SAM Thompson may always seem upbeat in the jungle, but off camera the I'm A Celebrity star has endured a secret struggle to be diagnosed with ADHD and autism.
The Made in Chelsea star, 31 – who was voted first camp leader in last night's episode – battled for years with everyday issues many of us take for granted.
Sam was diagnosed with two neurological conditions,ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and autism, at age 30 after undergoing tests for a Channel 4 documentary.
The brave presenter and podcaster chronicled his journey to get answers in the programme 'Sam Thompson: Is This ADHD?' which aired earlier this year.
Speaking about his motivations to get himself tested, he explained how he always felt different.
Sam said: “I’ve always known there was something slightly different about me, but it’s only since I’ve started to ‘adult’ a bit more that I’ve wanted to figure it out, because a lot of symptoms were getting worse."
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At school he was labelled "lazy" and a "bad student", but after his diagnosis, he felt "a weight lifted off my shoulders."
Sam later told Metro just how debilitating his conditions have made his life.
He revealed:"It wasn’t one bad day but more an accumulation of things. I misplace things.
"I’m quite bad at messaging my friends back. I turn up late to events. I’m a fully grown adult, but I struggle with paying the bills.
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"I’ll get sent parking tickets, and then I’ll feel overwhelmed at the process of paying them so then I get further fines.
"It’s terrifying. I get really panicky. It feels like the world is ending. I spiral out of control."
Luckily at home Sam has the support of girlfriend Zara McDermott, who competed in this year's Strictly Come Dancing.
What are the symptoms of ADHD?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can be categorised into two types of behavioural problems – inattentiveness and hyperactivity.
The NHS reveals that the symptoms in adults and kids are…
- Inattentiveness
- having a short attention span and being easily distracted
- making careless mistakes – for example, in schoolwork
- appearing forgetful or losing things
- being unable to stick at tasks that are tedious or time-consuming
- appearing to be unable to listen to or carry out instructions
- constantly changing activity or task
- having difficulty organising tasks
- Hyperactivity and impulsiveness
- being unable to sit still, especially in calm or quiet surroundings
- constantly fidgeting
- being unable to concentrate on tasks
- excessive physical movement
- excessive talking
- acting without thinking
- interrupting conversations
- little or no sense of danger
- mood swings, irritability and a quick temper
He added: "Even booking a flight can be hard because the second another tab pops up, I get overwhelmed. The wheels fall off, and Zara will have to step in to do it. I’m aware that I find things hard that other people find easy."
Continuing to sing Zara's praises, he has credited her with helping him adjust to life post diagnosis.
“I’m so grateful to Zara for being on the documentary, putting herself out there, being present and honest. The diagnosis has 100% strengthened us.
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