"The whole time?!" - graphic novel
"The whole time?!" - graphic novel
It is not a story about what ADHD is or its symptoms, it is a story about how it feels like to suddenly be able to grasp and understand your brain and realise that there has always been a reason for your struggles that you have spent a lifetime being blamed for and blaming yourself for.
"The whole time?!" is a graphic novel about how at 23 years old I found out I have ADHD.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition manifesting itself in excessive inattention, forgetfulness, impulsivity and emotional dysregulation. It can impact the ability to perform at school or job, or to do so without burning out; the ability to make and maintain friendships, one's financial situation and even makes one more likely to develop substance abuse disorders.
ADHD is widely underdiagnosed amongst women, AFAB people and people of colour as well as other minority groups. Having undiagnosed ADHD leaves people without access to knowledge, treatment and support, making them more likely to develop anxiety, depression, substance abuse disorders, end up in debt and have a pattern of unstable relationships.
I made this novel while awaiting seeing a private specialist, as I was reflecting on all the ways my ADHD has formed my self-perception my entire life. It is an exploration of all the emotions that come along with processing all the unnecessary difficulties, suffering and blame that my past self and childhood self have went through.
“The Whole Time ?!” is a manifestation of a process of grieving who I could have been if I knew the whole time.
