Feel like you’ve never quite fit in anywhere?
I know how you feel.
I help women who have unknowingly lived with ADHD discover their unique strengths and manage their symptoms. As someone who’s been there, I can provide the insights and strategies they need to understand themselves better and thrive.
The TNT of ADHD
“TNT” – that’s trials and tribulations… and that’s putting it mildly.
And sometimes it does feel like a bomb went off. A big, messy one that’s about to disrupt world peace. I know the feeling. I get what it’s like to be frustrated, keyed up, and out-of-sorts for no apparent reason. Or what it’s like to be curious about EVERYTHING. Google is my best friend, and don’t even get me started on Amazon. There are squirrels running around EVERYWHERE! But where is the pest control guy when you need him?
I’ve had decades of sleepless nights because I cannot shut off my overactive head. I lay there at night, solving all the same problems over and over and over and over. It’s SO exhausting. And as you can imagine, feeling “rested” became a figment of my imagination. Kinda like Sleeping Beauty. Except she slept – until some hot prince had to kiss her and disrupt her much-needed slumber! Damn that guy!
The problem is ADHD. And ADHD needs to be regulated with a whole-body approach. For instance, you cannot have a happy brain when your liver is saturated with wine. Trust me – I know because I tried that, too! That elusive thing you’ve been looking for: HAPPINESS. It’s out there, but you can only find it within. Let’s start looking.
Mental Health Crisis
There’s the health crisis that’s been declared by the surgeon general. People aren’t taking care of themselves. Then substance abuse disorders are fueling an ever-growing addiction crisis. The quick fix. Then there are the neurodivergent disorders that make some of us uniquely challenged in a whole set of different ways. Give us anything that helps us feel better!
When the healthcare system fails us, we don’t have to fail each other. There’s temptation around every corner. More and more people are finding themselves one paycheck away… Let’s get past the overwhelm together. It may be easier to give up instead of fighting the fight. But don’t give up. We got this.
ADHD Types
For surprisingly many individuals, particularly women, navigating life with undiagnosed ADHD has been a challenging and often misunderstood journey. This underdiagnosis means we’ve been grappling with symptoms without realizing the root cause, affecting our relationships, careers, and personal well-being.
Which type are you?
Inattentive Type
Those with the inattentive type of ADHD may find it challenging to maintain focus, becoming easily distracted by external stimuli or their thoughts. Common symptoms include difficulties in organizing tasks, frequent forgetfulness, losing personal items, and struggling to follow through on instructions or complete tasks. They might often appear daydreamy or off in their own world, making it hard to stay engaged in conversations or activities.
Let me translate that for you. Your energy is spent thinking. You solve your problems, along with everyone else’s problems – especially at night while you’re trying to sleep, or conveniently while someone is trying to talk to you. You’re the flighty one who can’t seem to get your shit together. Deadlines creep up on you, and you’re notorious for losing track of what you were trying to say, losing track of what someone else was trying to say, and losing track of…things. If you could have 500 hobbies along with a craft room/she-shed to go along with each one, you would. You have a ton of things going on, yet NONE of them ever seem to get finished. You’re curious about EVERYTHING and will spend hours researching like a private investigator on a mission – unless it has to do with reading instructions. Forget those. And the many hours you spend wasting your life away…feel more like minutes.
Typical Annoyances:
- Constantly misplacing keys, phones, or other everyday items.
- Missing or forgetting important deadlines or appointments.
- Difficulty following along with conversations or lectures.
- Procrastinating on tasks, especially those requiring prolonged focus or things you don’t want to do.
- Feeling overwhelmed by detailed tasks or instructions, or by sheer overload!
Hyperactive Type
The hyperactive type manifests through constant motion and an inability to stay still. Individuals with this type often feel an internal restlessness and may talk excessively, interrupt others, and have trouble waiting their turn. They might frequently fidget, tap, or squirm in their seats and show a preference for activities that involve lots of movement. This need for continuous activity can sometimes lead to impulsive decision-making without thinking through the consequences.
