Have you ever had one of those days where you can't seem to keep it together? Misplacing your car keys, running late for the school run, or leaving your child behind in a supermarket can be some of the most frustrating experiences ever. But guess what? You're not alone! In this podcast episode, we're going to share some of our own experiences dealing with ADHD, especially when it comes to juggling the demands of parenting and school life. We'll talk about the ups, downs, and the hilarious moments that come with it. But it's not all chuckles and belly laughs because we deeply feel the negative beliefs and pressures associated with being an ADHD mum. Louise shares her journey of being diagnosed with ADHD at 44 and how it might be linked to perimenopause. Share in our laughter and our struggles, and take solace in the fact that you're not alone in your ADHD journey. You can expect to hear everything from losing backpacks and car keys to struggling with school commitments. And, of course, we'll share some funny stories too - like when Lou forgot she had driven to school and ended up walking back home! So sit tight and get ready for a good laugh because this one will be fun!

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Hey there, friend. Do you ever feel like your mind is running on overdrive, every thought a pinball bouncing off the walls of your brain? You're not alone—ADHD has been our co-pilot, steering us through a roller coaster of impulsivity, fleeting hobbies, and the ceaseless quest for novelty that marks our daily lives. We've battled the shame of rapidly changing interests, but we've also found solace in each other and alternative means to soothe our minds that don't involve reaching for the cookie jar. Tune in and connect with our shared experiences in ADHD, feminism, diagnosis, and the weights and measures of medication.

As we navigate this labyrinth called life, we've stumbled, fallen, picked ourselves up and kept going, and in the process, we've learned a lot about our mental health. We've grappled with anxiety, depression, labels, and feelings of isolation and guilt. We've seen the dark corners of our minds, and you know what? It's okay not to be okay sometimes. Let's talk about how crucial it is to recognize ADHD in young girls and to have safe spaces where they can express themselves. Therapy has been a lifeline for us, and we're here to tell you why it might be for you too.

Finally, we'd like to invite you to join us for a heart-to-heart on emotional regulation and self-care. How does one handle emotional dysregulation and rejection sensitive dysphoria? We've felt the sting of criticism, the weight of societal expectations, and we've learned to navigate these waters. Self-care has been our anchor, whether it's indulging in new makeup, curating a wellbeing basket, or even reframing household chores. Listen in as we share how we're learning to stand tall, embrace self-acceptance, and muster the courage to stand up for ourselves. We've journeyed through the complexities of ADHD and mental health, and now it's your turn to join us on this journey of self-discovery.

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Picture this - two friends, both living with ADHD, decide to launch a podcast. What follows is a beautiful chaos of shared experiences, candid conversations, and community building. Join us in this episode as we chat with Gen and Claire, co-hosts of the ADHD Mums podcast, a nurturing platform for all women navigating the ADHD journey. We delve into their experiences in the music industry, the unique use of Instagram as a memory aid, and the trials and triumphs of motherhood and friendship in an ADHD world.

Ever wondered about the realities of starting ADHD medication in the UK? We've got you covered. This episode takes you behind the scenes as we share our distinct experiences, insights, and apprehensions about ADHD medications. From long waits for diagnosis and treatment to the importance of self-advocacy, we lay it all bare. We also shed light on the hurdles faced in navigating school screening protocols and the necessity of proactive support for children with ADHD.

But it's not all serious talk. We also share the exciting journey of running our podcast and building a robust community. Our guests Gen and Claire,  living with ADHD, shares their journey through school regulations, medication, and acceptance. This episode is a delightful mix of laughter, real-life experiences, and valuable insights. Get ready for an engaging exploration of the ADHD world through the eyes of the  ADHD Mums and their vibrant community. Join us, and let's navigate this journey together. Come for the stories, stay for the companionship!

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Exploring the Complexities of ADHD, Mental Health, and Empowerment

Embark on a transformative journey of understanding, empathy, and enlightenment as we navigate the labyrinth of ADHD and mental health. Join me, Laura, along with Louise, a resilient mental health nurse who has defied the odds and embraced her ADHD diagnosis.

