Excuse My ADHD

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

Ever thought about how ADHD and neurotypicals can beautifully complement each other? Join us and our guest 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

Adulting is not fun.  In this episode I dig into one aspect of adulting health insurance but more specifically changing insurance.  There are so many things to think about and consider.  I tried to think of everything you may need to make the best decision when contemplating your change. Support the show

Part II of our conversation.  If you haven't listened to Part I go check it out. Support the show

This is a doozy as in this episode ran close to 2 hours so this is part one.  Listen in as we discuss some of the miscommunications that can happen when ADHD brain meets neurotypical brain.  Of course we also go off on a few tangents what interview would be complete with out them?  Russ is the Author of “Living With ADHD and CPTSD”.  He was born in Edmonton Alberta Canada, someone who is learning to understand his disabilities “ADHD and CPTSD” and overcome them to live a happier, better life and not excuse his issues but instead learn how to live with them.Russ has several interests that span from Photography, Drawing and Art, to Nature, Computers, and Walks with his dog Murray.Find Russ' website: https://livingwithadhdandcptsd.wordpress.com/ Part II will be up Monday February 13th (2023) Support the show

Having ADHD is hard enough but when you also have OCD and depression with it things get even more complicated. Come listen as I talk a little about how OCD and Depression differ and are similar and how ADHD plays a role.  All Show notes aka my script will be found at www.excusemyADHD.com https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/triggered/201912/when-depression-meets-ocd-understanding-rumination Support the show

Join me as I talk to YouTube and TikTok creator Aron Croft.  Not only is he an ADHD content creator he is an ADHD productivity coach.  We walk through Aron's journey from Harvard to minimum wage to a Fortune 500 career and how he stumbled backwards into his diagnosis.  Links: WebSite: Hidden ADDFB: ADHD Success & Accountability PodYouTube: https://www.hiddenadd.com/youtube.html Handles:TikTok: hidden_adhdInstagram: hiddenadhdBook Mention: Tiny Habits, written by BJ Fogg Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/ExcuseMyADHD?fan_landing=true)

This episode is all about the contradictions of having both ADHD and OCD and how the two play tug of war.  Listen as I breakdown symptoms with my real life examples.   Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/ExcuseMyADHD?fan_landing=true)

Listen as I chat with Karen Broda a Certified Personal Trainer & Wellness Coach for women with ADHD.  She helps clients fully become that 'healthy & fit' person they've dreamed of.  Her coaching is rooted in mindfulness and learning to 'get out of your head' so you can begin to master your own mind and physical body. This Canadian gal spends her spare time either camping or teaching & training circus!Karen and I discuss the 6 fitness habits she lives by as well as discloses what she thinks the top 3 exercises are for women with ADHD. Karen would love to hear what stuck out to you from the episode (or just send a 'Hello') email her at karenbrodacoaching@gmail.comShe's also on IG albeit taking a hiatus. You can still find her @Karen.BrodaYou can also find her on ClubhouseSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/ExcuseMyADHD?fan_landing=true)

I was lucky enough to find and speak with Bryan Wisda the musician and producer of ADHD Lullaby an album of songs he created for his son Cale to help him sleep.  Bryan explains how the crash that comes with many ADHD medications can affect sleep for kids despite doing anything and everything under the sun.  Listen as I talk with Bryan about how the idea for ADHD Lullaby came about and the science behind it.   Please find Bryan at the links below: https://listen.adhdlullaby.comhttps://youtube.com/c/bryanwisdahttps://adhdlullaby.comhttps://www.facebook.com/adhdlullaby/To purchase CD/digital on Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Adhd-Lullaby-Bryan-Wisda/dp/B07NRH6PMH This is what Ed Hallowell said about it:“Magic happens when there is motivation that truly comes from the heart.  ADHD Lullaby™ is magic — created by a dad who struggled nightly to get his ADHD son to sleep.  The science and thought process behind this album is one of the most unique, natural, and cost-effective solutions to battling sleep struggles in children with ADHD.  It is one of the best ADHD products I’ve come across in my professional career. ADHD Lullaby™ will change millions of lives.”– Dr. Edward Hallowell, M.D., M.Edbestselling author of Driven to DistractionSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/ExcuseMyADHD?fan_landing=true)

