I Have ADHD Podcast
315 Why ADHD Feels So Shameful (and How to Fight Back)
May 13, 2025
Explore the vulnerability of those with ADHD to toxic shame and understand why it often thrives in secrecy. Discover how feelings of guilt are linked to everyday tasks and the impact of generational shame. Learn practical strategies for resilience through empathy and self-compassion. Unpack the complexities of hyperfixation in relationships while emphasizing the importance of diverse sources of fulfillment. Finally, embrace your humanity and recognize that worth isn't tied to productivity.
56:08
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Quick takeaways
- Shame for individuals with ADHD often stems from societal expectations and can be countered through empathy and self-compassion.
- By openly discussing shame and recognizing its triggers, individuals can build resilience and diminish its impact on their self-worth.
Deep dives
Understanding Shame in ADHD
Shame is a prevalent experience for those with ADHD, often stemming from feelings of being flawed and unworthy. The podcast emphasizes the difference between unhealthy shame, which suggests a person is the problem, and healthy shame, which alerts us when we've crossed a line. Through personal anecdotes, the host illustrates how missing an appointment in the past would have triggered a shame spiral, but now, with improved emotional regulation, such instances can be viewed with greater compassion and acceptance. This shift is crucial in reducing the emotional toll that shame can take on daily life and interactions.
