My Journey with ADHD and being a young refugee
Hey hey! I’m a young person who has navigated the complexities of living with ADHD while also adapting to life as a refugee.
My story is one of resilience, struggle, and ultimately, growth. I’d like to share that journey with you, hoping it might resonate or help others in similar situations.
A Childhood in Chaos
Imagine being a kid and suddenly having to leave everything behind because of war. One day, I was playing football with my friends, and the next, I found myself in a completely different country.
The memories of home—family, delicious food, familiar sounds and smells—were all I had to cling to. Adjusting to this new life was a monumental task. I didn’t know the language, the culture was unfamiliar, and to top it all off, I had ADHD. For me, ADHD can feel like having a mind that never stops racing. Concentrating in school or staying organised was a constant struggle.
The ADHD Struggle
Living with ADHD is like having a thousand TV channels playing in your head at the same time. Focusing on just one is nearly impossible.
In school, this meant I was often fidgeting, daydreaming, or losing track of assignments. Some teachers didn’t understand and thought I was just being disruptive.
One aspect of living with ADHD that often goes unnoticed is masking. Masking is when you hide your symptoms to fit in better. For me, this meant constantly trying to appear calm and focused when inside I was anything but.
It was exhausting, and it felt like I was living a double life. But over time, I learned the importance of embracing my true self and finding environments where I could be open about my ADHD. But I didn’t let ADHD hold me back. I found ways to cope, like breaking tasks into smaller, manageable pieces, and using colorful sticky notes and visual aids to stay organised. It wasn’t easy, but these strategies helped.
Turning Challenges into Advocacy
My experiences as a refugee with ADHD sparked a passion for helping others. I realised many kids out there face similar struggles. So, I became an advocate for social change, human rights, refugees, and youth empowerment. I started speaking at events, sharing my story, and working with organizations to make a difference.
One thing I always say is, “Home is not a place, it is my memories”. For me, home is the collection of all the moments and experiences that have shaped me. It’s the purple flower in my hand, symbolising the beauty I’ve found amid chaos.
Finding My Tribe
Throughout my journey, I’ve been lucky to have a strong support system. My family, friends, and mentors have been my rock. They believed in me even when things were tough. Connecting with others who faced similar challenges has also been a huge source of strength.
Looking Ahead
As I look to the future, I’m excited about continuing my advocacy work. I dream of a world where every kid, no matter where they come from or what challenges they face, has the chance to reach their full potential. I want to keep sharing my story, raising awareness, and helping create a better world for all of us.
So, that’s a bit about me. Life has thrown a lot my way, but I’ve learned that our challenges don’t define us—it’s how we respond to them that really matters. If my story can inspire even one person to keep going, then it’s all worth it.