In this episode I speak with Occupational Therapist and Founder of Miami Handwriting Nicole Santamaria OTR/L . Miami Handwriting is a selection of programs for developing handwriting and executive functioning skills. Nicole is an expert in task analysis and occupational performance. Her mission is to guide families to help their children develop real-life strategies for success in life and in school. Listen in as we discuss the ties between ADHD and Executive Functions and some tips that could help you, your child, or both. Where to find Nicole:You can find her @miamihandwriting on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/miamihandwriting, Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkBJODtmvVDIaubH96M3VyQ @otforreallife on Instagram, and at www.miamihandwriting.com To access free resources mentioned: https://www.miamihandwriting.net/podcastBooks and Resources mentioned in the episode:Dr. Ross Greene quote " Kids do well if they can."https://drrossgreene.com/books.htmJames Clear Atomic Habitshttps://jamesclear.com/atomic-habitsPeg Dawson Smart But Scatteredhttps://www.smartbutscatteredkids.com/books/Michael Hyatthttps://yourbestyeareverbook.com/ Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/ExcuseMyADHD?fan_landing=true)

In this brief episode I challenge you to take Warren Buffet's approach to goals and in this case resolutions. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/ExcuseMyADHD?fan_landing=true)

Diann Wingert is a mindset and productivity coach for female entrepreneurs who identify with the traits of ADHD, officially diagnosed or not. She was a licensed psychotherapist for 20 years watching as so many brilliant women struggle with unidentified ADHD. She has her own podcast the Driven Woman helping women who are 'driven but distracted'. Listen as we discuss the concept of radical self acceptance and Diann's life with ADHD. Links: Diann Wingert's website:https://www.diannwingertcoaching.com/The Fourt Tendencies: https://www.amazon.com/Four-Tendencies-Indispensable-Personality-Profiles-ebook/dp/B01MU23P0N/ref=sr_1_1?hvadid=77790499468599&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvqmt=e&keywords=the+four+tendencies&qid=1607577448&sr=8-1Radical Compassion: (Not discussed but we did discuss in the original interview)https://www.amazon.com/Radical-Compassion-Learning-Yourself-Practice/dp/0525522816/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=tara+brock&qid=1607579489&sr=8-1Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/ExcuseMyADHD?fan_landing=true)

It's Thanksgiving in America and a time to reflect on the things we are thankful for in our lives. In this episode I talk about the things that I am thankful to COVID for and the ways my ADHD has changed since working from home due to COVID. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/ExcuseMyADHD?fan_landing=true)

ADHD doesn't make it easy to relax. It can feel almost impossible to do something like yoga or meditate and sleep can feel like an illusive foe to conquer. In this episode I talk with Sarah Ivanhoe about just these things. Sara has spent most of her life learning and teaching the practices of yoga, meditation, and sleep. Listen as we discuss these and the relationship to ADHD. Sara Ivanhoe: https://www.saraivanhoe.com/aboutVedic Yoga: https://www.vedanet.com/vedic-yoga-the-oldest-form-of-yoga/Yoga Nidra for sleep: https://www.yogajournal.com/meditation/your-brain-on-yoga-nidraSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/ExcuseMyADHD?fan_landing=true)

