Yannick was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 24: “I finally understood where my mental health problems came from”
Yannick Smolders knew at a young age that he wanted to study medicine. But the first few years of his studies were less than smooth. Due to concentration problems and panic attacks, he took three years to complete the first year of his bachelor’s programme. When he was diagnosed with ADHD two years ago, the puzzle pieces fell into place. “I’m proud that I persevered and can hopefully become a good, socially conscious doctor later on.” What has helped Yannick in his studies, and what advice would he give to other students?
Concentration problems
Yannick started his medical studies at age 20, filled with enthusiasm. He joined a student association and was living on his own for the first time. From the outside, his busy life looked like nothing but fun. Privately, though, he was struggling. “I had a short attention span and was distracted during exams by every little noise,” he says. “I also suffered from panic attacks: my mind was racing with so many thoughts I didn’t know what to do with them all.”
Stepping back from the student association
In his second year, Yannick approached Disability Support on the advice of his mentor. He hadn’t been formally diagnosed, but he did have symptoms. “One of their suggestions was for me to distance myself a little from my student association. At first I objected. But after resisting for a while, I found that cutting back on the partying and obligatory pub nights indeed gave me more peace of mind.”
Two years ago, a psychologist gave Yannick the diagnosis that explained his symptoms: ADHD. “At that point, Disability Support helped me request additional exam time and take exams in smaller spaces. That way I’m less bothered by distractions.”
Feeling misunderstood
For Yannick, giving a label to his symptoms was a relief. “Before the diagnosis, people sometimes said I was throwing away my opportunities. My parents even asked if I should quit my studies. But I wanted it so badly that I persevered, and with hindsight I’m proud of myself for that. I felt misunderstood, and at the same time I didn’t understand myself. Now I’ve been diagnosed, I understand how to deal with certain challenges.”
Meanwhile, Yannick is thriving. He is now in the master’s phase and has developed a good routine. “I set my alarm clock at the same time every morning. That gives me peace of mind. I’m also taking ADHD medication. I resisted a bit at first, but it means I finally no longer suffer from constant anxiety and panic attacks—which in turn means I can concentrate better.”
Tips for other students with ADHD
What is Yannick’s main advice for other students with ADHD? “Develop a routine, for example by getting up at the same time every day. Also, don’t overdo it with alcohol. It might seem like part of student life, but has a big impact on your studies. And don’t be afraid to set boundaries for your student association.” Importantly, he advises other students to talk about their struggles: with friends and family but also with a mentor, study adviser or Disability Support.
If a disability makes it hard for you to hold down a part-time job, he recommends looking into financial support from the municipality. “Because of my ADHD, I wasn’t able to combine studying with working in the evenings. I tried it for a while, but the juggle was detrimental to my studies. My study adviser pointed out that municipalities sometimes provide financial support if you can prove that a part-time job isn’t feasible. That support saved me a lot of stress.”
Dream for the future
Yannick is happy and proud that he stuck it out despite his symptoms, and is now enjoying his internships. “My dream,” he says with a smile, “is to be a friendly, socially conscious doctor who enjoys going to work every day to help people or learn new things.”
Text: Romy Veul
Photography: Joris Hilterman
“I wanted it so badly that I persevered, and with hindsight I’m proud of myself for that. I felt misunderstood, and at the same time I didn’t understand myself. Now I’ve been diagnosed, I understand how to deal with certain challenges.”
Yannick SmoldersRead more stories about studying with a disability
Yannick was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 24: “I finally understood where my mental health problems came from”
Yannick Smolders knew at a young age that he wanted to study medicine. But the first few years of his studies were less than smooth. When he was diagnosed with ADHD two years ago, the puzzle pieces fell into place. What has helped Yannick in his studies, and what advice would he give to other...
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