MissUnderstood: The ADHD in Women Channel

In this episode, Dr. Monica Johnson dives into how ADHD makes setting boundaries difficult. Listen as she breaks down why women with ADHD often struggle to say no. And get simple strategies to help protect your peace and improve your mental health.Related resourcesADHD and: OversharingSetting boundaries in relationships with ADHDTips from an ADHD Coach: People-pleasing everyone but ourselvesTimestamps(01:43) How ADHD affects setting boundaries (04:18) Why setting boundaries is a challenge for some women with ADHD(06:28) Strategies for setting boundaries For a transcript and more resources, visit the MissUnderstood page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at podcast@understood.org. Listen to Everyone Gets a Juice Box, a new podcast from Understood.org where host Jessica Shaw has honest talks with parents raising kids who learn and think differently.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join health and science journalist Danielle Elliot as she investigates the rise of women recently diagnosed with ADHD. Listen to Climbing the Walls now.In honor of Mother’s Day weekend, we’re sharing an episode of our sibling podcast from Understood.org, ADHD Aha! The episode features our very own Rae Jacobson and, appropriately, it’s a conversation about motherhood. More specifically, it’s about being a mom (and a woman) with ADHD. Hope you enjoy, and see you in two weeks.  What makes being a mom with ADHD so hard? Navigating executive functions and emotional labor, for one. And feeling burned out when burnout isn’t an option — because there’s always something else that needs your very limited attention!Talking about it with someone who just “gets it” is such a relief. In this episode, Laura talks to her friend and colleague Rae Jacobson, also a mom with ADHD. Listen to their conversation and insights on this bonus Mother’s Day episode.Related resourcesRolling with my ADHD Mom BrainBuilding self-compassion skills3 things I’m learning as a new mom with ADHDTo get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the ADHD Aha! podcast page at Understood.We’d love to hear from you. Email us at hyperfocus@understood.org. Listen to Everyone Gets a Juice Box, a new podcast from Understood.org where host Jessica Shaw has honest talks with parents raising kids who learn and think differently.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Discuss the emotional complexities of sharing an ADHD diagnosis with loved ones. Explore the fears and anxieties many face during these conversations. Learn effective strategies for fostering understanding and compassion from friends and family. Highlights the importance of preparation and emotional readiness before diving into these discussions. Personal anecdotes illuminate the struggles and triumphs of navigating these sensitive topics, ensuring that sharing your journey is a meaningful experience.

Stefani Goerlich, an author and forensic sexologist specializing in supporting kinky individuals, discusses the intersection of BDSM and ADHD. She highlights how BDSM practices can provide structure, sensory input, and improved communication, making them particularly beneficial for neurodivergent individuals. The conversation covers common misconceptions about kink, the importance of consent, and how negotiating power dynamics can foster connection. Stefani delves into how rituals in kink can help with focus and emotional regulation, making it a valuable tool in relationships.

Exploring the unique challenges women with ADHD face when seeking help, this conversation highlights the struggles of perfectionism and executive dysfunction. Experts offer practical strategies to gradually build confidence in asking for assistance. The importance of human connection shines through, encouraging listeners to share their stories and support one another. Discover how reaching out can lead to real relief and camaraderie, breaking the cycle of isolation.

The discussion dives into the unique career challenges faced by individuals with ADHD, exploring the urge to shift jobs frequently. It highlights the link between dopamine and job excitement, and how this can lead to burnout. Listeners learn about the emotional rollercoaster of career changes, from initial enthusiasm to eventual dissatisfaction. Strategies for fostering fulfillment and growth within current roles are also shared, emphasizing the importance of communication and exploring challenges beyond work.

In theory, online dating can feel like an easy, low-stakes solution to meeting people. But in practice, there are a few pitfalls that many fall into. With ADHD, dating apps can pose even more challenges and be an additional drag on your attention. Clinical Psychologist Dr. Shauna Pollard visits the show to talk about what she’s noticed while working with ADHDers on online dating. Join this conversation on the dopamine chase that can happen while using dating apps, and setting boundaries with yourself. Related resourcesDr. Pollard’s websiteA dating coach talks ADHD and super-connectingADHD and emotionsTimestamps(01:58) ADHD and online dating challenges(09:17) Hyperfocusing on dating, and how to slow down(11:41) “Marketing yourself” on online dating, and how to show the whole picture of who you are(14:01) Figure out your “filter” for online matches, and include offline dating in addition to online(17:03) Snap judgements, biases, and discrimination(19:02) Feeling overwhelmed? Do what feels best for you(20:02) ADHD disclosure on dating profiles(22:42) Best practices for ADHDers to build meaningful relationshipsFor a transcript and more resources, visit the Sorry, I Missed This page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at sorryimissedthis@understood.org. Listen to Everyone Gets a Juice Box, a new podcast from Understood.org where host Jessica Shaw has honest talks with parents raising kids who learn and think differently.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Many women with ADHD get stuck in a never-ending cycle of burnout. Trying to manage work, family, and social commitments can feel overwhelming, leaving them tired and unable to keep up. This stress can make everyday tasks seem even more difficult and lead to feelings of frustration.In this episode, Dr. J explains what burnout is and the ways it can appear in daily life. Listen as she breaks down the impact it can have on women with ADHD. Plus, get practical tips for recognizing early signs of burnout and how to stop it before it gets worse.Related resourcesADHD burnoutHow ADHD can affect your mental healthMental load: The invisible weight women with ADHD carryTimestamps(00:50) What is burnout?(01:33) How ADHD impacts burnoutFor a transcript and more resources, visit our episode page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at podcast@understood.org. Listen to Everyone Gets a Juice Box, a new podcast from Understood.org where host Jessica Shaw has honest talks with parents raising kids who learn and think differently.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you follow ADHD news, you might’ve heard that diagnosis rates in women nearly doubled during the pandemic. Danielle Elliot was one of them, receiving her diagnosis just before she turned 37.Danielle is also a science and health journalist. So, she did the thing that many reporters are inclined to do — she began investigating this big, new thing in her life and how it fit into the world around her.As she dug in deeper, she landed on two big questions relating to the pandemic diagnosis boom: Why women? And why now? Her answers culminated in a new podcast from Understood.org called Climbing the Walls. It’s a six-episode series, and the first installment is out now.This week on Hyperfocus, Danielle visits the show to talk about her ADHD experience and what it’s like reporting a story where you’re one of the characters.Related resourcesListen to Climbing the WallsI’m a journalist with ADHD. Here’s how I get it done.ADHD and womenTimestamps(1:25) The origins of Danielle’s story (7:50) Surprises during the reporting process(12:05) What it felt like to get a diagnosis (22:14) Danielle’s big takeaways from making the showFor a transcript and more resources, visit the Hyperfocus page on Understood.We’d love to hear from you. Email us at hyperfocus@understood.org. Listen to Everyone Gets a Juice Box, a new podcast from Understood.org where host Jessica Shaw has honest talks with parents raising kids who learn and think differently.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The podcast explores the challenges faced by individuals with ADHD, particularly women, in the realm of people-pleasing. It delves into how the habit of prioritizing others can lead to resentment and neglect of personal needs. Listeners will learn about the emotional toll of seeking approval and the hidden costs it can have on relationships. The discussion emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, setting boundaries, and finding a balance between self-care and the desire to please, ultimately advocating for a more fulfilling life.