Unlocking ADHD writer Constance Thum pieces together the multiple storylines from Angie Chang’s history and comes up with a picture of a courageous and strong individual who is embracing her ADHD wiring and setting out to make her place in society.
As impressive as an octopus with eight tentacles, Angie Chang juggles multiple roles including being a Registered Nurse currently serving as a front liner at a vaccine centre, an author, and the founder of @ThriftstoreIAM.
Undeterred by her Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms, Angie’s story is a source of inspiration for many struggling individuals with ADHD who may be disheartened about setbacks and anxious about their future.
Angie’s rocky path to self-determined success has required introspection, courage, passion, and resilience, qualities that ADHDers may cultivate to unleash their full potential.
Angie’s background and past struggles
In her school days, Angie was troubled by bullying from her peers, self-doubt and low self-esteem. Her personal difficulties at school were compounded by poor academic grades that resulted in a delayed graduation from Secondary school and polytechnic. Angie’s struggles persisted in her early career as she dabbled in different professions including waitressing, telemarketing, acting, babysitting, nursing, researching, and being a clinic assistant but was eventually fired from her jobs.
Tired, anxious, and depressed, Angie felt hopeless and worthless, as if there were a “black hole in [her] chest swallowing [her] every time [she] took a breath.” Angie wondered if her life would ever change for the better from the recurrent rejections and career upheavals.
The pivotal point in Angie’s life – her ADHD diagnosis and its consequences (good/bad)
The pivotal moment that would change Angie’s life and perception came in 2020 when she received an official diagnosis of ADHD. At her last job, an acquaintance pointed out that Angie may have ADHD, which prompted her to look up the condition and to subsequently undergo a medical checkup after discovering that she displayed several symptoms.
Angie’s diagnosis was initially a shock to her, but it quickly brought her much relief and closure from being able to identify her issues. It also helped to alleviate some of the pain and confusion caused by suffering silently and unknowingly from ADHD while trying to integrate into “normal” society.
Moving forward and midway hiccups
Yet, the diagnosis also brought along challenges such as losing friends after Angie revealed her condition to them. On the bright side, Angie’s openness and willingness to share her vulnerability revealed her true friends who continue to support her irrespective of her ADHD.
As a nurse, Angie was well aware of the possible side effects of taking medication and instead chose to engage in alternative methods to manage her symptoms of hyperactivity, namely lifestyle changes and starting her own business. Angie started exercising again, eating properly, cutting her alcohol intake, waking up at a reasonable time, writing a book, and planning for the future with her new start-up company.
In particular, her role as an entrepreneur of her own business allowed Angie to transform a “setback” (of her ADHD diagnosis) into an opportunity for healing, growth, and self renewal.
Passionate about environmentalism and sustainability, Angie set up “ThriftstoreIAM”, a thrift store that collects and resells unwanted and vintage items still in good quality. This ingenious, young self-starter prides herself on being resourceful, and her passion for business has become a therapy in and of itself by helping her channel her energy into focusing on the larger picture and setting her own goals.
In this entrepreneurial journey, Angie faced several hiccups including the pandemic which adversely impacted sales because of social distancing measures. Quick on her feet, Angie adapted by shifting her business operations online and relied on platforms such as Instagram and Facebook for online marketing and hosting e-auctions every Saturday night.
Despite criticisms and pessimistic advice from loved ones, Angie has continued to push ahead.
A major reason why she is motivated and compelled to keep her business afloat is that she gets to set her own rules as a self-employed entrepreneur. In her own words, Angie highlighted that “You run the whole show whatever you want. You don’t have to clock in at a specific time. No one is going to scold you. You play loud music while working hard. You don’t have to report to anyone. You design the way you want. You can paint. You can transform the place into whatever you want and create something from nothing.”
By being her own boss, Angie has found a blueprint for the freedom she has been searching for throughout her life. “ThriftstoreIAM” is where Angie can pursue and realise her dreams, and a platform where she can be her authentic self.
