Mind, Body and Soul - Interview With Penny Jarrett
Struggling to make sense of her constant mood swings, paranoia and anxiety, Mental Health Blogger, Penny Jarrett was shocked to discover that she had in fact ADHD at the age of 30. Now a Wellness Coach and Youth Mentor, Penny breakdowns the stigma surrounding Mental Health and why ADHD awareness is so important.
Why is the subject of mental health so important to you?
Penny: I’ve always wanted to help women as my mum suffered from Mental Health issues growing up and it affected me. I didn’t realise throughout my childhood that she was struggling and her lifestyle choices that eventually led to her death. It’s for this reason why I am so passionate about helping people and raising awareness. Hopefully readers of my blog will be able to relate to me as someone with ADHD and believe they not are doomed or stupid which are some of the feelings I initially felt. That’s why the subject matter is so important to me.
How would you define your role?
I speak to people about things that they don’t understand about themselves, so that they can be happier and experience life for the amazing gift that it is.
What has been your personal experience with mental illness?
When I was first diagnosed with ADHD, it was the first time in my life I really understood what mental health entailed. Through my younger years whether it was at school or university, no one spoke about mental health in a positive way. Reflecting on the past, I think if I understood Mental Health, I would of been able to get to my purpose and calling a lot quicker. But God always brings things back to together, He always turns around things for his good. Even if you go off path, if you come back, He will make your journey even greater. Being diagnosed with ADHD and c-PTSD a year later, I now know who I am. I’ve put boundaries where there weren’t none and turned my life around.
“I was told only young children get ADHD which made me furious”
When did you discovered that you had ADHD?
I was constant battling with heightened feelings of hopeless, especially around that time of the month. I decided once and for all to seek professional help. Initially, I consulted with a private doctor. He was 97% sure that I had in fact severe ADHD and advised that I get referred to an Autism and ADHD specialist. I went to my GP surgery for a referral and one of my doctors downplayed my medical concerns. I was told only young school boys get ADHD which made me furious. But after persistence, I did eventually get referred to a specialist.
Why do you think ADHD goes undetected in women?
Penny: Girls who experience ADHD, the condition manifests in inner hyperactivity such as overthinking and low esteem. And this is why it’s undetected, because some doctors don’t believe women can have it and will often confuse the symptoms with anxiety and depression which are some of the traits of ADHD. I think there needs to be more awareness. There needs to be a mental wellness curriculum. People need to know common neurological differences and its characteristics so they can spot it in others or manage themselves better.
“We need a mental wellness curriculum to understand ourselves and others better.”
What advice would you give to someone struggling to come to terms with a recent ADHD diagnosis?
There are a lot of great ADHD resources, blogs and websites out there. Google is a great place to start. The charity, Samaritans are always available to talk to you about your mental health. Talking to loved ones can also really help. Not everyone will be supportive due to misconceptions about mental health but it’s important to walk in your truth. Your relationships will be strengthened when you’re honest with others. It’s all about raising awareness, people will understand you better. Knowledge and discussion could eventually lead to your loved ones being able to recognise symptoms and empathise with other people within their spheres.
Follow Penny on Instagram at @pennybelle
Words by
Rochelle King
Photography
Yasmin Rona