To close out ADHD Awareness month I want to talk about one of my biggest pet peeves since being diagnosed. That is the myth that ADHD isn’t real or that bad parenting is the cause. Links:Autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have a similar burden of rare protein-truncating variants. MTHFR Links:https://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/vitamins-minerals/what-is-folic-acid.htmlhttps://mthfrgenehealth.com/mthfr-adhd/#:~:text=MTHFR%20gene%20mutations%20indirectly%20disrupt%20important%20nutritional%20pathways.,your%20body%20that%20lead%20to%20many%20complex%20problems.MAP1A Links:https://www.technologynetworks.com/neuroscience/news/autism-and-adhd-share-genes-327686#:~:text=%22In%20the%20study%2C%20the%20gene%20that%20is%20most,for%20the%20development%20of%20the%20brain%2C%22%20explains%20B%C3%B8rglum https://psychcentral.com/news/2019/11/28/adhd-and-autism-share-changes-in-same-genes/152179.html https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/genetic#missing-dnahttps://www.healthline.com/health/mthfr-gene#symptomsSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/ExcuseMyADHD?fan_landing=true)

We all know that ADHD comes with many friends. We also know that ADHD is easily misdiagnosed as many things and those things are also misdiagnosed as ADHD. In this episode I am looking more closely at Learning Difficulties and some of the ways the symptoms overlap make it very easy to see how they are so easy to misdiagnose. Though it is ADHD Awareness month co-morbidities are an important aspect of managing our symptoms. We have to know and understand the whole picture and work on it all at the same time.https://dyslexiaida.org/attention-deficithyperactivity-disorder-adhd-and-dyslexia/https://dyslexiaida.org/dyslexia-basics/ https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-dyslexia-connection/#:~:text=About%2050%20to%2060%20percent%20of%20people%20with,dyslexia%20is%20not%20reading%20letters%20or%20words%20backwardhttps://www.verywellmind.com/is-adhd-a-learning-disability-4116126 https://totallyadd.com/dyscalculia-and-adhd/https://www.dyscalculia.org/diagnostic-evaluation/ld-checklist-pdfhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/us/conditions/dysgraphia https://www.aphasia.com/aphasia-resource-library/related-conditions/dysphasia/ https://www.understood.org/en/learning-thinking-differences/child-learning-disabilities/auditory-processing-disorder/understanding-auditory-processing-disorderSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/ExcuseMyADHD?fan_landing=true)

October is a month of many things one being ADHD awareness month. Now, I know it’s not October quite yet but it will be in a few days and I don’t want to miss it. If I wait until an October episode then this won’t go out until the middle of the month and that would kind of be a cheat to the importance of ADHD awareness. This month there are many other things to bring awareness too. I think we all know it is Breast Cancer awareness month. But here are a few you may not know. Some of these seem really fitting with ADHD awareness month some are just funny.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/ExcuseMyADHD?fan_landing=true)

In this episode I relive some of my most 'ADHD' moments from locking keys in a car to washing diapers. Come check them out and hopefully share yours (anonymously of course)Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/ExcuseMyADHD?fan_landing=true)

Carrie Paxton-Herzberger dedicates her career to helping tweens, teens, and young adults through school. She helps them find strategies that work for them and develop skills that help them learn. The more important thing she helps them with is gaining back their self confidence. If you struggled through school the things we discuss may feel like a bit of a flashback I know they did for me. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/ExcuseMyADHD?fan_landing=true)

I made it guys today (August 26th) is officially 1 year after I launched this podcast. I want to thank everyone for listening. This is a sort of special edition takeover episode. Instead of a solo or me asking questions Brendan Mahan of ADHD Essentials takes over the microphone. We dig into how it all started, the journey, and where I want to go. Check it out! I wouldn't be here if it weren't or all of you!!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/ExcuseMyADHD?fan_landing=true)

This is the second productivity related episode I have done. The last episode Stuck in a Moment I started with Mind-mapping and brain dumping. This episode is all about time-blocking, how to do it, or how not to do it. Check it out. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/ExcuseMyADHD?fan_landing=true)