In this candid and thought-provoking podcast, Louise shares her struggles and triumphs, shedding light on the often-overlooked complexities of ADHD and its impact on mental health. 

Together, we delve into the profound effects of the pandemic on mental health, the challenges of balancing work in a demanding field with personal mental health struggles, and the emotional toll of navigating comorbid conditions. We also explore the under-researched area of ADHD in women, addressing the bias in diagnosis and shedding light on its consequences for those seeking treatment.

Through heartfelt conversations, we aim to dismantle stigma and misconceptions surrounding ADHD, while advocating for the creation of supportive communities and normalised discussions around mental health. Our discussions extend beyond awareness, emphasising the urgent need for better funding and treatment options for ADHD.

Get ready to unravel the complexities of ADHD and mental health, gain a deeper understanding of your experiences, and discover new paths towards empowerment and well-being.

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This episode uncovers the story of the charismatic and inspiring Nikki Wilson, CEO of the Make Birth Better Foundation.  We divulge Nikki's unique experiences living with ADHD, revealing the peaks and troughs that come with it and the often overlooked middle ground where most of the actual journey takes place.

Throughout the episode, we discuss the challenges of managing a hectic life, emphasising the art of balancing it all. You'll find this discussion particularly enlightening as Nikki shares her journey, her work at the Make Birth Better Foundation, and how she navigates the somewhat treacherous waters of life with ADHD. Tune in and prepare to be inspired, encouraged and educated.

Find out more about Nikki and the team at https://www.makebirthbetter.org/

1. Podcast
2. ADHD
3. Nikki Wilson
4. Make Birth Better Foundation
5. Balancing life
6. Managing a hectic life
7. Inspirational stories
8. ADHD experiences
9. Personal Journey
10. Mental health
11. Overcoming challenges
12. Education
13. Encouragement
14. Inspiring conversations
15. Navigating life with ADHD
16. Parenting
17. Motherhood
18. Birth trauma

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Ever felt the experience of being an outsider or battled with managing ADHD? Well, you're not alone. Our awe-inspiring guest, Charlotte, bravely shares her struggle with undiagnosed ADHD, the challenges of employment and her personal journey of self-exploration and acceptance after her diagnosis. She is now thriving in her coaching business, extending a helping hand to other late-diagnosed ADHD women, inspiring them to be self-compassionate and confident. 

Charlotte and I also peel back the layers on the complex intersection of mental health services and social media marketing. We unveil the challenges of perceived rejection in this digital arena, and the struggle to maintain authenticity while marketing a business. Also, we examine how understanding oneself and one's unique mind can propel a business forward. You'll gain a new perspective on how the online world intersects with mental health services, and how you can navigate this path personally or in your business.

Lastly, we take a lighter look at life with ADHD. We exchange stories of forgetful incidents, impulse purchases and laugh at the chaos that can come with ADHD. Let's embrace the humor that life offers and slow down to appreciate our journey. Charlotte also shares valuable resources for anyone wanting to learn more about ADHD. By the end of our chat, you’ll be left inspired and informed, having learned to celebrate the unique aspects you or a loved one with ADHD possess. So, grab your headphones and join us for this enlightening conversation. You won't want to miss it.

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Navigating neurodivergence can feel like navigating uncharted territory. However, with understanding and acceptance, neurodivergent individuals can find a path that leads to surviving and thriving. This episode offers a compassionate exploration of ADHD and neurodivergence, focusing on the shared experiences that unite us and the power of honesty and open conversation in fostering understanding and acceptance. We discuss how to handle moments of mental blankness, and how embracing these moments can lead to a more humanistic connection with others.

