British actress and TV personality Sheridan Smith has opened up about how receiving an ADHD diagnosis has helped her better understand herself and her experiences.
Speaking in a recent interview with Vogue, the 42-year-old Olivier Award-winning performer shared that the diagnosis brought clarity to many aspects of her life, particularly her tendency to overthink and overanalyse even the smallest details—like the mums’ WhatsApp group for her son’s school.
“I never know what to say and I overthink,” she explained. “I’m called ‘Shadow Sheridan’ because all I do is lurk.”
Making Sense of the “Background Noise”
ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, affects focus, impulse control, and emotional regulation. While it’s often diagnosed in childhood, many adults go undiagnosed for years. For Smith, the diagnosis brought a new level of understanding about what she describes as the “background noise” constantly running in her mind.
“It helped me make sense of a lot of things,” she said.
Sheridan’s experience adds to a growing conversation about adult ADHD in the UK, where it's estimated that around 2.6 million people live with the condition. Increasingly, public figures are speaking out about their diagnoses—helping to break the stigma and raise awareness.
A Career in the Spotlight—and a Personal Journey Behind the Scenes
Smith first rose to fame playing Emma in The Royle Family, followed by starring roles in Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, and leading parts in musical theatre productions like Legally Blonde, Funny Girl, and Little Shop of Horrors.
She also addressed her struggles with mental health in the 2020 ITV documentary Becoming Mum, where she shared her concerns about postnatal mental health following the birth of her son, Billy.
Next, Smith will return to the West End stage as Myrtle in Opening Night at London’s Gielgud Theatre. The musical is based on the 1977 film of the same name and follows the backstage drama of a theatre company preparing to debut a new play—while the lead actress faces a personal crisis that threatens the entire production.
A Growing Awareness of Adult ADHD
Sheridan Smith isn’t the only celebrity to speak publicly about an adult ADHD diagnosis. Reality star Sam Thompson, who won I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2023, revealed he was diagnosed at 30.
“It’s weird nobody really spotted it beforehand at school,” Thompson said, noting that his report cards repeatedly mentioned a lack of focus.
“If I had known as a kid, not much would have changed, but how you feel about yourself probably changes.”
His story echoes the experiences of many adults who discover they have ADHD later in life—often after years of self-doubt or unexplained challenges.
Why Stories Like These Matter
Hearing public figures like Sheridan Smith and Sam Thompson speak honestly about ADHD helps shed light on a condition that’s often misunderstood, especially in adults. Their stories show that diagnosis isn’t just a label—it’s a path to understanding, self-compassion, and better support.
If you suspect you might have ADHD or are exploring a recent diagnosis, you're not alone—and there are resources and support systems out there to help you make sense of it all.
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