Fans express support as Busy Philipps reveals ADHD diagnosis alongside daughter Birdie
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: In a recent episode of 'Today' show, Busy Philipps opened up about her mental health journey and revealed how she was diagnosed with ADHD alongside her 15-year-old daughter Birdie.
The 44-year-old former 'Dawson's Creek' cast member disclosed to hosts Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager that she learned about her condition during her eldest daughter Birdie's medical appointment.
Regarding her professional endeavors, the 'Mean Girls' actress also divulged information about 'Busy This Week,' her upcoming late-night talk show on QVC Plus.
Busy Philipps received an ADHD diagnosis alongside daughter Birdie
Busy Philipps devotes her spare time to raising her two children, Cricket and Birdie Silverstein, whom she co-parents with her ex-husband, Marc Silverstein.
"My older daughter was having some issues in school and we took her to be evaluated. And literally in the evaluation, my ex-husband, Marc [Silverstein], we were looking at each other because everything the doctor was asking Birdie and talking about, I was like, ‘But that’s me. That’s what I have,’" Philipps told Us Weekly.
Philipps believed "there was something wrong" with her before learning of her diagnosis. "And then to find out that, oh, no, no, wait, I have ADHD. There are ways to deal with it, there are medications. It has changed my life," she remarked.
Philipps listed a few of the symptoms she experienced prior to starting medication.
She revealed, "I had a really difficult time completing tasks. I had a lot of big ideas and not a lot of follow through. I often found myself behind on calls or double booked for things, canceling on people. It makes you feel bad because you feel like you’re messing up."
"I would forget or I would mix up times for play dates. I would mess up the kids’ schedule and my schedule. And the fact is, as women, as moms, as parents, … we must keep a million things straight," Philipps added.
The actress noted that her struggles had an impact on her self-esteem, as she felt she wasn't as competent as those around her.
Although Philipps and Birdie were diagnosed with ADHD at roughly the same time, the 'Cougar Town' actress stated that she "wouldn’t say [ADHD] has been a thing that has bonded" the two of them.
Philipps remarked, "She is a different person and her own experience is her own experience. And I mean, to be fair, I did a little bit make her ADHD diagnosis about me, because I was like, ‘But I have it too!’"
Busy Philipps revealed that non-stimulant medication 'really helped' her ADHD
Busy Philipps has shared her experience during Women's Health Month and Mental Health Awareness Month, mentioning that it's common for women to receive ADHD diagnoses later in life.
"It sort of presents a little bit differently [in women]. I wasn’t a kid that was running around all the time. I was very much more internalized chaos," she remarked.
Philipps added, "So, I think that’s why … as we talk about it more, you’re seeing more diagnoses, because women especially are like, ‘Wait a minute. Hold up. That’s me.’"
Philipps revealed that her non-stimulant medicine, Qelbree, had "really helped" with her ADHD condition.
She remarked, "My executive function skills have improved so greatly, and I’m also so much more aware and able to prioritize. I think that’s a big piece of it too, that when everything feels sort of mixed up, it’s hard to know how to prioritize things in your brain."
The actress then sought her own diagnosis from her personal physician, an important decision that greatly helped her fight anxiety and depression for the rest of her life.
"It really shifted my brain," Philipps admitted before adding, "I don't think it's a coincidence that the last six years of my career have been the most fruitful," per Daily Mail.
Fans show support to Busy Philipps following her ADHD diagnosis
Fans and followers took to Philipps' Instagram post's comment section to express their support for the actress' latest condition, with one stating, "From one neurospicy gal to another, thank you!"
A follower added, "God, BP is a gorgeous woman. Absolutely love this whole look. Had no idea she struggled with this."
"Later in life diagnosis right here & can completely relate to what she is saying! So grateful for the support I have now," exclaimed another fan.
A fan remarked in part, "Love this girl, I’m 44 and I’m very lucky I got my diagnosis at 17... Glad people are coming forward now, it was so hard being different as a kid. It still is as a grown women."
Another one expressed gratitude, saying, "Thank you for discussing this. Diagnosed at 40 and I can already see differences and feel a release of guilt I have been carrying around…."
One more commented, "Everyone's struggling. Everyone's on some spectrum. All of your experiences are valid. No, the world shouldn't have to change to make things easier for you. No-one is coming to save you except yourself. Stay hard"
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