Michaela Thomas, a clinical psychologist and expert in ADHD, sheds light on the often overlooked challenges of adults with ADHD, especially women. She shares her personal journey of diagnosis, illustrating how it has empowered her to live authentically. The discussion tackles myths surrounding ADHD, the complexity of its diagnosis, and the unique challenges mothers face. Michaela also emphasizes the significance of self-awareness and supportive relationships, urging listeners to embrace their neurodivergent brains.
Understanding the unique presentation of ADHD in women is crucial for proper diagnosis and support, as societal pressures often mask their struggles.
Recognizing hyperfocus as both a potential strength and a risk emphasizes the need for self-awareness in managing ADHD symptoms effectively.
Fostering compassion and employing supportive strategies can significantly enhance relationships involving individuals with ADHD, promoting better communication and understanding.
Deep dives
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The Hidden Struggles of Perfectionism
The conversation explores the chaotic challenges faced by high-achieving individuals, particularly women with ADHD, who often hide their struggles beneath a polished exterior. This chaotic undercurrent draws parallels to a duck gliding smoothly on the water, concealing the frantic paddling happening underneath. Many feel societal pressure to meet certain standards, leading to feelings of shame and self-criticism when they can't manage the responsibilities of adult life. High-striving perfectionists, often overlooked, face the additional burden of needing to maintain an appearance of control despite underlying turmoil.
Understanding ADHD Beyond Social Media
The discussion emphasizes the complexities of ADHD, especially in women, as social media often simplifies the condition to easily identifiable symptoms. Many individuals misinterpret their traits through the lens of social media, leading to premature self-diagnosis without understanding the underlying issues. While symptoms like forgetfulness and distraction may resonate, they can also stem from stress or other conditions, complicating the diagnostic process. This underscores an urgent need for proper understanding and validation from qualified professionals, rather than relying solely on social media portrayals.
Hyperfocus and Its Implications
Hyperfocus represents a unique aspect of ADHD where individuals can become deeply engrossed in activities of interest, often to the detriment of essential self-care. This intense focus allows individuals to ignore basic needs such as hunger or rest, resulting in a kind of 'hyperfocus hangover' where they crash after extensive periods of concentration. The phenomenon highlights the contrasting experiences of individuals with ADHD who may struggle with tasks lacking immediate interest while thriving on engaging activities. Recognizing hyperfocus as both a strength and a potential risk is essential for better self-understanding and management.
Compassionate Strategies for Relationships with ADHD
Fostering compassion and understanding becomes vital for individuals in relationships with those who have ADHD, as both parties may face unique challenges. Partners can help by recognizing when ADHD-related traits surface and can employ supportive strategies, like breaking tasks into manageable parts. For instance, encouraging movement or using music can shift focus and alleviate negativity during difficult moments. Building a partnership around mutual strengths allows for a more enriching and understanding relationship, ultimately enhancing communication and connection.
If you feel overwhelmed by chronic disorganization, struggle to maintain focus, or wonder if your adult challenges might be linked to ADHD, we’re sitting down with Michaela Thomas, a brilliant clinical psychologist and the mastermind behind The Thomas Connection, the author of "The Lasting Connection," host of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, and a leading expert in ADHD support.
Through Michael’s extensive and personal understanding of ADHD in adulthood, you’ll discover why seeking a diagnosis can be transformative, how ADHD manifests differently across genders, and the benefits of understanding your neurodivergent brain for your relationships. Trust us, she's a powerhouse of knowledge and empowerment! Want to find out how to navigate your own ADHD journey with clarity and confidence? Tune in with Debbie and Michaela!
Listen and Learn:
The myths about ADHD, why professional assessment matters, and how it impacts attention, energy, and motivation
Why ADHD in women is frequently overlooked and how it presents differently in girls and women
Michaela speaks about her own journey of being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult and how it has allowed her to live authentically
The reasons why Michaela sought out an ADHD evaluation
Why getting an ADHD diagnosis has advantages and disadvantages, as well as how developing self-awareness can improve your relationships and general wellbeing
Why the ADHD assessment process is far more complex than many think
Is ADHD really overdiagnosed?
The distinctions between ADHD and autism in women and girls and why understanding these differences can affect both diagnosis and support
Michaela is a Senior Clinical Psychologist and managing director and lead psychologist of The Thomas Connection. As well as her role as managing director and lead psychologist of The Thomas Connection, she is also the author of couples and compassion book called The Lasting Connection and the host of the podcast Pause Purpose Play. She posts on Instagram under The_Thomas_Connection. Michaela specialises in perfectionism, helping high-striving women let go of the pressure of perfection, to find the balance to burn bright, not burn out. She offers online courses, and ADHD evaluations and support. She lives in London. She