Hi Everyone! Productivity time. I know we all hate productivity tips, at least I do. They are never as easy as people make them seem and I always have to modify them somehow because they never seem to fit with how I do things. Tell me I am not alone. This episode is about mind mapping and brain dumping. I walk you though How I went about doing it and what worked and didn't. The full transcript was too big to post here but it is on the buzzsprout website and will be on my main page www.excusemyadhd.com some time this week.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/ExcuseMyADHD?fan_landing=true)

Hey all, I know it's been a while but I have an amazing interview for you today. I spoke with the wonderful Luz Jaramillo about some of the struggles that our impulsivity can lead too when it comes to food. Luz discusses how she was able to overcome her binge eating holistically and gives some great tips and information for anyone struggling. Please check out below for her website link and list of recommended reads. I hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed speaking with her. Website: brainbodycoach.comInstagram: brainbodycoachFacebook: Brainbodycoach- Luz JaramilloLinkedln: Luz Jaramillo-BrainbodycoachThe books Recommended: Brain over Binge: Katheryn HansenThe art of extreme Self-Care: Cheryl RichardsonNever Binge again: Glen LivingstonThe Emotional Eater’s Repair Manual: Julie M. SimonsSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/ExcuseMyADHD?fan_landing=true)

Today's episode started out as a 5-10 minute check in on everyone that became a 20 minute Sunday drive through the country complete with rambling err rolling hills, speed bumps and babbling brooks, or just babble. I have gone completely unscripted and un-edited per the advice of a friend....well mostly I broke down and edited a few breaths and pop sounds that I just couldn't help. Also, I don't think anyone says 'so' as much as I do. Anyway, this episode is my way of saying "Hey how's it going, you doing ok?" and let you know what I have been up to. Here are some of the links I mentioned in the episode:Heather Vickery: https://vickeryandco.com/ Wall of Awful: https://youtu.be/Uo08uS904RgDIY Mask: https://youtu.be/-t_Gz3lGwF8 Beginner's Hair cutting video's: Men's- https://youtu.be/NhBQnItOhI4Little Girl's- https://youtu.be/W_0s4-Jox8o

Today's episode is more about how COVID-19 is affecting me and my life and my ADHD. Lastly I want to talk about the things that are helping and what I am doing to help my self to not fall into the realm of what is feeling like a perpetual weekend of slacking off. What I really want to know is what are you doing to help yourself stay focused and to stay structured?

Don't get too excited i marked it explicit because I got just a little free with my cursing i just didn't want to get in trouble with anyone. I just want to start and say that I am sorry I flaked on you guys for the last episode but I am making it up to you now. I am posting this episode tonight and another one in 2 days so Wednesday night. I wasn't going to and didn't really want to make an episode about COVID-19 aka: Corona Virus but how could I not? It is affecting every aspect of our lives right now. You can't turn on the tv, radio, internet, without seeing or hearing a story about it. Most conversations we have are consumed with how our lives are and will be changed because of this. that I want to talk about is how we are coping and how everything that is going on affects us well at least how it is affecting me. This is a strange new world for all of us and for those of us with ADHD, how the hell are we managing our symptoms right now??

This episode is choc full of information. I do a quick review of the difference between the Authorized Generic and Generic drugs then delve into the rabbit hole with questions like:why should I care about the difference? how do I find who makes/sells the authorized generic?how do I ask my doctor for the authorized generic?how do I request approval from my insurance?how do I find out if my pharmacy carries the authorized generic?Check out the episode ADHD or not you will learn something about your prescriptions you probably didn't know. I am uploading the full show notes to my website because there are just so many links everything will be posted by Wednesday 3/11/2020.

This is the first of a potentially 3 part episode (mostly because putting it all in one would bore you to death). In part one I recap all of the medications I have tried, what they are, how they work, etc. followed by the definitions of an Authorized Generic and Generic and yes they are different. In the next episode I will tell you more about how these terms have proven to be very important when taking Adderall and more specifically Concerta.

