A Strictly Come Dancing star has announced that he has been diagnosed with ADHD at age 34. John Whaite, who was runner up on the BBC dancing show in 2021 with Johannes Radebe, has opened up about his health.
John was also a winner of the Great British Bake Off, but has suffered with depression, bulimia and chose to go sober after a rocky relationship with alcohol. On Sunday, July 2, he opened up about being diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, a discovery that he is "grateful" for reports Wales Online.
He shared a photo of himself on Instagram alongside a post discussing the impact his condition had on him growing up and how it feels to have the diagnosis. The condition, as stated by the NHS, is one which "affects people's behaviour, and people with ADHD can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating and may act on impulse."
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Those with ADHD may also "have additional problems, such as sleep and anxiety disorders". John stated: "Am I posting this for a dopamine rush, or to inform? Well, it turns out, a little bit of both. Because I have ADHD, which explains a lot.
"I’ve known my behaviour over the past decade (and my thinking for the past 30-odd years) has not been ‘normal’. I’ve often questioned whether I have some personality disorder, deep-rooted psychological trauma, or just a brain that isn’t quite wired up right.
"I’ve been impulsive and borderline addicted (to sex, porn, shopping, food, drink, drugs), and have made some very questionable decisions. But these weren’t decisions, they were compulsions, because of the neurological functioning inside my head."
He continued: "But it’s not all bad. Because I truly believe it’s my ADHD that has allowed me to become so obsessed and focussed on things I like, that I work hard at them until I’m burnt out.
"While burn-out isn’t great, the skills I’ve garnered and career paths I’ve taken along the way, have been a huge part of my strength and success. And I’m grateful for those chances and opportunities.
"But I’m even more grateful for the knowledge that I have ADHD. Because instantly the shame and guilt can be replaced with conversation - destruction becomes construction. I wasn’t going to share this. I was going to keep it for myself."
John added: "But I know from speaking openly about depression, alcohol use, bulimia, that people can seek comfort from the experiences of others. I know I certainly have.
"So, I may be looking for a dopamine rush here. I may be doing my duty as someone in the public eye to share my lived experience. Either way, make of this what you will.
"I just wish I’d known this sooner, so I could have written about it in my memoir (which has already gone to print), but now when you read it, I think you’ll understand it even better."
After he shared the news, many of John's fans rushed to the comments to offer their support. One wrote: "Hiiii welcome to team spicy brain late diagnosis club! I got diagnosed at 29 and it was life changing and truly such a huge relief to know there’s a reason my brain does what it does xx"
Another said: "Welcome to the club. Am glad your diagnosis has given you more understanding.
"But more made up that you’ve spoken about this publicly, because late diagnosis affects so many people." A third said: "Respect for being open John. It is not easy talking about these things and takes courage."
Whilst another fan said: "So proud of you, always have been always will be!" and "With honesty comes empowerment. And through discussion, acceptance and understanding.
"So proud of you using your platform to break the stigma surrounding behavioural health challenges."
