Excuse My ADHD

Jeanette

A chronicle of my daily struggles and attempts to navigate life one distraction at a time. Guests are invited to share their stories and struggles with ADHD. As I try different strategies to improve my day to day, I will be reaching out to experts for their advice and guidance on how to navigate life as an adult, a woman, a parent, with ADHD. These interviews will be the start of a series of episodes that will take you with me as I experience what utilizing these strategies does for me.

  1. 10/12/2024

    ADHD Awareness Month 2024

    Send us a text Imagine being told that what you thought were personal failings are actually symptoms of a misunderstood condition. Join me, Jeanette Graham, as I navigate the intricate world of ADHD and uncover the soaring diagnosis rates in the U.S., where adult diagnoses have skyrocketed to 15.5%. With expert insights from Dr. Patel, we probe into why these numbers are higher in the U.S., citing reduced stigma and advanced diagnostic tools as driving forces. We also discuss the hurdle many face—71% of Americans with prescriptions struggle to obtain their ADHD medication—and the pivotal role of cultural beliefs and historical stigma in the landscape of global diagnosis and treatment. Unmasking the hidden challenges of ADHD, this episode explores the nuanced experiences of those living with the condition, especially in environments where symptoms are often concealed. Using the metaphor of an iceberg, we unravel the layers of struggles such as sleep issues and emotional turbulence that go unnoticed. I share my personal reflections on the shame and comorbidities tied to late diagnoses, and how understanding the complex nature of executive functions can lead to a life filled with contradictions—an insight that's particularly inspired by popular TikTok trends. The conversation shifts to managing these challenges, and the emotional rollercoaster of coming to terms with an adult ADHD diagnosis, capturing the grief and relief it brings. The journey doesn't end at diagnosis—it's a continuous rollercoaster of emotion and adaptation. Life with ADHD requires finding the right balance amid societal misconceptions, and is particularly challenging for women who navigate additional hurdles like hormonal fluctuations. Words from Russell Barkley resonate as I talk about bridging the gap between knowledge and action, a common struggle for those with ADHD. By fostering self-compassion, I have found peace in accepting my diagnosis, and I encourage listeners to do the same. As part of ADHD Awareness Month, I invite you to embrace your unique journey and share your stories. Support the show

    23 min
  2. 09/24/2023

    Bridging Differences: A Heartfelt Dialogue on ADHD and Neurotypicals

    Send us a text Ever thought about how ADHD and neurotypicals can beautifully complement each other? Join me and my guest Lobow's Spark https://www.lobowsparkadhd.com/  as we delve into how our divergent wiring opens doors to a spectrum of unique experiences and unexpected strengths. We share our own hilarious family anecdotes about how ADHD has played out in our lives, like those pesky speeding tickets and the sometimes chaotic but humorous confusion that comes with managing time.  From driving challenges to task management, we get real about our struggles. Have you ever experienced highway hypnosis or had a panic attack while driving over bridges? You're not alone. And for those of us with ADHD, the anxiety can double. We share coping mechanisms and discuss how being a passenger can provide a much needed break. In the workplace and school, we explore the need for flexibility and understanding, and how this can help those with ADHD and neurotypicals to work and learn in harmony.  But it's not all struggles and challenges. The final note of our episode is a celebration of ADHD and the power of individuality. Who knows, perhaps if Adderall had been around earlier, history might've been different! Our advice? Embrace your uniqueness. Success comes in all shapes and sizes, and quite often, it doesn't follow the path that neurotypicals take. So tune in, laugh with us, learn about us and let's bridge the gap between ADHD and neurotypicals together. We can't wait for you to join the conversation. Support the show

    43 min
4.9
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

A chronicle of my daily struggles and attempts to navigate life one distraction at a time. Guests are invited to share their stories and struggles with ADHD. As I try different strategies to improve my day to day, I will be reaching out to experts for their advice and guidance on how to navigate life as an adult, a woman, a parent, with ADHD. These interviews will be the start of a series of episodes that will take you with me as I experience what utilizing these strategies does for me.