Strictly's John Whaite opens up about ADHD
Strictly Come Dancing finalist and The Great British Bake Off winner John Whaite has opened up about living with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).
The star, who often presents on Steph's Packed Lunch nowadays, explained that a lot of his past behaviour makes more sense to him now with the knowledge that he has the condition.
"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," he wrote on his Instagram page.
Related: Former Bake Off host Sue Perkins shares ADHD diagnosis
"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.
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John's post went on to state that he thinks having the condition "is not all bad" for him and that knowing he has ADHD has been very important, writing: "I truly believe it's my ADHD that has allowed me to become so obsessed and focused 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.
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"I wasn't going to share this. I was going to keep it for myself. 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."
He finished off his post by stating that he only found out about having the condition prior to writing and finalising his upcoming memoir Dancing on Eggshells, but added that he thinks anyone who reads his book after having read his post will understand it more.
John later shared his thanks to those who had shared their support and who'd felt comfortable opening up about their lived experience, writing in the comments on his post: "Thank you ALL so much for your comments. And I’m so glad that many of you can relate to what I've written. Much love to you all."
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