As we delve deeper, we shed light on the often misunderstood world of adult ADHD and Autism diagnosis. Whether you're a neurodivergent adult or a parent of a neurodiverse child, you'll gain valuable insights into recognizing symptoms, differentiating between typical teenage behaviour and behaviour that needs addressing, and the crucial role of establishing boundaries. We also discuss a fascinating concept known as body doubling, and how it can be a game-changer in helping young individuals comprehend and complete challenging tasks. 

Finally, we explore the transformative power of yoga and mindfulness for those living with neurodivergence. Discover how these practices can offer physical relief from symptoms of trauma and stress, and foster emotional healing. We also highlight the pivotal role of body repetitive behaviours and self-soothing techniques to calm and balance the nervous system. Join us for this enlightening conversation, filled with practical strategies and valuable insights for embracing and thriving with neurodivergence.

Iffat Shafiuddin

https://counselling-with-iffat.com
Registered Member MBACP (Accredited)

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Get ready for a podcast episode that's anything but ordinary! Picture this: accidentally setting your best friend's wedding dress on fire. Yep, it happened to me! Don't worry, because this wild ride of an episode is packed with laughs and a touch of horror. We'll dive deep into the world of manifestations, anxiety, and the incredible power of our thoughts.

But wait, there's more! We're about to venture into parenting, but not your typical parenting chat. We're talking about the unique challenges and rewards of raising neurodiverse children. Buckle up as we tackle ADHD and how it impacts family life, travel plans, finances, and, oh, did I mention impulsive shopping? The 'ADHD tax' is real, my friends. Plus, we'll explore the pressures and joys of being parents, especially when a Parisian adventure is on the horizon!

And when you thought things couldn't get any more interesting, we'll have you tearing you up. Have you ever shed a tear during a job interview? Yeah, we've been there too. We'll share how vulnerability can be a game-changer, even in the most professional settings. Throughout this rollercoaster of a conversation, we'll emphasize the importance of empathy, understanding, and breaking free from societal norms.

So, fasten your seatbelts and join us on this whirlwind journey through life, filled with laughter, tears, and everything in between. Trust me, you don't want to miss this episode!

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Have you ever felt like something wasn't right, even when your life seemed to be objectively together? Our excellent guest, Rachel Walker, delves into the heart of this question. As a former primary school teacher with a successful academic career, Rachel candidly shares her journey leading up to her ADHD diagnosis. Her story is one of revelation and self-discovery, from acknowledging feelings of perfectionism and people-pleasing to navigating romantic relationships under the lens of ADHD.

Rachel's insights don't stop at self-discovery. She leads us into the often arduous process of seeking an ADHD diagnosis, discussing the urgency ADHDers often feel when making decisions and the pressure to prove that her mental health warrants an assessment. What's more, we explore the transformation her life underwent post-diagnosis and its fascinating ripple effect on her family. 

But our chat with Rachel is about more than diagnosis. It's about living, thriving, and managing with ADHD. Rachel gives us a glimpse into her journey of juggling PMS with ADHD medication, sharing her experiences of trying different treatments before finding success with stimulants. She also takes us into the bustling classrooms where she once taught, the sensory overload that comes with managing children, and how her diagnosis led her to freelance work. All this while opening up about how her social circle has changed and how she deals with impulsive behaviours. This conversation was authentic and eye-opening about living with ADHD.

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Have you ever felt misunderstood, dismissed, or questioned about a diagnosed condition? Meet Kelly Doran,  who bravely challenged her initial Borderline Personality Disorder diagnosis and pursued an exploration into her past that led to a new understanding- ADHD. Her story underscores the crucial need for proof in diagnosis, thus placing a high value on old report cards and teachers' comments, which revealed repetitive patterns pointing towards ADHD.

Kelly's candid conversation unveils her journey and the strategies she utilised to manage her ADHD symptoms and navigate the often damaging culture within the mental health world. 

Kelly discusses the stumbling blocks she encountered during her high school years due to her diagnosis, emphasising the need for more education and training on neurodiversity. This compelling conversation is not just Kelly's story; it's a call for understanding and embracing neurodiversity in every facet of life.

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