Hi! I’m Gabby. I was treated and misdiagnosed as bipolar 2 for 16 years, and just received the proper diagnosis (ADHD and autism) and treatment at 36 y/o.

I’ve dealt with immense grief and am still perpetually misunderstood. I thought sharing my story would help others, but it’s led to me falling deeper into despair.

I’ve been met with editors telling me to omit the misdiagnosis and underdiagnosis statistics of ADHD among women (especially among Black women). It’s funny (not really) that it’s “mental health awareness” this and that until the truly grotesque components are uncomfortable. Mental illness isn’t pretty, and it’s a bummer to be told my literal lived in nightmare is too much for publishing.

The anger and sorrow I feel for not “looking” the part (ADHD and autism) is devastating. Here’s to drowning while not looking like it. 🙃🥳