This special Ask the Psych episode of The ADHD Women’s Wellbeing Podcast with Dr Asad Raffi, explores the brain health and unique hormonal challenges women face with ADHD – particularly during perimenopause and menopause.

We discuss how undiagnosed ADHD can lead to years of frustration and overwhelm that’s often compounded by societal pressures and a lack of awareness in healthcare.

In today's episode, you’ll learn…

✨ How hormonal changes during menopause intensify ADHD symptoms.

✨ The impact of going through life with undiagnosed ADHD.

✨ Using sleep, nutrition and exercise to manage ADHD holistically.

✨ How self-awareness can help you navigate ADHD more effectively.

✨ The importance of tailored strategies – not just medication – to manage ADHD.

Takeaways:

• ADHD management requires a holistic approach that includes lifestyle changes, medication, and self-awareness.
• Understanding the impact of sleep quality is crucial for those diagnosed with ADHD.
• Many women discover their ADHD late in life, often after decades of misdiagnosis.
• Lifestyle factors such as nutrition, exercise, and sleep can significantly influence ADHD symptoms.
• Self-esteem and confidence issues are common among those with ADHD due to societal pressures and criticisms.
• It is essential to seek credible information and expert advice when managing ADHD.

Timestamps

• 02:01 - Navigating ADHD Awareness and Menopause
• 10:46 - Understanding ADHD: A Holistic Approach
• 13:06 - Using lifestyle changes to manage ADHD
• 18:00 - Navigating ADHD and Self-Esteem
• 21:24 - Potential for Misdiagnosis

Kate's 'RECLAIM YOUR CALM WORKSHOP'

A two-part on-demand workshop introducing the power of EFT tapping to help you break free from emotional overwhelm, calm your ADHD mind, and reclaim your peace – any time, anywhere. Click HERE for more information.

Have a look at some of Kate's workshops and free resources here: https://www.adhdwomenswellbeing.co.uk

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.

Connect with Dr Asad Rafi here: https://www.sanctumhealthcare.co.uk/

Follow the podcast on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/adhd_womenswellbeing_pod/

Follow Kate on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/kate_moryoussef/

Find Kate's resources on ADDitude magazine here: https://www.additudemag.com/?s=kate+moryoussef

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.

Follow the podcast on Instagram.

Follow Kate on Instagram.

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....

This week, I’m joined by the inspiring Abigail Agyei-Jones, MBE, a neurodiversity advocate, policy advisor, and champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Abigail has over a decade of experience working with marginalized and underrepresented groups, including in top government roles.

Named one of the Top 50 Influential Neurodivergent Women of 2022, Abigail’s work focuses on intersectionality, amplifying the voices of Black women, and breaking down barriers in education, healthcare, and workplaces. As someone with ADHD and dyspraxia, she draws from her personal journey to push for systemic change and more inclusive spaces.

In this episode, we explore the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent women, especially within the Black community, and how societal expectations, cultural stigmas, and systemic barriers lead to late diagnoses and misdiagnoses.

Abigail shares her personal story of navigating a late ADHD diagnosis, overcoming internalized ableism, and becoming an advocate for representation and equity.

In this episode we talk about:

• Abigail sheds light on the specific struggles women with ADHD face in education and workplace settings.
• She opens up about her late diagnosis and the internalized ableism she had to unlearn.
• Learn why creating neuro-inclusive environments that embrace diverse learning and working styles is essential for success.
• Discover how cultural stigmas and societal expectations disproportionately impact Black women with ADHD.
• Advocacy for neurodiversity within marginalized communities is vital to reducing stigma and fostering awareness.
• Abigail emphasizes the power of community support groups and resources for navigating ADHD and intersectional identities.

Chapters:

04:31 - Navigating neurodiversity in education

14:22 - The impact of adultification on black youth

22:10 - Healthcare disparities and advocacy for change

28:34 - Cultural expectations and mental health in black communities

35:20 - Embracing neurodivergence with self-compassion

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in building inclusive communities and breaking down societal taboos about neurodiversity. Abigail’s insights offer hope, practical advice, and a call to action for fostering a world where everyone can thrive.

You can connect with Abigail via her Instagram. Watch her TedX talk on ADHD in Black Women.

Reclaim your Calm is a two-part LIVE online workshop introducing the power of EFT tapping to help you break free from emotional overwhelm, calm your ADHD mind, and reclaim your peace – any time, anywhere. Click here to find out more about Reclaim Your Calm

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

Try The Herbtender's products here with 15% off using code kate15

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...

If you'd love to manage your ADHD using routine, resilience and mindfulness instead of medication, this episode is for you.

This week's guest is ADHD advocate and powerhouse entrepreneur Joseph Pack, whose journey from leaving school with no qualifications to founding a successful marketing agency with clients such as Patagonia, Adidas and the NHS is truly inspiring.

After severe burnout and a life-changing ADHD diagnosis, Joseph went on to co-own a fintech startup and establish drugfreeADHD.org, where he shares practical tools to empower people with ADHD.

This unmissable episode is packed with real-life advice on managing ADHD, as Joseph discusses using lifestyle changes and structured routines to transition from chaotic, impulsive days to a balanced, fulfilled life.

We delve into strategies for overcoming impulsivity, self-criticism and comparisonitis, and highlight the impact of awareness, acceptance and community on your ADHD journey.

Get ready for actionable insights you can apply to your life right away!

