EP. 24: What Does ADHD Feel Like From Women Who Have ADHD ADHD for Smart Ass Women with Tracy Otsuka

In this podcast, Tracy decided to do something different. When she was initially diagnosed she read everything to glean what other women like her were experiencing. Putting that puzzle together for herself was her number one mission. It’s also why she started the Facebook Group, ADHD for Smart A** Women. So today she’s sharing with you how members answered the question: What Does Your ADHD Feel Like? L. Newlin started us off with “I cannot truly fit in with others. Why are there things that are mindless for others like paying bills and house cleaning such a struggle for me?” C. Newton said she struggles with “expected” tasks of a woman, wife and mom but on the flip side, she does things effortlessly that her peers could not even dream about doing. So she battles with (shame) because she doesn’t do what’s expected and on the other hand (pride) when she’s acting within her strengths. C. Seeley described her mind as a pinball machine or as if she has too many live voices in her head. She feels too much, knows too much (this is her intuition) which depending on the situation can be helpful or hurtful. She always feels on the perimeter even when she’s accepted. She feel different (and doesn’t see this as necessarily bad), a bit like an alien. C. Newton offered that “ignoring the rules feel necessary because she knows what she needs to do or say, so she will challenge limits and force past boundaries, because she “has to be meeeeee!” Rules are just rules. Sometimes breaking them is its own adventure. 😁 D. Baartmansike often felt like she was living in fog, and the fog is stuff (to do's - chores, friends, family, life), like there is no chronological order, everything is in your face all the time and she doesn’t know where to start. B. Buster likened her ADHD to a jet plane engine that’s always running in my head. 25 to do lists, working on them all and not getting anything done one day and doing 400 tasks the next. A. Woodley feels like she’s in constant battle with her ADHD. Battle to do what is expected and often necessary in ways foreign and confusing to me every single time. She’s always trying to fit into a society that is clearly not made for people like her. She’s often amazed that people can’t think or act like her, while simultaneously being frustrated why she can’t think and act like them. S. Haddock lives her life based on gut feelings or emotions (both mine and others). Outside people see it as impulsive but there are really in-depth reasons for why she does what she does. On bad days she feels like an MC Escher print - where she’s running up and down stairs all day but the direction keeps changing and she doesn’t get anywhere. Sarah Haas feels like she’s at church as a six-year-old... sitting in the pew, and wiggling around, She’s thinking of the donuts she’ll get afterwards, Fiddling with her hands, maybe hitting your brother (to get a reaction, or maybe just because you need to put your energy somewhere), or doodling on something you shouldn’t ... trying to entertain yourself because whatever is happening around you is super boring, or you don’t understand it but you know it’s not the right time to ask questions... But then you just have to askToday, I’m promoting my son Marcus, an NYU graduate, skilled in digital advertising and tech marketing. He's planning a solo trip to South America and seeking job opportunities in New York City. Known for his resilience and research abilities, Marcus is ready to contribute to any team. If you have leads, please reach out. Thanks for supporting this unique request. Now, back to our show.
Hi there, Tracy here. There are many misconceptions about ADHD, particularly that it equates to laziness or lack of motivation. In "ADHD for Smart Ass Women," I offer strategies tailored for ADHD minds to help leverage strengths and overcome challenges. Support the community by purchasing the book and sharing a review,