Perfectionism can significantly impact women with ADHD, often serving as both a coping mechanism and a source of shame. In today's ADHD Women’s Wellbeing Podcast episode, I speak with Natalie Englander, an accredited senior CBT therapist, about the complexities of perfectionism and its connection to ADHD. Natalie shares her journey of discovering her own ADHD diagnosis at 33 and how her perfectionist tendencies influenced her professional focus.

We explore the negative effects of perfectionism, including anxiety and self-criticism, while also discussing how to harness its positive aspects. With practical strategies and a compassionate approach, this episode offers valuable insights for anyone looking to understand and manage their perfectionism more compassionately.

Natalie combines her professional experience with her lived experience of ADHD to help women navigate the complexities of perfectionism, self-criticism, and mental health.

In this episode, you’ll learn…

✨ How ADHD and perfectionism intersect – particularly for women

✨ The emotional toll of perfectionism: anxiety, depression and self-criticism

✨ Why perfectionism develops – and how it can become a coping mechanism

✨ Practical ways to manage perfectionism

✨How to harness the positive aspects of perfectionism

Timestamps

• 09.40: The impact of perfectionism on childhood experiences
• 11.43: The connection between ADHD and motherhood
• 24.57: How perfectionism intersects with ADHD
• 31.40: Understanding perfectionism and imposter syndrome
• 40.29: Navigating perfectionism and self-compassion

If you’ve ever struggled with perfectionism or wondered about its connection to ADHD, this insightful episode will help you embrace self-acceptance and self-compassion - and celebrate life's imperfections.

Connect with Natalie through her website, or on Instagram.

Thank you to our sponsor Sleepypeople.com, who is currently offering 15% off its products to all podcast listeners. Click to learn more and use the discount code Kate15 at the checkout.

Thank you to our sponsor Get Dopa who are currently offering 10% off their supplements to all podcast listeners. Click to learn more and use the discount code Kate10 at the checkout.

Find Kate's popular online workshops and free resources here.

Kate Moryoussef is a women's ADHD lifestyle and wellbeing coach and EFT practitioner who helps overwhelmed and unfulfilled newly diagnosed ADHD women find more calm, balance, hope, health, compassion, creativity and clarity.

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Did you know that medical cannabis could have therapeutic and anti-inflammatory benefits for people with ADHD?

In this week’s thought-provoking episode, consultant psychiatrist Dr Niraj Singh, a Consultant Psychiatrist specialising in Neurodevelopmental Psychiatry, joins me to explore its potential to ease anxiety, mood swings and sleeping issues as an alternative or alongside ADHD medication.

With over 20 years of experience as a clinician, Dr Singh has treated thousands of adults with neurodivergence and mental health challenges.

In this week's ADHD Women's Wellbeing Podcast, we discuss:

• How the endocannabinoid system regulates both health and ADHD
• The therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis for women with ADHD
• Why some patients self-medicate with cannabis – and the risks involved
• Cannabis as a medicinal plant throughout history
• How medical cannabis can complement or replace stimulant medication
• The challenges of accessing medical cannabis in the UK

Takeaways:

• The endocannabinoid system is crucial in regulating our overall health and well-being.
• Medical cannabis can serve as a holistic treatment option for women diagnosed with ADHD.
• Self-medication with cannabis is common among individuals with ADHD, autism, and anxiety disorders.
• Cannabis has historically been used as a medicinal plant for various health conditions.
• Patients may find that medical cannabis can complement or even replace traditional stimulant medications.
• The integration of medical cannabis into treatment plans can enhance lifestyle changes for better health.

Timestamps

02.07: How medical cannabis works for ADHD

12.17: Cannabis as a tool for mental health care

16.40: The future of cannabis in medicine

19.32: How medical cannabis is prescribed

28.00: The impact of lifestyle and social connection

Connect with Dr Singh on Instagram, or through his website.

Script Assist empowers eligible patients with private cannabis prescriptions in the UK alongside personalised care from doctors

Try Kate's new Apple podcast subscription, The ADHD Women's Wellbeing Toolkit, here.

Try Sleepy People Winter Wellbeing range with 15% off - USE MY EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODE KATE15 FOR 15%OFF SITEWIDE (UK SHIPPING ONLY)

Thanks to our sponsor, Get Dopa, created by and for neurodivergent brains, with 16 powerful nootropic ingredients in one smart supplement. Get your 10% discount by using code Kate10 at the checkout. Click here to find out more >> https://bit.ly/3tTWqyX

Have a look at some of Kate's workshops and free resources here.

Kate Moryoussef is a women’s ADHD Lifestyle and wellbeing coach and EFT practitioner who helps overwhelmed and unfulfilled newly diagnosed ADHD women find more...

I get asked all the time if we're ever too old for an ADHD diagnosis. I always reply the same: of course not. No one is ever too old to finally lean into their most authentic version of themselves. I discuss this with Terry Matlen, an internationally recognised expert on ADHD in women with over 25 years of experience as a psychotherapist, author, and coach.

Terry’s expertise and personal insights offer practical advice and hope for women navigating ADHD, no matter their stage of life. This conversation reminds us that it’s never too late to reclaim our narrative and lead a fulfilling life.

Author of The Queen of Distraction and Survival Tips for Women with ADHD, Terry runs ADDconsults.com, a global resource supporting women with ADHD and empowers women with ADHD to navigate life’s challenges and thrive.

Terry has kindly shared a bonus resource exclusive to all podcast listeners. Click here to access it: https://addconsults.com/bonus-for-km-podcast/

Together, we explore the unique experiences of women with ADHD and how societal changes have shaped the journey to diagnosis and treatment.

On this episode of The ADHD Women's Wellbeing Podcast, we discuss:

• How ADHD in women has been historically misunderstood and overlooked
• The critical role of community support and online forums for women with ADHD
• How hormone fluctuations during life stages like motherhood and menopause impact ADHD symptoms
• Practical coping strategies for managing the emotional toll of ADHD
• Women with ADHD often face societal stigma and self-doubt, impacting their self-esteem and well-being.
• The ADHD community has evolved significantly over the past 25 years, largely due to increased awareness.
• Hormonal changes during menopause can exacerbate ADHD symptoms, necessitating tailored treatment approaches.
• Coaching and community support are essential for women navigating the challenges of ADHD.
• Late diagnosis can provide a new perspective, allowing women to reclaim their potential and happiness.
• Self-care strategies are crucial for women with ADHD, especially when managing co-existing conditions.

Takeaways:

• ADHD in women has often gone undiagnosed, leading to feelings of isolation.
• Social media and community spaces provide vital support for women with ADHD.
• Hormone changes can exacerbate ADHD symptoms, highlighting the need for tailored strategies.
• Knowledge and connection are key to managing ADHD and thriving.

Timestamps:

• 09:51 - Understanding ADHD: A historical perspective
• 16:58 - Celebrating women with ADHD
• 20:00 - Understanding the impact of ADHD on women's lives
• 31:42 - Introduction to the Queen of Distraction
• 34:12 - Understanding ADHD: A New Perspective

Thank you to our sponsor Sleepypeople.com, who is currently offering 15% off its products to all podcast listeners. Click to learn more and use the discount code Kate15 at the checkout.

Thank you to our sponsor Get Dopa who are currently offering 10% off their supplements to all podcast listeners....