacy, and support for individuals with ADHD. Their website offers a wealth of resources, including a dedicated section on understanding ADHD in adults. Visit CHADD’s website
• Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA): ADDA specializes in adult ADHD and offers resources for diagnosis, treatment, and living with ADHD, including webinars, virtual support groups, and articles. Visit ADDA’s website
• Understood: This organization offers support for individuals with learning and attention issues. Their website includes articles on ADHD in children and adults, with practical advice on dealing with school, work, and daily life. Visit Understood’s website
• Latino Behavioral Health Institute (LBHI): While not exclusively focused on ADHD, LBHI provides resources and research on mental health issues affecting the Latino community, advocating for culturally competent care and access to services. Visit LBHI’s website
• “The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma” by Bessel van der Kolk: While not solely about ADHD, this book offers invaluable insights into how trauma impacts mental health and can be a useful resource for understanding the interplay between ADHD, anxiety, and trauma.