You'll learn:

• How a morning routine – think cold showers and meditation – can help you manage your ADHD.
• How cold exposure helps to build resilience and the ability to take on daily challenges.
• The power of meditation and mantras for awareness and impulsivity management.
• The importance of starting small when it comes to creating a successful routine.
• How understanding ADHD helps you take control and make empowered life choices.
• The strength that comes with finding self-acceptance and compassion.

Timestamps

• 04:27: Building a morning routine for ADHD management
• 10:20: Meditation techniques for ADHD
• 19:15: Laying the foundations for change
• 23:28: The journey to acceptance of ADHD
• 28:25: Embracing antifragility
• 33:37: Cultivating awareness

Tune in for practical strategies and insights to support you on your ADHD journey!

Connect with Joseph on his website, drugfreeadhd.org.

Get VIP access to exclusive content with Kate's new Apple podcast subscription, The Toolkit.

Save 15% on supplements from The Herbtender, using code kate15

Kate's 'RECLAIM YOUR CALM WORKSHOP'

A two-part LIVE online workshop introducing the power of EFT tapping to help you break free from emotional overwhelm, calm your ADHD mind, and reclaim your peace – any time, anywhere. Click HERE for more information.

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.

Follow the podcast on Instagram.

In this bonus episode, Kate discusses the critical importance of emotional regulation for ADHD and how understanding your nervous system and the concept of co-regulation can impact the quality of your relationships, both with yourself and others.

Learn why 'Emotional Freedom Technique' (tapping) could be the tool you need for better emotional regulation. You'll also hear from Pearl Lopian an experienced EFT practitioner. Pearl recounts her initial encounters with EFT and its transformative effects on her clients, underscoring the technique's ability to facilitate profound emotional releases and shifts in perspective.

Join Kate in this episode to gain a sense of hope and empowerment, learn how to control your emotions, and cultivate a supportive environment for yourself and your loved ones.

Click here to find out more about Reclaim Your Calm

Reclaim your Calm is a two-part LIVE online workshop introducing the power of EFT tapping to help you break free from emotional overwhelm, calm your ADHD mind, and reclaim your peace – any time, anywhere.

Check out Kate's many resources on her website and free ADHD EFT resources:

Introduction to EFT https://adhd-womens-wellbeing.mykajabi.com/intro-eft-adhd

Tap N' Talk Technique: https://adhd-womens-wellbeing.mykajabi.com/tap-n-talk

Calming Tapping Technique: https://adhd-womens-wellbeing.mykajabi.com/calming-tapping

And read her ADDitude article on how EFT can help calm the ADHD brain and nervous system

Chapters:

• 00:42 - Understanding Emotional Regulation in ADHD
• 10:27 - Reclaim Your Calm: A New Approach to ADHD and Emotional Regulation
• 14:33 - Introduction to Tapping and Emotional Regulation
• 22:36 - Introduction to EFT and Its Benefits
• 28:01 - Understanding the Mind-Body Connection in Emotional Healing
• 37:00 - Understanding Trauma and Tapping
• 41:24 - Exploring Surrogate Tapping
• 48:56 - Healing the Inner Child

Takeaways:

• Understanding co-regulation is crucial for creating safe and connected relationships in our lives.
• Emotional regulation techniques like EFT tapping can significantly improve our ability to manage ADHD symptoms.
• Recognizing and addressing generational trauma can empower us to heal and thrive with ADHD.
• Tapping can help rewire our emotional responses, allowing for greater self-compassion and acceptance.
• Using EFT, we can release stuck energy and emotions that have been held in our bodies.
• The workshop 'Reclaim your Calm' aims to teach practical techniques for emotional regulation.

Links referenced in this episode:

• adhdwomenswellbeing.co.uk
• Pearl Lopian - https://www.efttappinginstitute.com/

As winter approaches, it can be tough to stay energised, motivated and joyful.

This week, I sit down with Suzy Reading for a powerful conversation on winter self-care – especially for women with ADHD.

Suzy Reading is a psychologist, coach, author, mother of two and self-care expert. Driven by her own life experiences, she specialises in helping people manage their stress levels, emotions and energy to build resilience during challenging times.

Suzy's journey began when motherhood and her father's terminal illness combined to spark a passion for self-care that she now shares with her clients.

In this comforting episode, Suzy reminds us that winter can be a time of renewal if we approach it with intention.

She shares expert insights on managing seasonal shifts, combating isolation and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), and finding gentle ways to stay energised through winter’s challenges.

Together, we explore the importance of prioritising ourselves, challenging societal pressures, and fostering a mindset of self-compassion.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have the tools you need to reclaim winter as a season of growth and empowerment – no matter what life throws your way.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why winter brings a desire to hibernate, and how we can harness that instinct without losing momentum.
• Practical ways to boost your energy and mood during darker months.
• Tips to create comforting, uplifting home rituals to lift your spirits.
• How to redefine winter as a season for self-care, reflection and self-compassion.

Suzy is a member of the editorial board of Motherdom Magazine, psychology expert for Neom Organics, and co-founder of the Nourish app.

She's written many books on self-care, including The Self-Care Revolution, Stand Tall Like a Mountain and her latest release, Self-Care for Winter.

Timestamps

04:05: Understanding winter's impact on mental health

08:20: Simple self-care rituals to boost your mood

13:45: Staying connected and combatting isolation

18:30: Embracing rest without stagnation

24:50: Self-advocacy and challenging societal norms

30:15: Redefining winter as a time for growth

Connect with Suzy on Instagram or her website.

Get VIP access to exclusive content with Kate's new Apple podcast subscription, The Toolkit.

Save 15% on supplements from The Herbtender, using code kate15

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.

Follow the podcast on Instagram.

Follow Kate on Instagram.

Read Kate's articles on...