Advice to other ADHD individuals
Experiences with disappointment, obstacles, and breakthroughs has strengthened Angie who has consolidated six pieces of advice that may be useful for other people with ADHD.
1. Challenges in your life may direct you to a more suitable path
Angie is a firm believer that “just because your piece does not fit in this puzzle does not mean you do not fit in another puzzle… maybe you have not found the right puzzle to begin with.” Indeed, being outside the norm does not necessarily have to carry any negative connotation as we are all unique individuals with different strengths and limitations. Afterall, the extraordinary surpasses the average and thus, remember that your path awaits you.
2. Face your ADHD condition and seek help or treatment when needed. Learn to recover from your setbacks and move on towards a brighter future
At 28, Angie found herself losing the drive to work and live. She was thrown into a spiral of questioning her self-worth and purpose in life, dwelling on her past mistakes, and worrying about her future.
In the midst of her emotional chaos, Angie miraculously found the strength and determination to pull through and reconsider her future in a productive way by making concrete goals and actionable steps. Her focus would be on living rather than merely surviving, and to be present from that point on. Similarly, ADHD individuals may learn from Angie’s resilience and chart their own path towards a self-determined success.
3. People will come and go in your life, but your true friends will be a constant pillar of support and comfort.
In hindsight, Angie recognised that some of her past friendships were detrimental to her mental health. As she matured, Angie realised that it was important to surround herself with people who genuinely cared about her and championed her success. “You do not meet people by accident, and there is always a reason, a blessing, or a lesson to be learnt. When we rise above the storm, we will find the sunshine. Sometimes holding on does more damage than letting go.” Truly wise words, Angie.
4. Play to your strengths and commit to your path.
Rather than forcing herself to fit in, Angie decided to forge her own path and to be the best version of herself, which was why she named her business “ThriftstoreIAM”. Angie would tell herself, “I am worthy. I am strong.”
This self encouragement helped Angie build up her damaged confidence and battered self image. After finding the right path, Angie also advises to commit yourself to the process. It would take discipline, commitment, determination, a willingness to take risks, and careful planning. While difficult at first, it would pay off, as it did in Angie’s case.
5. Set realistic goals or standards but also learn to forgive yourself when you fall short.
Angie laments that “sometimes I set my standards too high for myself for my business and if I do not meet that standard… I get disappointed in myself.” To remedy her despondent mood, Angie does breathing exercises and engages in her favourite activities to uplift her spirits.
ADHD brains are notorious for their hyperactivity and for wanting to do more in a day than is humanly possible, yet the physical body may be unable to execute all plans and to do so perfectly. When ADHD individuals fall short of their goals, they should re-evaluate them and learn to be empathetic towards themselves. Angie still has days where she crashes emotionally and/or mentally, but she is getting better at managing her expectations and emotions that promote her sustainable wellbeing.
6. Do not suffer silently. Speak out.
By voicing their struggles, Angie believes that ADHD individuals may heal from their trauma and become more self-aware. Vocalisation may also reduce the stigma surrounding the condition that should warrant support, love, and understanding instead of shame.
“Let us speak out against ignorance. Let our voices be a tidal wave to bring about change rather than being alone in the struggle.” Angie declares.
Conclusion – why Angie’s story is important
To Angie, “ADHD is not a disability but a different ability. ADHD as an invisible disability is more worrisome since such individuals are trapped in a helpless condition they have limited control over.” The key is not to change ADHD individuals to conform with the crowd, but to enhance their strengths that may set them apart from the pack.
When asked why she wanted to share her story, Angie replied with conviction that, “This is for you. You, the fighter. You beloved, you are worthy.”
Unlocking ADHD’s vision is to have a world that embraces and values ADHD, and our feature of Angie’s experiences is aimed at empowering ADHD individuals and their families to live life to the fullest. Like Angie, they too can achieve what they once thought impossible, but only through acknowledging their ADHD condition and remaining optimistic
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