Jess Phillips' story is one of remarkable transformation, a journey from the depths of addiction to a place of clarity and self-understanding, particularly in relation to her ADHD. Her early life, while seemingly stable with supportive parents and involvement in sports, was also marked by a sense of not feeling emotionally safe.
This, combined with her hyperactive and impulsive nature, laid the groundwork for struggles that would surface later.
In her teens, Jess's difficulties with concentration and a lack of interest in school became apparent. This period of her life culminated in substance misuse, leading to a cycle of addiction.
At the age of 21, Jess began her journey to sobriety, a challenging process of rebuilding her life from the ground up, having dropped out of school and without a driver's license or money.
After a second stint in rehab, Jess returned to education, earned her diploma, and then went to university. She then found herself working at the same treatment center where she had been a client.
This experience led her to a path of working with others facing similar struggles. She also began to notice a pattern of addictive behaviours in her own life, such as over-exercising and compulsive dating, she realised that her problem was not just with drugs and alcohol but also with deeper issues.
This realisation propelled her into a deeper exploration of her mental health and led to a diagnosis of ADHD in her early 30s. It was a "gut punch" at first, but it also helped her to connect many of the dots in her life, recognising that her neurodivergence played a significant role in her struggles.
Jess then shifted her focus to coaching, originally helping women in and out of recovery with binge eating, before it evolved into helping people understand their childhood experiences and attachment styles.
Her journey is a testament to the power of self-discovery, acknowledging the influence of childhood experiences, and understanding the core issues underlying addiction.
She learned to manage her ADHD through a combination of strategies including diet and exercise, which she says are crucial for maintaining her focus and emotional regulation. Exercise, particularly in the mornings, became an essential tool, allowing her to align her brain, she also recognises the importance of a diet free from processed foods.
In personal relationships, she recognised the impact of ADHD, noticing how she would get excited about seeing friends and then forget about them when they were not in her immediate vicinity. She learned the importance of knowing what she needed in relationships, and being comfortable with her independence.
Jess's story illustrates that with self-awareness, acceptance, and the right tools, it is possible to move from chaos to clarity, turning past struggles into strengths, and creating a fulfilling life despite the challenges of ADHD and addiction.
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