Miranda Solevilla's Story

What were the steps leading up to your diagnosis?

I didn’t have a clue I was ADHD, but had been diagnosed with depression by my primary care physician. My ADHD diagnosis came to light upon having my son evaluated. His therapist was the first to say she believed his ADHD stemmed from me. I didn't take it very well – I thought it had come from his father.

She told me she could explain exactly how she had come to that conclusion, and she hit everything exactly on point. She asked me to consult with a psychiatrist and see what he said. In our very first meeting he came to the exact same conclusion. Still in disbelief, I told my sister what they said and she was shocked, too. But my actions when I was younger, and even now, all make sense now.

What lifestyle changes have you needed to make?

The first changes were accepting that I am an adult with ADHD, who is also clinically depressed, researching everything I could on the condition and then beginning to deal with it. I can’t take ADHD medication because I was born with a serious heart condition called congestive heart failure, so I try to just take my heart meds and depression meds. I try to exercise by biking, swimming and singing, and I try to make lots of mental notes as well, to remember certain things.

Who has been there for you? How?

Honestly, I’ve learned to rely on myself and on God for support. And talking to my therapist helps.

I am married. I actually married my best friend who was supposedly in love with me for eight years. In that time we lived with each other two times before, so nothing was new or a shock to him. I wish I could say he was supportive other than financially, but I cannot. He’s become so distant from us and he had an affair, leaving me hopeless and clinically depressed. I’m trying my best to do whatever I can to help and to support my two boys who are ADHD as well.

What accomplishment are you proud of?

I’m proud that even though I’m ADHD I have always excelled academically, and I have my ECE unit in childcare. I also graduated with honors at the top of my business computerized accounting certification class.

What's your advice to someone else living with ADHD?

If you are blessed or lucky, then I am happy for you, honestly. If you aren’t so lucky, just remember you are God’s son or daughter and he will never give you more to deal with than you can handle. What God’s plan is for you I don’t know... Just always remember to never lose hope and stay faithful in prayer.

Is there anything else we should know?

It’s important to just be you no matter what, because you are special and unique in every way. I will not give up. I have hope, and believe in the power of my prayers. I know who I am and where I stand. And knowledge is power.