‘Thought I Wasn’t Good Enough’: Tom Grennan Talks About Living With ADHD

As a lifestyle expert with a penchant for unraveling the stories of artists and their journeys, I find Tom Grennan‘s narrative to be both inspiring and relatable. His candidness about his struggles with ADHD, mental health issues, and personal demons is a testament to his courage and resilience.


As a lifestyle expert, I’d say: In an open and honest manner, I, much like Tom Grennan, have shared my journey with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This diagnosis, rather than being a hindrance, has served as a catalyst for me to pour my energy into creating new music. Like Tom, I’ve always been open about my personal battles, and this latest revelation is no exception. I’m proud to say that I’ve used my experiences to fuel my creative process.

Mental disorder commonly encountered, particularly among children, is marked by issues like inattention and impulsiveness. However, as shared by Grennan, aged 29, during an interview with The Sun on August 6, he had trouble concentrating on his studies in school but was never evaluated for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

The singer, who has ADHD, mentioned that they faced difficulties focusing in school due to this condition. Interestingly, their ADHD hadn’t been recognized during their school years. It might be the reason why they often found themselves struggling to concentrate.

Reports indicate that approximately 5% of children in the United States have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a higher rate among boys compared to girls in the UK. ADHD is frequently associated with conditions like anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and other related symptoms.

As I eagerly prepare for my forthcoming album, collaborating with renowned producer Justin Tranter here in the United States, I recently received some important news – a diagnosis, as shared on the Wonderbox podcast hosted by Russell Howard. This update was subsequently reported by the Daily Mail.

Originating from Bedford, the artist shared that his forthcoming album delves deeply into various aspects of his life, covering themes such as alcohol, drug issues, childhood hardships, and family relationships. He candidly admitted, “I’ve bared my soul about my life experiences, spanning from my childhood to the present, focusing on family and personal relationships.” Grennan, who is also dyslexic, disclosed this information.

In Grennan’s life, music has been a deeply personal odyssey. When faced with difficult times, he would jot down his thoughts as notes, which eventually evolved into lyrics accompanied by a guitar. At certain junctures in his existence, the songwriter admitted feeling isolated from the world and rarely shared his emotions even with close friends or family.

In an interview with Roman Kemp for the mental health charity YoungMinds, Tom Grennan revealed that he felt overwhelmed and doubted himself, believing everyone was against him and questioning his worth. His emotions were channeled into music, which became a means of expression as he navigated his path towards success and fame.

At the same time, the singer-songwriter’s bond with his mother grew stronger, allowing him to express his feelings about his mental health challenges, which he described as an “overwhelming abyss.”

After starting therapy, Grennan finally felt understood and recognized – a feeling he had never experienced before as a musician. He shared, “It provided me with a way to channel these thoughts and give them meaning.”

Despite his promise to be open, the singer admits that he’s not hesitant about disclosing his personal struggles, encompassing both difficult and positive periods. Feeling it essential for his global fans to understand the reality, Grennan wishes to connect with anyone experiencing similar situations.

Tom Grennan first appeared on the music scene with his 2018 debut album, “Lighting Matches.” Since then, he’s continued to release new music, including the albums “Evering Road” in 2021 and “What Ifs & Maybes” in 2023.

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2024-08-07 18:22