MissUnderstood: The ADHD in Women Channel

For some women with ADHD, people-pleasing is more than just being nice. It’s a way to cope with feeling overwhelmed or misunderstood.In this episode, Dr. Monica Johnson breaks down what people-pleasing looks like in women with ADHD. Find out how this coping mechanism can impact your life. And learn helpful strategies to stop people-pleasing and live a healthier life.For more on this topicADHD and: Imposter syndromeTips from an ADHD Coach: People-pleasing everyone but ourselvesADHD and: Setting boundariesTimestamps(00:00) Intro(00:39) What does people-pleasing look like in ADHD?(2:48) Why ADHD leads to people-pleasing(4:31)The hidden costs of people-pleasing (7:10) Tips for managing people-pleasing For a transcript and more resources, visit the MissUnderstood: ADHD in Women page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at podcasts@understood.org. Explore Through My Eyes today. Step into the world of three kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia — helping you see differently so you can act differently.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Ellyce Fulmore, a financial educator and author of Keeping Finance Personal, shares insights on how personal identity influences money management. She discusses the emotional baggage of shame and guilt tied to spending habits and the unique financial challenges that come with ADHD. Ellyce emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s 'money story' and provides practical strategies, including tackling impulse spending and navigating finances in relationships. Her perspective showcases how individual experiences shape financial behaviors in diverse contexts.

Many women with ADHD find shopping to be a temporary escape from stress and anxiety, leading to impulsive spending and regret. The discussion delves into compulsive buying disorder, its signs, and the emotional triggers that fuel it. Dr. Monica Johnson provides practical tips for regaining control over spending habits. The consequences of overspending and the importance of community support in overcoming shopping addiction are highlighted, making it a relatable and empowering conversation.

Join Jordan Davidson, an insightful author and editorial director, as she unpacks the complexities of deciding on parenthood for those with ADHD. Drawing from her extensive interviews, she discusses societal pressures and the misconceptions surrounding parenting expectations. Davidson highlights the emotional hurdles faced by neurodivergent individuals and the importance of communication in relationships. She also delves into the fantasy of the ‘idealized parent’ and challenges the perceptions of family planning, offering a fresh perspective on this vital life choice.

Women with ADHD often struggle to communicate boundaries effectively, feeling intimidated by the process. Dr. Monica Johnson highlights the unique challenges posed by ADHD, like executive dysfunction and emotional regulation. She offers practical strategies to simplify boundary-setting, helping listeners express their limits with confidence. Tips on improving communication styles are shared, making it easier for women to assert their needs in relationships.

Craig Thomas, co-creator of How I Met Your Mother, discusses his journey with language sensitivity following his son’s diagnosis with Jacobson syndrome. He reflects on the reviving of the R-word in comedy and stresses the need for mindful language. The conversation dives into how comedy has evolved, emphasizing the importance of uplifting marginalized voices. A disability advocate also joins in to highlight the impact of derogatory terms, urging listeners to consider how their words shape perceptions and identities in the context of comedy and beyond.

Join Dr. Elizabeth Kilmer, a clinical psychologist specializing in therapy dynamics, as she dives into the nuances of the therapist-client relationship. She tackles how to find the right therapist and determine if your sessions are truly effective. The discussion covers vital topics like giving feedback, setting therapeutic boundaries, and how to gracefully 'break up' with a therapist if necessary. Plus, explore the barriers to accessing therapy and the role of AI in mental health. This conversation is essential for anyone navigating their mental health journey!

Many women with ADHD struggle to manage their emotions. Strong feelings like anger, sadness, and guilt tend to come on fast and feel hard to control. This can make everyday life feel confusing and overwhelming.In this episode, Dr. Monica Johnson explains how ADHD makes it harder to manage emotions. Find out why feelings like anger, sadness, and frustration can feel so strong for ADHD women to manage. And learn effective strategies to help you deal with these emotions.Related resourcesTips from an ADHD Coach: Psychological safetyADHD and emotionsMissUnderstood: The ADHD in Women ChannelWe love hearing from our listeners! Email us at podcasts@understood.org Explore Through My Eyes today. Step into the world of three kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia — helping you see differently so you can act differently.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Last year, Rae and Cody at Team Hyperfocus noticed something unnerving: The R-word was coming back into public discourse. People, especially people in power, seemed to be using it more often, and more freely. We weren’t the only ones who’d spotted this upsetting trend. Researchers, disability advocates, and other journalists were also concerned. If this word, long considered a slur, was being used by some very powerful people, what did that mean for people with disabilities?So we dove in, talking to researchers, members of the community, and even a famous comedy writer. (You’ll see!) And we surfaced with another, deeper question: If the R-word can, and does, cause harm, how do you get people to care? Related resourcesSpread the Word campaignDisability Discourse MattersThe ‘R-Word’ Is Back. How a Slur Became Renormalized (Special Olympics)Rosa’s LawWe love hearing from our listeners! Email us at hyperfocus@understood.org. Explore Through My Eyes today. Step into the world of three kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia — helping you see differently so you can act differently.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Clutter can be a huge emotional drain for those with ADHD. Personal stories highlight the struggle of letting go of sentimental items. The discussion dives into the unique challenges of impulsive buying and disorganization. Practical strategies are shared, focusing on small tasks to ease overwhelm. Listeners gain tips for navigating emotional hurdles while decluttering, emphasizing joy and comfort in their spaces. It's a heartfelt exploration of finding balance amidst the chaos.