Helen George, the beloved star of Call the Midwife, has revealed a life-changing health condition that has impacted both her career and her role as a mother. In an emotional and candid conversation on the I’m ADHD! No You’re Not podcast, the actress shared her diagnosis and the struggles she has faced over the past few years, making it clear that her journey with ADHD has been a rollercoaster of challenges and revelations.
Helen’s Journey to Diagnosis: A Life-Changing Moment
It was around four years ago, after the birth of her second child, that Helen was diagnosed with ADHD. However, it took her some time to truly come to terms with her condition and share it publicly. “I’d never considered that there might be something going on with me — I just thought I’m an actress, and everyone’s a little bit crazy,” Helen confessed.
It wasn’t until a conversation with a friend that she had her “lightbulb moment,” realizing that many of the personality traits and behaviors she had been experiencing aligned with ADHD. This moment was pivotal in understanding the underlying reasons for some of the challenges she had been facing.
The Impact on Her Career: Focus and Memory Struggles
For Helen, the effects of ADHD have been far-reaching, particularly in her career. The condition has made it difficult for her to focus at times and has caused issues with her memory, leading to challenges on set. “There have been times on Call the Midwife when I’ve had to double-check my scripts or rehearse scenes multiple times because my brain is constantly jumping around,” she revealed. “It can be exhausting, and it definitely makes the workday longer than it needs to be.”
Despite these difficulties, Helen remains optimistic, acknowledging that ADHD’s traits—like high energy and spontaneity—have added a unique intensity to her performances. “Oddly enough, some of the things that make acting harder for me in certain ways—like distractibility—also make me more alive on screen. There’s an intensity and authenticity to some moments that I might not have without it,” she said.
Balancing Career and Family Life: A Complicated Juggle
As a mother to two young daughters, Wren (8) and Lark (4), Helen has faced the challenge of balancing her career with her responsibilities as a mother. ADHD’s impact on her focus and memory has only complicated this balance. “I need to figure out how to function best so I can be the best mother I can be,” she said, emphasizing how important it is to find a solution that works for her family.
Helen has begun exploring treatment options, including medication, to help manage her ADHD symptoms. However, she is determined not to rely solely on medication. Her long-term goal is to find a balance that allows her to pursue her career while being the best mother she can be. “It’s a long learning process,” she acknowledged. “But I hope to adapt and continue pursuing the career I love—on set and at home.”
Moving Forward: Hope and Determination
Helen’s willingness to open up about her struggles with ADHD has not only given fans a glimpse into the personal challenges she faces but also showcased her strength and determination. By sharing her journey, she hopes to shed light on the realities of living with ADHD and inspire others who may be going through similar struggles.
As Helen continues her treatment and adapts to the changes, she remains committed to her work on Call the Midwife and to being present for her family. “I hope to continue learning and growing through this,” she said. “Understanding myself is key to balancing both my career and my family life.”
Helen George’s courage and honesty are a powerful reminder that even in the face of challenges, we can find strength and resilience—whether on set or in our personal lives.
