Her emotional instability and learning difficulties are often attributed by others to laziness or lack of effort, which made it difficult for her to find the support she needed initially.

According to the Cleveland Clinic in the USA, ADHD is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder in children. In the USA, an estimated 6 million children between the ages of 2 and 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD.

Worldwide, about 5 to 9 percent of all children are affected. In Hong Kong, the prevalence is similar, according to the Institute of Mental Health at Castle Peak Hospital in Hong Kong.

The average age for a diagnosis of ADHD is seven years old. Boys are diagnosed more often than girls, while girls are often diagnosed later in life, like Jasmine.

There are three categories of ADHD symptoms: hyperactivity and impulsivity, inattention, and a combination of both.

Difficulty with quiet or sedentary leisure activities, excessive talking, restlessness, and interrupting others are typical symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. These symptoms are more common in boys and are considered by most people to be associated with ADHD.

Symptoms of inattention include being easily distracted, making careless mistakes in school or other activities, forgetfulness, and difficulty following instructions. These symptoms are more common in girls and are often overlooked as signs of ADHD.

According to Hong Kong clinical psychologist Dr. Michelle Tam, this can lead to underdiagnosis – especially in girls, in whom the inattentive form of ADHD is most common – and untreated problems.

A study by the US data management company Harmony Healthcare IT suggests that 42 percent of Generation Z – those born between 1997 and 2012 – have a mental health diagnosis. The most common diagnosis is anxiety disorder, followed by depression and ADHD.

For Generation Z, growing up in a technology-saturated world with social media and nearly unlimited access to information has brought new challenges, especially for those with poor mental health.

She highlights this paradox: “When people spend a lot of time on social media, they have less time for other things. This limitation increases the pressure to complete tasks within a certain time,” which is particularly difficult for people with ADHD.

As they transition into adulthood, she says, symptoms of ADHD may be more pronounced, especially as they reach important academic milestones.

Jasmine’s ADHD symptoms, which lead to inattention, had largely gone unnoticed by those around her, including her parents.

When Jasmine moved to London to study, she found the adjustment to life in a foreign country difficult and isolating.

She remembers a low point: “Last year I was very sad and often had suicidal thoughts. My parents came to visit and noticed that everything was very messy and nothing was the same as at home.”

When Jasmine realized her feelings were not normal, she contacted her school and was referred to the National Health Service, where she was diagnosed with ADHD.

When she finally decided to talk to her parents about her feelings, they fully supported her in taking steps to improve her mental health.

After she returned to Hong Kong for this year’s summer vacation, they arranged for her to meet with a psychologist who also diagnosed her with ADHD and prescribed medication.

The Cleveland Clinic compares wearing glasses, which help sufferers focus their eyes, to taking ADHD medication, which helps sufferers focus their thoughts. Medication helps them ignore distractions, pay attention and control their behavior.

Treatment for ADHD in Hong Kong is usually done with medications tailored to the patient’s symptoms and needs. Tam stresses the importance of working with parents when treating the condition in minors.

Some parents and patients are hesitant to take medication. Tam discusses with them the evidence for its use and the pros and cons. She also emphasizes the need for a supportive network of psychiatrists, parents and schools.

Although Jasmine does not need to take the medication regularly, she describes it as useful for moments when she knows she needs to concentrate.

Early intervention is crucial because ADHD affects all aspects of a person’s life, especially their social interactions, Tam says.

“It is always better to help them as early as possible if there is a problem.”

Recognizing warning signs and responding to them in a timely manner can prevent long-term problems and improve quality of life.

Tam says that directly identifying and confronting ADHD issues can have a very positive effect on a child’s academic and social performance.

“They are making such great progress, not only in their academic achievements, but also in their relationships with family and in (building) their careers,” she says.

Meditation helped Jasmine cope with this.

Despite her initial hurdles, Jasmine now accepts her ADHD as an integral part of her identity.

She still dreads long lectures. But thanks to her ADHD medication and a positive attitude she developed through meditation, she is optimistic about the future – and she is doing much better than before.

Jasmine doesn’t want to be defined by her ADHD, but by her inner self.

“My ADHD is a part of me, but it is not my everything.”

If you are having suicidal thoughts or know someone who is, you can get help. In Hong Kong, call +852 18111 for the government Mental Health Support Hotline, the Samaritans on +852 2896 0000 and Suicide Prevention Services on +852 2382 0000. In the US, call 988, text or chat at 988lifeline.org for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.