45. 🥊 Fighting for Understanding: Navigating ADHD in Family Relationships

Hiiiii ADHD bestiesssss we’re back with another symposium on why-ADHD-can-suck-but-it’s-also-going-to-be-okay-we-promise!

This time we’re diving into the complexity of family relationships with ADHD and covering the best dilemmas from the last 40+ episodes on dynamics with parents, parents-in-law, partners etc *Dun dun duuun!*

Dilemma 1 - Holly sends a voice message dilemma on sharing her diagnosis from family and friends and facing stigma and gaslighting. 

We discuss: 

• ADHD's frequency and intensity
• The invisible nature of ADHD
• Common misconceptions and how to address them
• The energy drain of ADHD advocacy—when and how to engage

Dilemma 2 - An anon listener asks about an offhand comment from a mother-in-law that made this listener feel lazy

We discuss: 

• Stopping ADHD self-criticism spirals
• Handling criticism & passive aggression
• Why parent comments trigger ADHDers
• Re-parenting your inner child with ADHD
• The invisible emotional load in ADHD families

Dilemma 3 - Sarah asks: “My parents don’t seem to acknowledge or understand my ADHD. I’m 27 and still living at home, and my mum is very critical of me and my anxiety.” 

We discuss: 

• ADHD & setting boundaries with parents
• Un-enmeshing from family dynamics
• Building trust through neutral & fun connections

Dilemma 4 - A gorgeous neurotypical listener asks about how to support his ADHD girlfriend, especially with confidence, negative self talk and finding accommodations for her. 

We discuss: 

• Overcoming ADHD self-criticism
• Breaking unconscious negative thought patterns
• Separating thoughts from identity for self-awareness

Dilemma 5 - “How do I get my Mum to understand I’m not lazy and it’s not that I don’t care - I’m trying my best” 

We discuss: 

• Neurodivergent energy levels & the need for rest
• ADHD hyperfocus & losing track of time
• Sensory overwhelm & inconsistent behavior in ADHD
• Parental guilt about late ADHD recognition
• Navigating conversations with undiagnosed ADHD parents

We love you 4evs and we will be back with a VERY SPECIAL episode next week with the one and only Emma from @emmasmindovermatter!!!

RSDing is out of the question, as always!

GB and T

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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.