ADHD can wreak havoc on memory, especially nonverbal working memory. But don’t worry—it’s not your fault! Learn how emotional experiences, like missing important meetings, can impact your day-to-day. Discover effective strategies to navigate memory challenges, like using calendars and lists. Plus, there are memory training resources out there waiting to help you enhance your skills. Dive in to find out how to make your memory work for you, not against you!
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Quick takeaways
ADHD affects nonverbal working memory, leading to challenges in task management that can be addressed through structured practices like scheduling.
Overcoming internal drama and practicing emotional literacy can enhance productivity and self-compassion for individuals struggling with ADHD-related difficulties.
Deep dives
Confronting Internal Drama
The episode begins by discussing the concept of internal drama and how it can hinder action, specifically the act of simply starting tasks. The host reflects on her experience of preparing to record the podcast and grapples with feelings of resistance and potential criticism. By questioning what actions would remain if drama were removed from the equation, she emphasizes the importance of moving past self-imposed barriers and just engaging in the task at hand. This mindset shift highlights how identifying and overcoming internal dialogue can lead to increased productivity and a better understanding of one's motivation.
Processing Clean versus Dirty Pain
The host shares a personal story of logging into a meeting an hour late due to a misunderstanding of time zones, leading to feelings of disappointment and embarrassment. She distinguishes between 'clean pain'—the initial feelings of disappointment—and 'dirty pain,' which involves negative self-talk and guilt that exacerbate the situation. By consciously allowing herself to experience and process these emotions rather than spiraling into shame, she illustrates how acknowledging feelings can help maintain emotional balance and avoid further derailment. This approach underscores the importance of emotional literacy and self-compassion, especially for individuals with ADHD.
The Reality of ADHD and Memory Challenges
The episode addresses the impact of ADHD on memory, asserting that individuals with the condition often cannot rely on their memory to keep track of tasks and information. The host explains that different types of memory, particularly working and visual memory, are commonly affected, leading to frustrations in daily life. She advocates for the practice of externalizing tasks through writing and scheduling as an effective strategy to manage ADHD-related memory deficits. This emphasizes the need for structured approaches, such as using calendars and reminders, to enhance productivity and stay organized in the face of memory challenges.
This episode is kind of a good news/bad news situation :) If you have ADHD, then your memory is terrible. Specifically, your nonverbal working memory. That’s the bad news. The good news is, it’s not your fault and there are ways you can hack your memory. Tune in to find out how to be successful even with a sucky memory!