Welsh actress Kimberley Nixon, known for her roles in Fresh Meat and Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging, reports a significant improvement in her well-being following recent diagnoses of autism and ADHD.
Nixon’s journey began with a perinatal obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) diagnosis after giving birth during the 2020 pandemic. Intense anxiety stemming from concerns about her baby’s health persisted for approximately two and a half years. Her recovery led to a deeper understanding of lifelong behavioral patterns, prompting her to seek further assessment.
Following extensive evaluations, she received formal diagnoses of autism and ADHD. In an interview with BBC Radio Wales, she described the thoroughness of the assessment process and the relief of finally receiving answers.
Nixon, from Pontypridd, expressed feeling “lighter” and more self-compassionate since the diagnoses. She articulated the experience of feeling like a “square peg in a round hole,” clarifying that her brain functions differently, not incorrectly. This realization shifted her perspective, transforming a perceived problem into a simple difference.
Nixon also openly discussed her perinatal OCD, emphasizing that its manifestation differed from typical OCD presentations. She detailed the distressing intrusive thoughts, repetitive thinking, and compulsive behaviors aimed at alleviating anxiety.
The challenges she faced postpartum, exacerbated by the pandemic, highlighted the need for greater awareness of perinatal OCD, a condition she believes is less recognized than postnatal depression. Her experience with IVF and the intensity of her anxieties during her son’s infancy underscored the severity of her struggles.
Beyond her personal journey, Nixon also discussed her current role in ITV’s Shardlake, a four-part drama filmed in Budapest. She highlighted the experience as a reunion with fellow Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama alumni.
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