If you have ADHD, you probably know the feeling: you’re overwhelmed, so you make a giant list, try to get more productive, and tell yourself you’ll feel better once you finally catch up.

Except…you never actually catch up.

In this episode, I’m breaking down why overwhelm is not a productivity problem. It’s a mismatch between what your ADHD brain can realistically carry and what you believe you should be able to carry.

I’m walking you through my entire STOP Method for moving through overwhelm: See what’s happening, Take the pressure off, Open up to what you need, and then Proceed one step at a time.

We’re talking about self-compassion, emotional regulation, asking for support, saying no, understanding your actual capacity, and why productivity comes LAST.

If you’ve been trying to work your way out of overwhelm, I want you to try something different.

Want help with your ADHD? Join FOCUSED!

Have questions for Kristen? Call 1.833.281.2343

Hang out with Kristen on Instagram and TikTok

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Love this clip? Check out the full episode: Episode #404: There’s No Rush: Getting Out of Fight-or-Flight with Jenna Free

Listen 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.

Have you ever told someone you have ADHD…only for them to question whether you really do?

In this episode, I’m talking about what happens when our diagnoses, experiences, emotions, and even our own understanding of ourselves are repeatedly invalidated.

I recently learned about traumatic invalidation—when your environment repeatedly communicates that your emotions, experiences, or characteristics are unreasonable, unacceptable, or wrong. And WOW did this hit home.

For so many of us with ADHD, being questioned about our diagnosis isn’t an isolated experience. It lands on top of years of being told we’re too sensitive, lazy, dramatic, not trying hard enough, or just need to “apply ourselves.”

We’re talking about validation, self-trust, why you may constantly feel like you have to defend yourself, and how to decide who is safe enough to receive your vulnerability.

Most importantly: your diagnosis and lived experience are not up for a vote.

Watch this episode on YouTube

Want help with your ADHD? Join FOCUSED!

Have questions for Kristen? Call 1.833.281.2343

Hang out with Kristen on Instagram and TikTok

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.