Hey, I’m Kunal!
When I was just 5 years old, my family and I moved from India to the US, settling in Ellicott City, Maryland. Growing up in a middle-income, divorced household shaped my early years from K-12, as I struggled with high-functioning anxiety, depression, and perfectionism. I attended Indiana University for my bachelor degree, where I graduated during the COVID-19 pandemic with a double major in finance and business law. I moved to Philadelphia and fulfilled my childhood dream of working in finance at a big bank in a city.
In October 2020, my life took an unexpected turn when I downloaded TikTok as a way to cope with self-isolation. In January 2021, I hit rock bottom, struggling with depression, battling suicidal thoughts, and even dealing with substance abuse, all while maintaining my corporate job. It was during this challenging period that I decided to share my mental health experiences openly, finding solace in my vulnerability and connecting with a surprisingly large audience.
In February 2021, NBC 10 News recognized my mental health advocacy efforts, amplifying my message further. As the months went by, I discovered my own adult ADHD diagnosis in March 2021. I took this as an opportunity to raise awareness about ADHD symptoms and the comorbidities I personally faced. My authenticity and genuine approach resonated with people, providing them comfort and understanding.
By September 2021, I shifted my focus to offering practical tips and tricks that help me manage ADHD, overcome my five-year-long eating disorder, and build lifestyle habits, all with the goal of normalizing positive conversations around mental health.
I realized that adopting a holistic approach to managing my ADHD worked best for me. One saying stood out to me: "In order to find ways to manage your ADHD long-term, you need to make lifestyle changes." This saying became the guiding principle of my life. My journey taught me that individuals with ADHD function differently from those without it, and I recognized that school never prepared me for these challenges. I struggled with sleep deprivation, anxiety, and substance abuse, all while managing to maintain a 3.7 GPA and land a job—yet, no one saw the toll it took on my well-being.
In January 2022, my mental health and social media journey were featured in a documentary premiering on YouTube. From that point on, I collaborated with various brands to promote mental health awareness.
By June 2022, I decided to develop my personal brand, driven by the goal of spreading awareness about ADHD and providing actionable tips to help not just myself, but now a community of 330,000 people, effectively manage their mental health.
My overarching mission is to let anyone out there who's struggling know that they are not alone and that there is a safe outlet. Thus, I created The Kunal Lifestyle, my personal brand, to share my journey of self-improvement with the world and make a tangible impact on people's lives. Through my story, I aim to inspire and motivate others to embark on their own paths of personal growth and transformation. Together, we can build a supportive and understanding community where everyone feels empowered to take charge of their mental and physical well-being.
The Kunal Lifestyle centers around embracing the chaotic ADHD lifestyle and sharing valuable lessons I've learned post-ADHD diagnosis along my 3+ year self-improvement journey.
It all started with a camera and a desire for self-expression and accountability. I began creating short-form social media content to document my progress and personal growth. As I navigated life, I realized that traditional 5-9 routines didn't align with my unique neurodivergent perspective. Determined to find solutions that resonated with my individuality, I delved into a world of exploration and experimentation.
I was diagnosed with ADHD at 22 years old. Embracing my adult ADHD diagnosis, I embraced a simpler, more sustainable approach to building habits and routines. My philosophy became clear: "Create a flexible routine that works for your lifestyle. Don't try to make your lifestyle fit into a rigid routine." This mantra guided my path as I sought to make routines enjoyable and incorporate activities that boost dopamine levels, leading to a more fulfilling and balanced life.
Throughout my journey, I discovered a supportive community of 330,000+ like-minded individuals on social media who resonated with my message and experiences. Inspired to extend my reach, I decided to empower even more people beyond my immediate network. Thus, I launched an 8-week 1:1 coaching program for Corporate ADHD Hustlers. This personalized coaching enables individuals to build sustainable routines that genuinely work for their chaotic lifestyles.
As an ADHD public speaker, I've stood before in-person audiences to share my personal story—battling ADHD, depression, anxiety, and addiction. My purpose in baring my soul is to inspire others, letting them know they are not alone in their struggles and that there is hope for a brighter, more fulfilling future.
My mission goes beyond just social media; I strive to create content that is accessible to all, reaching fellow neurodivergent friends from various socioeconomic backgrounds. I believe that everyone deserves access to tools and insights that can lead to positive transformations.
If my services and offerings align with your needs or if you simply want to connect and share your journey, please reach out to me at info.kunalpathade@gmail.com.
Thank you for joining me on this remarkable adventure of growth, discovery, and empowerment. Together, we'll create a life that celebrates our uniqueness and embraces the beauty of our neurodivergence. Let's embark on this journey of transformation, making the world a better place for all.