Former Strictly Come Dancing champion Ore Oduba has revealed that he has received a diagnosis of ADHD. The 39-year-old star disclosed that he has been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, a condition characterized by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, restlessness, and more.
In an appearance on the podcast “Beyond The Label,” Ore expressed a sense of relief at finally understanding specific traits that have been present throughout his life. He shared, “I’ve always been aware of certain behaviors that I exhibit – my need for things to be a certain way. While these behaviors have seemed normal to me, I’ve recognized that they may be perceived as abnormal by others, to the point where I’ve thought, ‘This could be annoying for others.'”
He elaborated, “I’ve always managed things in this manner, keeping it internal. Recently, there have been instances where I’ve recognized behaviors and thought, ‘That’s ADHD in action.'”
Receiving the ADHD diagnosis has provided Ore with a newfound sense of self-awareness. He explained, “In the past few weeks, being diagnosed with ADHD has given me a language to articulate what I’ve always known about myself but never fully understood.”
Ore highlighted how his ADHD has been beneficial to his career as an actor and presenter. He noted, “Many of the symptoms align with the demands of the performing arts, especially when it comes to learning choreography, scripts, or scene work. The intense focus and dedication that ADHD can bring have proven to be assets in these settings where time constraints are tight.”
During the podcast, Ore also shared insights into his late sister Lola’s struggle with ADHD before her tragic death by suicide at the age of 37 earlier this year. He reflected on the challenges his sister faced, recalling how she was labeled as a nuisance, too loud, and difficult during their upbringing. Ore emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and proper management of conditions like ADHD to help individuals understand and navigate their identities effectively.
He expressed regret that his sister did not have access to the support and resources needed to address her struggles, leading her to internalize negative perceptions of herself. Ore emotionally read a poignant poem left by Lola, shedding light on their shared mental health battles and the impact of undiagnosed conditions on self-perception.
For those facing similar mental health challenges, resources like the Samaritans helpline and Mind mental health charity are available for support and guidance.
By sharing his personal journey with ADHD, Ore Oduba aims to raise awareness and promote understanding of neurodiversity while advocating for improved mental health support systems.