Kimberley Nixon feels 'lighter' after ADHD and autism diagnosis

Kimberley Nixon feels 'lighter' after ADHD and autism diagnosis

Welsh actress Kimberley Nixon recently revealed that she felt a sense of relief following her diagnosis of autism and ADHD. Known for her roles in Channel 4’s Fresh Meat and films like Wild Child, Nixon shared that her struggles with perinatal obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) intensified after giving birth to her son during the pandemic in 2020. The anxiety she experienced over her baby’s wellbeing persisted for approximately two and a half years before she sought professional help and the process of recovery began.

After undergoing a comprehensive series of assessments and standard diagnostic tests, Nixon officially received her autism and ADHD diagnosis. Reflecting on the long wait for the diagnosis, she acknowledged the thoroughness of the assessments, delving into every aspect of her life. In an interview with BBC Radio Wales, Nixon expressed gratitude for the clarity and self-awareness the diagnosis brought, enabling her to understand and accept her differences with a newfound sense of self-compassion.

Nixon also shared her ordeal with perinatal OCD, a mental health condition characterized by intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, a condition she experienced following years of IVF and the birth of her son during the tumultuous period of the pandemic. Opening up about her struggles post-birth, Nixon highlighted the distressing intrusive thoughts and compulsions she faced, which deviated from the stereotypical portrayal of OCD. Despite the challenges, Nixon emphasized the importance of raising awareness about perinatal OCD to combat misconceptions surrounding the condition.

In addition to her personal journey, Nixon discussed her latest acting role in the ITV series, Shardlake, based on the historical mystery novels by CJ Sansom. Playing the character Joan in the drama set during the reign of Henry VIII, Nixon lauded the experience of filming in Budapest and reuniting with fellow cast members from her alma mater, the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. Through her candid discussions about her mental health struggles and her professional achievements, Nixon continues to inspire others to embrace their differences and advocate for mental health awareness

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