“Guard your yes with your life.” - René Brooks

Diagnosed with ADHD several times in childhood it wasn’t until age 25 that René Brooks finally received the treatment she needed. When Brooks attempted to find information on adult ADHD, particularly as a Black woman she found very few resources.

ADHD is predominately diagnosed in young white boys. Reasons for this range from damaging stereotypes, discrimination, social stigmas, and the fact that symptoms manifest differently in girls. Women are more likely to be diagnosed later in life.

Brooks’ experiences inspired her to create the resources and awareness she wanted to see in the world via her blog Black Girl Lost Keys. She uses the motto “Guard your yes” to encourage women to maintain healthy boundaries and prevent burnout.

Follow René Brooks:

Twitter - @blkgirllostkeys

Instagram - @blackgirllostkeys

Website - blackgirllostkeys.com

View the complete Affirm Black Women portrait series here