In today’s episode I talk about how ADHD and overwhelm can wreak havoc on your life or really how it is wreaking havoc on mine. It is the burning the candle on both ends, sensory overload, over stimulated, systematic shutdown of your brain that turns us into walking vegetables that can’t really function fully. I also talk about how it can happen and some tips on how to get out of the shutdown.

In this episode I speak with Julie who is a therapist for trauma and pain but has also experienced it herself. With this unique perspective Julie helps her patients heal through understanding and compassion that only someone who has experienced trauma can. Julie and I discuss how her experience affects her practice, what to look for when trying to find a trauma therapist and much more. About Julie and how to contact:https://juliemarkowitztherapy.com/about-julieInstagram: julie_markowitz_therapyFB: julie markowitz, lmswhttps: juliemarkowitztherapy.comResources:Imposter Syndrome: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/real-women/201809/the-reality-imposter-syndromehttps://time.com/5312483/how-to-deal-with-impostor-syndrome/Peter A Levine and Somatic Experiencing https://traumahealing.org/about-us/List of Psychoanalytic centers in the US: https://www.drlynnfriedman.com/psychoanalytic-institutes-in-the-united-states/Psychology terms discussed:Pathology as it applies to Psychology: https://dictionary.apa.org/pathology pa·thol·o·gy /pəˈTHäləjē/noun: 1. the scientific study of functional and structural changes involved in physical and mental disorders and diseases. 2. more broadly, any departure from what is considered healthy or adaptive. —pathological adj. —pathologist n.Personality pathology refers to enduring patterns of cognition, emotion, and behavior that negatively affect a person's adaptation. In psychiatry and clinical psychology, it is characterized by adaptive inflexibility, vicious cycles of maladaptive behavior, and emotional instability under stress.Dissociation and dissociative disorders: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/dissociation-and-dissociative-disorders Dissociation is a mental process where a person disconnects from their thoughts, feelings, memories or sense of identity. Dissociative disorders include dissociative amnesia, dissociative fugue, depersonalization disorder and dissociative identity disorder.People who experience a traumatic event will often have some degree of dissociation during the event itself or in the following hours, days or weeks. For example, the event seems ‘unreal’ or the person feels detached from what’s going on around them as if watching the events on television. In most cases, the dissociation resolves without the need for treatment.

Michelle E Dickinson is a key note speaker, author, and mental health advocate. Michelle and I talk about how and when to approach a supervisor about your ADHD or other mental health issues. Some key points are 1.) having a trusting relationship with your supervisor, 2.) not playing the victim and taking ownership, 3.) come to the meeting with specifics as to what you need and how it can improve your work productivity. It’s hard at work when you don’t know what to do you have a review coming up and you are already anxious because you know it won’t be good. How do you tell your boss what’s really going on or do you even tell them at all? When is the best time to tell them? Well Michelle and I talked all about this and more. About Michellehttps://www.michelleedickinson.com/Her memoir: Breaking Into My Life https://www.michelleedickinson.com/ **Michelle’s TEDx https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6ODFIOLY84 We talk about ERG’s or Employee Resource Groups a lot this is what they are incase you haven’t heard of one before.Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are voluntary, employee-led groups that foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with organizational mission, values, goals, business practices, and objectives. Other benefits include the development of future leaders, increased employee engagement, and expanded marketplace reach. Organizations:Mind Share Partners: https://www.mindsharepartners.org/?utm_source=GOOGLE&utm_medium=CPC&gclid=CjwKCAiA66_xBRBhEiwAhrMuLTsZDyFiZeIOYxd7jnN0hv6A2GnlSR6Q7SutujNHWPdQs_C54I_EmRoCurIQAvD_BwEActive Minds: https://www.activeminds.org/blog/new-fall-gear-from-the-active-minds-shop/?gclid=CjwKCAiA66_xBRBhEiwAhrMuLV5ZeSuRxWC7qKUphOphJ4a3Ll_Gtem4LtpC9MZTOU-8BsdpzxMDXRoCfcAQAvD_BwEOne Mind at Work: https://onemind.org/onemindatwork/ **Please note these are Amazon associate affiliate links which means I receive a small percentage of each purchase which I use to support the production of this podcast. I will only ever promote products of my own choosing without the influence of outside sources. To date since August I have generated $0.80.

