EP. 317: ADHD, Addiction, and Advocacy: Jennifer’s Inspiring Story
Jan 29, 2025
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Jennifer Nicole Schmitz shares her inspiring journey from addiction to advocacy while pursuing a psychology degree. She discusses how generational trauma intertwines with ADHD and the impact of misdiagnosis. Jennifer highlights her struggles with self-worth and emotional turmoil in her early years, plus the pivotal moments that led her to sobriety. She offers coping strategies for managing ADHD, emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, and advocates for women and young girls facing similar challenges.
Jennifer's journey illustrates the interconnectedness of generational trauma, ADHD, and addiction, emphasizing the importance of accurate diagnoses and early intervention.
The episode promotes self-advocacy and empowerment for women with ADHD, highlighting strategies like emotional awareness and community connection for managing symptoms.
Deep dives
Highlighting Successful Individuals with ADHD
Many notable figures, including Richard Branson and Simone Biles, have ADHD, which often remains unrecognized in discussions about the condition. This episode emphasizes the need to focus on the 43% of people with ADHD who lead fulfilling and healthy lives. It challenges the stigma surrounding ADHD by showcasing successful individuals and their positive contributions to society. Celebrating their achievements helps to reframe the narrative around ADHD, highlighting strengths instead of solely focusing on challenges.
Exploring Misdiagnosis and Addiction
The discussion touches on how misdiagnoses, particularly of ADHD, can lead individuals down dark paths, including addiction. Jennifer, a guest on the episode, shares her personal history of addiction influenced by her mother’s struggles with undiagnosed ADHD and subsequent health issues. Their shared experiences emphasize the impact of a lack of proper diagnostic awareness and the consequences it can have over generations. By recounting such stories, it becomes clear that early intervention and accurate diagnosis are crucial in preventing similar trajectories.
The Importance of Self-Advocacy
Self-advocacy emerges as a vital theme, particularly for women with ADHD who may struggle with societal expectations. Jennifer discusses the impact of negative self-talk and the importance of recognizing one's capabilities rather than focusing on perceived limitations. Emphasizing empowerment, the episode encourages individuals to break free from societal norms that dictate how they should behave or feel. By understanding their own strengths and needs, individuals can create a more fulfilling and authentic life.
Finding Coping Strategies for ADHD and Addiction
The episode highlights various strategies to manage ADHD symptoms and avoid addiction, showcasing practical tools that listeners can adopt. Jennifer suggests coping techniques such as talking to trusted friends or performing 'brain dumps' to clarify thoughts and feelings. Additionally, incorporating physical activities, such as brisk walks or dancing, can effectively manage anxiety and overstimulation common in ADHD. By sharing these tangible strategies, the discussion aims to equip listeners with the tools they need to confront their challenges with resilience and self-compassion.
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How do generational trauma, ADHD, and addiction intertwine—and how can understanding them save lives?
In this deeply personal episode of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, Tracy Otsuka speaks with Jennifer Nicole Schmitz, whose journey is one of survival, resilience, and purpose. Jennifer candidly shares her experiences growing up in a home marked by trauma, her mother’s undiagnosed ADHD, and struggles with addiction, and how these shaped her own path. Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, Jennifer reflects on her teenage years battling addiction and the pivotal moments that led her to sobriety.
Jennifer is now pursuing a psychology degree with the mission to help women and young girls navigate ADHD, trauma, and the impact of misdiagnosis. She discusses the tools and strategies that helped her manage her ADHD and build a healthier life, including creating space for emotions, self-awareness, and connecting with a supportive community.
This heartfelt conversation sheds light on the critical links between ADHD, addiction, and mental health while offering insights on breaking free from shame, recognizing personal worth, and finding purpose amid life’s challenges.