38. How to navigate ADHD & AuDHD meltdowns and shutdowns: tips for you and your loved ones

Oh HIII, bestie babes!

In today's episode, we're ADHD-ing all over each other, and Tara is sick of people feeling bad about oversharing. Oversharing is the new sharing. Okay??? Good.

💌 DILEMMA OF THE WEEK:
Nick asks: "I don't understand the difference between ADHD / AuDHD meltdowns and shutdowns! Can you explain?"

We’re recording this episode just an hour after Tara had an ADHD meltdown—because she wants to show you what an ADHD meltdown actually looks like.

Have you ever felt extremely disconnected, flighty, unfocused, anxious, or struggled to speak or make eye contact? You may have been experiencing an ADHD or AuDHD meltdown or shutdown.

In this episode, we:

• Define how meltdowns and shutdowns feel for each of us in the context of ADHD and AuDHD—physically, socially, and psychologically.
• Explain how they differ and share our personal experiences.
• Break down triggers (sensory overload, emotional overwhelm, executive dysfunction).
• Talk about what helps us and what support people can do.

✨ RECS:

Tara is recommending @femalephysioco for an ADHD-friendly way to schedule pelvic floor exercises.

Grace is recommending the book What I Mean When I Say I’m Autistic by Annie Kotowicz. Also, don’t forget to check out the AuDHD chat and other resources in our 🦋 Patreon community! 🦋

We’ll be back in your absolutely stunning 👂 ’s next Thursday.

(don’t bloody ever RSD or we’ll be so, so cross with you!)

theme song plays

Lalalala LOVE, Tara & Grace xx

----------------------------
🦋 WANT MORE ADHD BESTIES? JOIN OUR PATRE0N COMMUNITY for subscriber-only episodes every week, bestie chat groups, live Q&As, downloadables and so much more!


Find us on socials (so it's not just our husbands commenting 👨‍🦲👨‍🦱)

🌈 IG @adhdbestiespodcast
🌈 TikTok @adhdbestiespodcast


❗️ SUBMIT your Divergent Dilemma for us to read on the podcast: https://adhdbesties.com/dilemmas/ (you can stay anon if you like!)


Music by Vocalista


Keywords: ADHD women’s podcast, ADHD for women, ADHD in women, ADHD support for women, ADHD empowerment, ADHD tips for women, ADHD self-care, ADHD strategies for women, neurodivergent women’s experiences, ADHD mental health for women, ADHD personal stories, ADHD late diagnosis, ADHD focus tips, ADHD executive functioning, ADHD and RSD (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria), ADHD coping strategies, ADHD and motherhood, ADHD treatment for women, women’s ADHD podcast, ADHD medication for women, ADHD wellness for women, ADHD community for women, women with ADHD support, ADHD resources for women, ADHD and anxiety in women, ADHD podcast for neurodivergent women.