Refocused, A Podcast All About ADHD

Refocused, Together: Salif Mahamane and the Power of Self-Compassion

Oct 22, 2023

Salif Mahamane shares his personal journey with ADHD, the concept of hyperfocus, and the importance of self-compassion. He discusses the impact of his diagnosis, managing the busyness of his brain through time alone in nature, and embracing ADHD as both a challenge and a superpower. The podcast explores the power of self-compassion, coping strategies for ADHD, and the benefits of calming activities.

51:10

Creator website

Episode guests

Salif Mahamane

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Self-compassion is crucial in managing ADHD, promoting self-acceptance and understanding of past experiences.

ADHD can bring unique strengths like creativity, divergent thinking, and resilience.

Deep dives

The Power of Self-Compassion for ADHD

Salith Muhammad discusses the importance of self-compassion in managing ADHD. He shares how getting diagnosed at 28 helped him understand his past experiences and find self-acceptance. Salith emphasizes the need for compassion from others and highlights the creativity and problem-solving skills that ADHD can bring. He also explores the benefits of nature and active mindfulness in managing ADHD symptoms. Overall, Salith's journey inspires others to embrace their differences and find self-compassion.

Introduction

3min

Life-changing ADHD diagnosis

17min

Embracing ADHD: Challenges and Superpowers

21min

The Power of Self-Compassion and Embracing Differences

5min

The Power of Self-Compassion and Coping Strategies for ADHD

2min

Fishing and Incorporating Calming Activities

2min

Salif Mahamane's early struggles with chronic procrastination and difficulty concentrating as a child eventually led to his ADHD diagnosis at the age of 28, during his Ph.D. program in experimental and applied psychological science at Utah State University. Despite grappling with the challenges of ADHD, Salif discovered the concept of hyperfocus, which enabled him to delve deeply into his areas of interest.

Following the urging of his wife, a mental health therapist, Salif sought professional help, leading to a definitive diagnosis and a newfound understanding of why he had faced various academic and cognitive hurdles throughout his education. Motivated by his personal journey, Salif became an advocate for neurodiversity, sharing his experiences and insights in his widely viewed TEDx Talk titled "ADHD Sucks, But Not Really."

Listen in to hear more about Salif’s ADHD journey, how he uses time alone in nature to manage the busyness of his brain and how building up the compassion he shows himself has been critical in his journey.

Refocused, Together is a collection of 31 stories told throughout the 31 days of October, a part of our commitment to ADHD Awareness Month. Make sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts so you don’t miss a single story this month!

Connect with Salif on Instagram @thedreadedfly!

WATCH: Salif’s TEDx Talk, “ADHD Sucks, But Not Really”

READ: How To Practice Self-Compassion with ADHD by Dr. Sharon Saline

READ: ADHD and the Power of Self-Compassion

Yoga Nidra: Lindsay’s favorite instructor Ally Boothroyd

PRACTICE: 30 Minute Yoga Nidra for Nervous System Reset

Follow Refocused on Social Media: