Dr Alex George shared his recent attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis with fans this evening [October 5].
The former Love Island star, 31, recalls years of feeling different to others but feared being labelled and judged, with the NHS doctor going on to express a dislike for the term 'disorder' - telling his Instagram followers: "Why would I want to be known as having a 'disorder'?"
Dr Alex credits a conversation with musician Toddla T - husband of Annie Mac - with giving him the strength to 'stop burying my head in the sand' and look for an answer to why he often handles situations differently to other people, and reveals he has now officially been diagnosed with ADHD following assessments over recent months.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects people's behaviour. People with ADHD can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating and may act on impulse. People with ADHD may also have additional problems, such as sleep and anxiety disorders.
"This isn’t an easy one to write. I am sat on my bed and I’m not 100% sure where to start," the star begins in a post shared to his Instagram account earlier today [October 5].
"I have suspected for most of my teenage and adult life that I’m not the same as a lot of the others around me.
"I struggled when others did not, and thrived where others found challenge. I have tried to hide and also conform for most of my life. Why? My fear has always been that I don’t want to be labelled and judged.
"Why would I want to be known as having a 'disorder'.
He goes on to say: "The tipping point for me to finally see someone was my Stompcast conversation with Toddla T, who gave me the strength to stop burying my head in the sand and look for some answers.
"Over the last few months I have been undergoing assessment for, and have now been ‘diagnosed’ with, ‘Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder."
Dr Alex - who appeared on Love Island in 2018 - then went on to declare he has issues with the word 'disorder' - telling his Instagram followers he will explain he reasons for doing so 'another day'.
He continues to reveal it's been a 'weird few weeks' getting used to his recent diagnosis, adding: "I'm not exactly sure why, I'm the same Alex and I shouldn't feel any different."
"I think some of the reflection and even sadness comes from a realisation that I'm 31, and only now beginning to understand why I am as I am," he poignantly continues. "How many other young Alex's are out there, who are asking themselves 'What's wrong with me? Why am I different?' or even worse being punished for being them."
Dr Alex signed off his candid update telling his fans he still needs time to 'reflect and gather my thoughts' and thanked them for their love and kindness, as he pondered how neurodivergent people are often expected to fit neatly into a certain box society expects them to be able to do so.
The star's followers rushed the comment section to flood the doctor with support, with one writing: "Many of the best people I know have ADHD, displayed in many different ways. Strength over stigma. Thank you for sharing."
The exact cause of ADHD is unknown, but the condition has been shown to run in families. ADHD can occur in people of any intellectual ability.
Solange Knowles, Paris Hilton, Love Island's Olivia Attwood and Spice Girl Mel B have all previously spoken about being diagnosed with the condition.
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