Our COO’s journey to an ADHD Diagnosis
At July Society, we strive to maintain a culture that fosters real conversations. This is especially important around topics that impact so many of us, like ADHD. With more women being diagnosed later in life, the journey can be long and frustrating, but ultimately validating.
From Left to Right: ZJ Hadley, CEO July Society; Kristin Burns, CMO July Society; Kim Hudson, COO July Society
In the spirit of our upcoming event with ADHD Expert and Communication Coach Gill Forth, our Chief Operating Officer Kim Hudson shared her personal experience on the road to an ADHD diagnosis. If you’ve ever struggled to get a diagnosis or felt unseen in the process, you’re not alone.
This is Kim’s story.
Fighting for a Diagnosis
Hands down, the most frustrating part of this entire process was fighting for a diagnosis—especially with ADHD being so "trendy" on social media right now. But there’s a reason so many millennial women are talking about it: we've been undiagnosed for years.
Once I found the right therapist (thanks to a mandatory step in the process), everything got so much easier. My biggest advice? Never stop advocating for yourself. Be patient, but keep asking questions, exploring options, and repeating your symptoms until someone really hears you.
Don’t like a doctor or intake specialist? Ask for another one.
Don’t like a med? Request a change.
Feel like no one’s listening? Find another way into the system.
Being Diagnosed
Honestly, I wasn’t shocked once I started recognizing the patterns of ADHD symptoms (because, of course, pattern recognition is an ADHD superpower). Luckily, I grew up in an environment that openly discussed mental health, but I know that’s not the case for everyone. For some, getting diagnosed can feel devastating—like they’re just a collection of symptoms rather than a whole person. That breaks my heart.
The hardest part for me was coming to terms with medication being the missing piece. After years of internal shame spirals—plus the added layer of perimenopause—I finally hit a point where enough was enough. Now I’m on Day 2 of meds, and while I can already tell adjustments are needed, I’m so proud of myself for taking this step.
“Never stop advocating for yourself. Be patient, but keep asking questions, exploring options, and repeating your symptoms until someone really hears you.”
The Biggest Shift
Long before my official diagnosis, I knew. And once I fully accepted it, it was like a massive weight of shame lifted off me. For years, I told myself I was just being lazy or wondered, Why can’t I just get it done? What’s wrong with me? But realizing that my struggles weren’t due to a lack of effort or ability—but rather the way my brain is wired—changed everything. It gave me so much more grace and self-acceptance. It’s hard to put into words, but it’s made all the difference.
-Kim Hudson, COO July Society
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
Whether you’ve been through a similar experience or you’re still navigating your own ADHD journey, you’re not alone. Join us with Gill Forth on March 11th to ask questions, get insights, and have a real conversation. We look forward to seeing you there!