As we all make our resolutions for 2020 we also reflect back on 2019 and what we have or have not done from our previous resolutions. This can leave us depressed or discouraged. What we really need to do is look at all of the things we did that we didn't put on that list and just keep swimming as Dory says.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Holiday season and for me I celebrate Christmas. I love snow, the decorations, the singing, the smells, the reminder of why and who we are celebrating, the generous spirit, time with family and friends (Chandra if you are listening, we have to seriously make plans girl! It has been too long) This holiday season we love so much comes with a dark side as well though one filled with too many obligations and not enough time, over stimulation, over whelm, too many gifts to buy and too much pressure to get the perfect one. With ADHD this is just one step away from a disaster. Stress amplifies the symptoms makes them harder for us to manage so welcome as I take you through my Nightmare.

This episode is simply me giving thanks to the good things about ADHD and to those who have made it possible for me to be here and for those who have shown their support.

Did you know that something as simple as being grateful could actually change your brain? Neither did I. Listen as I speak to Heather Vickery author of Gratitude Journal: Shift Your Focus the new book Grow Grateful: A Gratitude Family for Kids and Families, and the executive producer and host of The Brave Files Podcast to discover how living with gratitude can change your brain and how you look at the world. Guest information:Website: https://vickeryandco.com/A gifted coaching session for my listeners!!! DO THIS IT’s FREE!!! E-Mail Heather@Vickeryandco.com mention my podcast ExcuseMyADHD.A gifted coaching session for my listeners!!! DO THIS IT’s FREE!!! Heather@Vickeryandco.com mention my podcast ExcuseMyADHD. Links and App Mentions:How Gratitude Actually Changes Your Brain and is Good for Business gratitude-it's good for you and profits!https://thriveglobal.com/stories/how-gratitude-actually-changes-your-brain-and-is-good-for-business/https://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/ Read more about Martin Seligman and the research Heather mentioned in the episode.CommitTo3 by Oceanhouse Media, Inc. a growth and productivity tool great for accountability

To follow last weeks episode about my grief after diagnosis Shelby Forsythia and I discuss her book Permission to Grieve and what that means. Grief affects us all in different ways and in different times of our lives. We need to stop fearing the grief and learn to accept and live with it as a part of what makes us who we are. Shelby Forsythia is the author of Permission to Grieve and podcast host of Coming Back: Conversations on Life After Loss. After the unexpected death of her mother in 2013, she became a “student of grief” and set out on a lifetime mission to explore the oft-misunderstood human experience of loss. Through her book, weekly podcasts, and one-on-one grief guidance, she helps grieving people find direction, get support, and cultivate radical self-compassion after devastating loss.Shelby is a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist®, Reiki Level II Practitioner, and Intuitive Grief Guide. Her work has been featured on Huffington Post, Bustle, and Optimal Living Daily. She currently lives in Chicago.You can find out more about Shelby and her work at www.shelbyforsythia.com

When you get diagnosed later in life or at least later than most people with ADHD how it makes you feel and how it affects your life is profoundly different then someone diagnosed as a child and treated or even a teenager or while in college. It is still early enough to make changes and corrections to your path because you haven't really started it yet. For me and I am guessing others you have this moment where everything just finally clicks like the world was always slightly tilted but now it's upright. Your life begins to make sense and the way you move through life and your relationships all start to make sense. You start to make sense of all of the struggles you dealt with and are going through. After that then you realize you are now this new person going on a new path you didn't plan or see coming and everything is changing. This is where for me grief started to come into play. You see I thought things were one way but they weren't and now I am dealing with that the best way I can. FDA Malinkrodt Methyphenidate Infohttps://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/methylphenidate-hydrochloride-extended-release-tablets-generic-concerta-made-mallinckrodt-and-kudco

