I Have ADHD Podcast

378 Sensational Headlines vs. Science: ADHD Under Attack (Again)

BUCKLE UP! The next hour is going to be a little wild—in the best way.In today’s episode, I’m answering a couple of your voicemails, diving into emerging research on the link between ADHD and early perimenopause, and responding to a very fear-heavy Wall Street Journal reel about ADHD medication.We’re talking about:• The idea of a “drug cascade” and why extreme cases don’t equal common outcomes• ADHD comorbidities (because ADHD rarely travels alone)• What responsible journalism should look like• Why treating ADHD is often the beginning of understanding someone’s full mental health picture—not the start of doom• The reality of diagnosing very young kids (and the privilege conversation around that)• What effective ADHD therapy would actually need to include (hint: the whole family)If you’ve felt confused, scared, frustrated, or just exhausted by the ADHD discourse online lately… this episode will help you take a breath.As always, nuance > panic.Reel from WSJ that I break down in this episodeWatch this episode on YouTubeWant help with your ADHD? Join FOCUSED!Have questions for Kristen? Call 1.833.281.2343Hang out with Kristen on Instagram and TikTokSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

377 BITESIZE | Everyone Has ADHD? How to Respond to Dismissive, Ignorant Comments

Love this clip? Check out the full episode: Episode #333: Want to Stay Behind Forever? Keep Ignoring Your CapacityListen to the full conversation in the original episode HERE.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

376 When ADHD Looks Like Freeze: You’re Not Lazy, You’re Overwhelmed

In today’s episode, we’re talking about ADHD that looks like overwhelmed and under-functioning: when your brain gets so flooded that it can’t prioritize, and instead of choosing a next step… it shuts down.You’ll learn what overwhelm really is in the context of ADHD (total cognitive, emotional, and/or sensory flooding), why “freeze” can be a very real nervous system response, and how this pattern often develops especially for those who grew up criticized, emotionally unsafe, unsupported, or chronically overwhelmed. If you’ve ever thought, “I’m not hyper—I’m stuck,” this episode is for you.We’ll break down the common pattern: Overwhelm → Freeze → UnderfunctioningNot because you don’t care, but because your system can’t handle the load.Then we move into gentle, practical ways to “thaw” without bullying yourself:Name it and accept it (without shame)Use safe, doable movement to activate your systemShrink the cognitive load (two essentials, tiny timers, one-minute starts)Borrow someone else’s brain (ask for help, then obey)Reduce decisions wherever possiblePractice deep self-compassion as the pathway to changeFinally, we talk about when to get extra support—especially trauma-informed therapy and nervous-system-based approaches like EMDR or somatic work.Watch this episode on YouTubeWant help with your ADHD? Join FOCUSED!Have questions for Kristen? Call 1.833.281.2343Hang out with Kristen on Instagram and TikTokSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

375 BITESIZE | Why Time Management Is So Hard With ADHD (It’s Not What You Think)

Love this clip? Check out the full episode: Episode #332: Stop Adding to the Planner Graveyard: One Tool to Improve ADHD Time Blindness NOWListen to the full conversation in the original episode HERE.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

374 10 Signs of a Healthy, Functional Family (and How We Get There with ADHD)

This is part two of our series on dysfunctional families and ADHD.If last week’s episode felt heavy, emotional, or disorienting, that makes sense. Episode one was about naming reality—and naming reality can stir grief, anger, relief, or all three. But we can’t change what we’re not willing to name.Today, we answer the next (and crucial) question:If that’s dysfunction… what does health actually look like?Because knowing what you don’t want isn’t enough. You also need a clear picture of what you’re moving toward.In this episode, I walk you through 10 signs of a healthy, functional family—not perfect families, not calm-all-the-time families, but regulated-enough, repair-focused, emotionally safe-enough families. Yes, even with ADHD.We talk about:Why repair—not perfection—is the real difference between healthy and dysfunctional familiesWhat direct communication, emotional attunement, boundaries, and accountability actually look like in real lifeHow to end parentification and create age-appropriate rolesWhy unconditional love, safety, and reliable care matter more than appearancesSmall, realistic shifts you can make without shame or perfectionismThis isn’t a pass/fail checklist. It’s about direction, not perfection.If you’re pausing, noticing, repairing, and setting boundaries—you are already changing the pattern. And that’s how generational cycles end.Your family can be marked by safety, honesty, connection, and repair. Even with ADHD. Especially with ADHD.Resources mentioned:@codependencykate@timfletcherco@sitwithwhit@benvbennettWatch this episode on YouTubeWant help with your ADHD? Join FOCUSED!Have questions for Kristen? Call 1.833.281.2343Hang out with Kristen on Instagram and TikTokSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.