I vividly remember the days I would cry and beg my mam, “I just don’t want to go.” I would pretend to be sick, purposely sleep in; I would have a tantrum—anything to avoid this place. She always responded, “But you have to go to school.” She would explain, “This is where you learn, make friends, and grow.” To her generation, raised by Victorian standards, the school was the LAW! There was no bending of the rules, no exceptions, no understanding. The rigidity was stifling.

By thirteen, the daily routine felt hard. Getting dressed felt like climbing a mountain. Catching the bus could have been navigating a monster truck rally. Interacting with people was the most overwhelming task of all. I had no social skills, didn’t understand their jokes, and failed to hold exciting conversations because I felt stupid. I struggled to understand what the teacher said, it felt like they spoke a foreign language. I often missed school because I couldn’t bear to be there. I didn’t fit in and didn’t know why.

When I was fourteen, I found an escape by drinking at the park on the weekend. A friend introduced me to this world. Soon, I was sneaking out at night, meeting up with older teenagers who encouraged me to become like them. Being part of this world felt thrilling. I would save my lunch money to buy drinks and cigarettes, prioritising these escapades over everything else. The excitement and social connections made me feel truly happy. For the first time, I felt loved and accepted, not judged.

Alcohol became my confidence booster, my crutch, my magic power. It made me feel unstoppable—I could dance, laugh, sing, and be happy. I would go to any lengths to feel good, find and drink my magic liquid, and feel like I belonged.

At sixteen, I decided to leave school without obtaining any GCSEs. I felt like a failure and believed that I was unintelligent, would never fit in, and was doomed to fail at everything. Eager to enter the adult world, I enrolled in a local college, beginning with the lower level of ICT. Finally, I found something I could grasp. I made rapid progress, an experience I had never had before. While college helped me develop, I still relied on alcohol for confidence. This “liquid courage” became my constant companion, giving me the confidence I desperately needed.

As an adult, I faced numerous personal challenges. I lost jobs, ruined relationships, and found myself constantly seeking the dopamine my brain desperately required. Understanding the workings of our minds is crucial for our overall well-being. My brain craved stimulation to feel happy, and alcohol became my method of connection and understanding. Throughout my journey, I encountered others who struggled similarly. There were days when alcohol and food were my primary sources of dopamine. I turned to binge eating, especially sugary foods, to satisfy my brain’s need for dopamine. The consequences of this lifestyle were devastating.

My addictions had a profound impact on my relationships. I pushed people away and struggled to maintain healthy connections. My lowest point came when I woke up in a crisis, realising that I had hit rock bottom. This was the moment I decided to make a change.

Now, as an adult diagnosed with ADHD, I understand that my brain seeks stimulation to experience happiness. If I had known this earlier, my life might not have spiralled out of control. Personal disasters, such as lost jobs and ruined relationships, occurred because I was seeking the dopamine my brain desperately needed. Understanding the intricacies of our minds is paramount for our overall well-being.

With this newfound understanding, I planned to transform my life. I discovered healthy ways to fulfil my stimulation needs, such as exercise, walking, and running. Engaging in these activities was crucial in overcoming my alcohol addiction and provided me with a newfound confidence. I lost weight and completely turned my life around. I am proud to say that I no longer depend on alcohol to alter my mood.
A significant turning point in this journey was when I crossed paths with a mentor who truly comprehended ADHD. She showcased the magic within me, motivating me to seek a private diagnosis. During a challenging period, I contacted a support group and connected with Sarah, who had walked a similar path. She taught me that ADHD wasn’t a curse but a unique way of viewing the world. Her guidance helped me embrace my condition and use it as a strength. Sarah’s influence was profound, demonstrating that it is possible to lead a successful life with ADHD.

The Birth of Neuro Boost

Despite facing my battles, the universe decided to challenge me even further. My mam had a severe accident, and it turned my world upside down. But with the challenges came the rewards—Evie, my amazing daughter. I am home-schooling her and giving my heart and soul to ensure she doesn’t feel like I did. Home-schooling her is a challenge for someone who once thought they were a failure, but it’s also a testament to my growth and strength.

As I look at Evie, I see myself re-invented—a second chance to get it right. I know I will fail. I know her life won’t be perfect, but I am always here to catch her.

I am paying it forward to help others by building Neuro Boost, a platform dedicated to supporting those with ADHD, which means the world to me.

Neuro Boost was more than just a business; it’s a mission. I wanted to create a community where neurodivergent individuals could find support, resources, and understanding. The platform offers mental health support, funding assistance, and well-being resources tailored to the unique needs of those with ADHD.

BUT NOW time for something NEW!

I’m Building a Thriving Community for all Home Educating families!

🌟 Mental Health Coaching – Supporting Home Educating Families
💰 £99.00 – 1 Hour

Qualifications

– Mental Health & Exercise Coach – Level 7

– NLP Coach

– Timeline Therapist

Our Journey Together
We’ll work side by side to support you & your family thrive. Together, we’ll navigate the unique challenges that come with Home Educating your young person & the overwhelm you might be feeling right now.

My Approach

I am known for my empathy and patience. I’ll be with you every step of the way, ensuring you’re comfortable and confident on your path to progress. Here is what other families have said about working with me

“Rachael supports you to get off the starting blocks if you have the ideas but lack confidence or direction, she is the person to go to. she gives you honest feedback but seems to just champion you, empowering you to move your idea to reality”

“Rachael coaches me as an ADHD small business owner. She is great at understanding the difficulties I experience with executive functions and overwhelm and I always feel more able to face difficult tasks after talking to her as she helps me chunk the tasks and work out how to move forward proactively. I highly recommend her as an ADHD coach.”

“I am just beginning my journey with Rachael, but her motivational mindset towards physical and mental health made it a no-brainer when choosing to be coached by her.

Rachael is a constant support, nothing is ever any trouble! She is always full of insightful wisdom and encouragement and her welcoming personality makes the journey I’m about to embark on seem far less daunting.

I highly recommend working alongside Rachael and researching her own journey if you are looking to change our habits and improve your health. She is a valued friend, knowledgeable teacher and a daily inspiration!”