Let me translate that for you. You can’t sit still to save your life, and other people can’t help but to notice. You can be loud, fidgety, and annoyed if there isn’t enough stimulation. It’s like you’ve got an engine under that hood, just waiting for you to take it for a spin! You’re curious about EVERYTHING and have all kinds of different interests to keep you entertained for about five minutes. Then you’ll be on to the next quest. Build it and they will come. And you…have the energy to build it. Those legs and arms won’t stop moving until you’re ready to go to bed. You’re like a shark – you quit moving and you might die! And even if you do get everything else to stop moving, your busy brain will tie the bow on top. And that’s good, because time flies when you’re having fun!
Typical Annoyances:
- Constantly fidgeting or tapping fingers and feet.
- Interrupting others during conversations or in meetings.
- Difficulty sitting still for long periods, such as during movies or dinners.
- Acting impulsively, often regretting decisions later.
- Struggling with activities that require patience and stillness.
Combination Type
As the name implies, the combination type includes symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive types. People with this type may experience the full spectrum of ADHD symptoms, such as difficulty maintaining focus and staying still, coupled with impulsiveness and disorganization. They may alternate between periods of deep inattention and bursts of hyperactivity, making it challenging to maintain consistency in their daily routines and responsibilities.
Let me translate that for you. Most ADHDers are a combination of the types. And your combination is as unique as you are! You may experience more of one type first hand, making it your primary, but a few weeds may be spreading under the fence. We need to make sure we keep an eye on the runners. If your body isn’t hyperactive, your mind is. And it’s looking for friends constantly! Beware of your need to window shop. More like window buy, because your body may run laps around your To Do list – and shopping is a lovely distraction. Focus on the things you CAN control the easiest. That way, you’ll feel good about having something under control, no matter how big or small that “something” may be. Small victories. Brick by brick, one step at a time.
Typical Annoyances:
- Alternating between hyper-focused states and complete distraction.
- Keeping track of tasks and maintaining organization can be a constant battle.
- Experiencing restlessness and difficulty sitting still.
- Making impulsive decisions while struggling to follow through on plans.
- Feeling constantly overwhelmed by the need to balance numerous symptoms.
- The inability or GUILT factor of saying, “NO,” because we need to find something to make us feel like we’re contributing.
Body: the Vessel
Your body’s health is a huge deal for managing ADHD effectively. Staying active, eating right, and getting enough sleep can do wonders for your brain. It’s all connected! Exercise pumps up those feel-good chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, which assist with focus and thinking. Plus, a balanced diet gives your brain the fuel it needs, and good sleep recharges your mental batteries. When you take care of your body, you’re setting up your mind to be more focused, energetic, and ready to tackle anything.
Mind: the Map
Taking care of your mind is super important when it comes to managing ADHD. When you focus on mental well-being, things like concentration, memory, and handling emotions get a big boost. By practicing mindfulness, cutting down on stress, and keeping a positive attitude, people with ADHD can gain more clarity, creativity, and better problem-solving skills. Getting your mind balanced and calm is a game changer for dealing with ADHD challenges. And creativity is the cure for depression – which you likely experience simultaneously with anxiety if you have ADHD. They will gang up on you like the brood of bullies behind the bleachers.
Spirit: the Path
A healthy spirit is crucial for individuals with ADHD as it can significantly enhance their overall well-being and ability to manage symptoms. Maintaining a positive and resilient spirit helps foster a sense of purpose and self-worth, which is vital in dealing with the challenges of ADHD. It encourages a proactive mindset, enabling individuals to employ coping strategies, remain motivated, and pivot from setbacks. Additionally, a healthy spirit can contribute to better emotional regulation, reducing feelings of frustration and stress commonly associated with ADHD. Ultimately, nurturing a healthy spirit offers a foundation for personal growth, improved relationships, and a more balanced life.
I look forward to helping you find your own “happy” in your life-long challenges with ADHD. At the very least (depending on your level of participation), I will do what I can to give you little tips and tricks to get your life on track – especially if things aren’t what you had hoped or expected. Your priorities and dreams cannot be ignored or replaced any longer! It’s YOUR TIME TO SHINE. Soul Stairway is here for you every step of the way.
