303 Boredom Feels Like PAIN?! The ADHD Brain Explained with Dr. Marcy Caldwell
Feb 18, 2025
auto_awesome
Dr. Marcy Caldwell, a clinical psychologist and advocate for neurodiversity, dives into the multifaceted world of ADHD. Discover how boredom can feel like pain for ADHD brains and the emotional toll of masking symptoms. Dr. Caldwell also highlights the unique challenges women face with ADHD, often over the impacts of inattentiveness. With plenty of real talk, she busts common myths and shares insights on navigating late diagnoses, stressing the importance of self-acceptance and tailored strategies for thriving with ADHD.
ADHD involves significant self-regulation challenges, resulting in fluctuating attention and energy levels that complicate daily tasks.
Women with ADHD often experience unique symptoms leading to later diagnoses and internalized shame, exacerbating feelings of inadequacy.
Deep dives
Understanding the Core of ADHD
ADHD fundamentally involves difficulties with self-regulation, affecting various aspects of a person's life. Unlike neurotypical brains that operate on a range, ADHD brains function more like on-off switches, leading to challenges in maintaining attention, energy levels, and emotional responses. This lack of regulation can result in experiences of being either fully engaged or completely disengaged. The conversation emphasizes that understanding these core characteristics is crucial for both individuals with ADHD and those around them.
The Impact of Regulation on Daily Life
The inability to self-regulate affects adults with ADHD in numerous ways, often manifesting as procrastination and disorganization. Key motivators for individuals with ADHD include novelty, competition, and pressure; without these, it's difficult to engage with tasks. This leads to common scenarios such as being late or having a messy home, as maintaining order requires constant regulatory effort. The conversation sheds light on how energy levels fluctuate throughout the day, complicating even simple tasks after a long workday.
The Unique Experience of Women with ADHD
Women tend to experience and display ADHD symptoms differently than men, often leading to later diagnoses and a higher incidence of internalized shame. Many women exhibit an attentive type of ADHD, masking impulsivity and hyperactivity, which can contribute to anxiety and depression. The discussion highlights the societal expectations placed on women that complicate their ADHD experience, leading to feelings of inadequacy and frustration. Understanding these differences can help empower women to embrace their ADHD rather than see it as a flaw.
Debunking ADHD Myths
Numerous myths surrounding ADHD often impede understanding and acceptance of the disorder. Common misconceptions include the idea that everyone has a bit of ADHD or that the condition is overly diagnosed, which can further stigmatize individuals genuinely navigating ADHD. Increased awareness and access to information have led to rising diagnosis rates that reflect a genuine need for support rather than an overdiagnosis trend. The conversation stresses the importance of recognizing the real struggles faced by those with ADHD and advocating for accurate public knowledge.
In this must-listen episode, Dr. Marcy Caldwell joins us for a deep dive into the wild and sometimes frustrating world of ADHD. We’re breaking down what ADHD really is (spoiler: it’s NOT just about being distracted), why self-regulation is so tricky, and how masking can leave people feeling exhausted and unseen.
Ever felt like you know what to do but just can’t seem to do it? Yep, we go there. We also tackle the unique ways ADHD shows up in women, the surprising pain of boredom, and the myths that need to be busted ASAP. Plus, we explore what a late diagnosis means—especially for women who’ve spent years wondering, Is it just me? (It’s not.)
If you’ve ever wanted to understand ADHD on a deeper level—whether for yourself or someone you love—this conversation is packed with insights, real talk, and strategies to help ADHD brains thrive. Don’t miss it!