Encouraging ADHDers: Diagnosis and Self-Compassion | Adulting with ADHD Podcast

Marlena shares her challenges in seeking an ADHD diagnosis, highlighting the difficulties many adults—especially women—face due to outdated medical perceptions.

Consulting a GP is often the first step, but the process can be frustrating and full of obstacles, leaving many feeling unheard or misdiagnosed.

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Medication and treatment options are explored, particularly stimulant medications like Adderall and Concerta, which help regulate dopamine demand rather than just supply. While effective, these medications come with challenges such as tolerance buildup over time. Beyond pharmaceuticals, alternative strategies like exercise, sleep optimization, mindfulness, and nootropics are discussed, emphasizing the role of lifestyle changes and behavioral coaching in managing symptoms.

The emotional and psychological journey of living with ADHD is also a central theme. Self-acceptance and mindset play a crucial role in navigating symptoms, yet many ADHDers struggle with negative self-talk and internalized stigma. Women and people of color, in particular, often face additional layers of misunderstanding and bias, making their ADHD journeys even more complex. 

Pop culture’s role in ADHD representation is also explored, with a focus on Everything Everywhere All at Once. Director Daniel Kwan discovered his own ADHD while making the film, which deeply resonates with the ADHD experience. The film’s exploration of generational trauma and nonlinear thinking reflects the reality of many ADHDers, offering a powerful and relatable narrative that helps bring awareness to neurodivergent experiences.

Key Takeaways:

• ADHD is often misunderstood, and many adults face roadblocks when seeking a diagnosis.
• Medication can be highly effective but requires careful monitoring to avoid tolerance buildup.
• Alternative treatments like exercise, mindfulness, and coaching can significantly improve symptoms.
• Self-compassion is crucial—many ADHDers struggle with negative self-talk, which worsens symptoms.
• Pop culture can be a powerful tool for ADHD awareness, as seen with Everything Everywhere All at Once.

The discussion calls for greater self-compassion, encouraging ADHDers to be kinder to themselves as they navigate diagnosis and treatment.

In this episode with Marlena Pavich, Attention Different co-founders Stephen Tonti and Aaron Smith continue to delve into Marlena's journey of being diagnosed with ADHD.