The Strength to Keep Going

 

 

Despite all the struggles, I kept going.

There were many times in my life when things felt overwhelming—when I didn’t feel understood, when the system didn’t seem to be on my side, and when it would have been easy to give up. But what made the biggest difference during those difficult years was the love and support from my mother and family.

My mother was a single parent in the early years of my life. That alone is a huge task. Raising a child is hard enough, even without any added challenges. But raising a child with special needs, learning difficulties, and mental health struggles adds a whole new layer of complexity. My mum didn’t have all the answers, and she certainly didn’t have all the support she should have had. But she had love, strength, and belief in me—and sometimes, that makes all the difference.

She believed in me even when the school system didn’t seem to know what to do with me. Back then, awareness of conditions like ADHD, autism, and learning disabilities wasn’t what it is today. Support often came late, if at all. Labels were placed without understanding, and help, when it came, was usually more about managing behavior than truly supporting the person underneath.

I know my story isn’t unique. So many people are out there, still battling the same misunderstandings, facing the same barriers, and struggling to get the help they need. That’s why I’m writing this book.

I want to give voice to those who often go unheard—to highlight both the difficulties and the positives of living with special needs, learning disabilities, mental illness, and other invisible challenges. I also want to shine a light on the people who support us: the families, carers, friends, and professionals who walk alongside us through it all.

Ever since the COVID-19 lockdown—and even before then—things have been getting harder. Support services have been stretched thin. Funding cuts have made it difficult for people to access even the most basic forms of help. People are being forced to fight for every bit of support they get, whether it’s through government systems, schools, care services, or mental health teams.

Too many are falling through the cracks. Some can’t afford the support they need. Others don’t know where to go or who to turn to. And the people who do the supporting—our families, carers, and frontline workers—are often exhausted and overwhelmed themselves.

This book is not just about my story. It’s about what I’ve seen, lived, and learned along the way. It’s about showing what it’s really like to live with hidden disabilities and mental health challenges, especially when the world doesn’t always see or understand them. It’s also about hope—because despite everything, there is hope. There are good people. There are ways forward. And there is strength in sharing our stories.

If you are someone living with similar challenges or someone who supports others who do, I hope this book reminds you that you are not alone. I hope it helps people understand that behind every label is a human being with thoughts, feelings, dreams, and potential.

This is my truth. This is my journey. And I’m grateful to have the chance to share it with you.

 

Original (Revised):
Conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, and mood disorders can be difficult not only for the individuals experiencing them but also for the people around them. Those affected may find themselves withdrawing or isolating from others, even though they often need support, understanding, and connection more than ever.