Member of Scottish Parliament Daniel Johnson is a husband, father, and former business owner. Mr. Johnson was diagnosed with ADHD almost 6 years ago after his wife brought the subject up. He discusses how those with inattentive type that have flown under the radar for years begin to almost hit a crisis point once the structures of being at home and in school are no longer there. As we get older, we begin our careers and start families with all of that comes stress which brings the symptoms more to the forefront. Our forgetfulness, being so called ‘lazy’, disorganization, among the many other symptoms. We talk about his route to diagnosis both with his experience with his private GP and now in the NHS system. This leads to discussion of the lack of resources and the barriers to treatment especially in the more northern sections of Scotland. Daniel is an advocate for medication as a first step alongside the skills for managing, he has a statement he references often “pills and skills” when discussing the need for combination treatments for ADHD. Some of the other topics we cover are the disparities in gender, lack of education on ADHD for teachers and physicians for identifying/working with ADHD, need for mental health screening in prisons, and the stigma around medication. Full Show Notes Available On My Website: https://www.excusemyadhd.com/episode-5/Article in learning disabilities today: https://www.learningdisabilitytoday.co.uk/2019/adhd-diagnosis-and-medication-gives-msp-daniel-johnson-a-new-lease-of-lifeLink to MSP Daniel Johnson’s speech to Parliament June 5 2018: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFEYC3IiKOEFull debate Portrayal of ADHD Treatment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThwVBMnqfbs

Rejection, Criticism, People Pleasing, Flooding, over excitement, flash rage, deep sadness, these are all words that describe or at least start to describe Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD). If you are reading this and you have ADHD the chances are pretty high that you also have RSD. Were you ever told you were too dramatic, a cry baby, too whiny, quick to anger, or that it just isn’t that bad you need to get over it? If so, you may have RSD. Growing up I was overly sensitive, criticism is almost excruciating for me, I tend to be a people pleaser, and flooding is a pretty accurate word to describe how my emotions take over. In this episode I go further into detail as to how RSD has affected my life from a little kid, my teenage years, College, and even now. Please listen and then come over to my social media sites or my website and tell me how you deal with your RSD. How has it affected your life and how do you try to manage it? What are your triggers? As promised in the episode here are some links to articles on RSD:https://www.thrivetalk.com/rejection-sensitive-dysphoria/https://www.additudemag.com/rejection-sensitive-dysphoria-and-adhd/https://chadd.org/adhd-weekly/rejection-can-more-painful-with-adhd/https://chadd.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/ATTN_10_16_EmotionalRegulation.pdfhttps://psycnet.apa.org/record/2003-00785-007Also in the amazon (affiliate links) is a book about the biological side of ADHD, a book about overcoming rejection which I am waiting to read it's in my que. Also when all else fails I love adult coloring books and the more curse words the better. They make my immature brain happy.If you haven't been to Dani Donovan's Instagram check it out she has a way of perfectly explaining parts of ADHD with her graphics.Full Show Notes Available On My Website: https://www.excusemyadhd.com/episode-4/

As promised this episode is all about my experience with Pharmacogenomic testing and also the rest of my diagnosis and treatment to this point. The title pretty much says it all. I waited, and waited, then waited some more. I got results and waited again. Having ADHD and going down the medication road is a crap shoot you don't know what will work what won't and what side effects you will experience. Then you also have to know how will this affect your other issues or medications. You may as well just sign up to be a research subject and get paid for all of the different medications and doses we have to try. Guinea Pig is an accurate description, and I don't know about you but I am getting tired of being one. So come join me as I see if I can science my way out of this wheel. Here is some 'light' reading for when you can't sleep...aka science:https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006322304011011https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2413066/https://pharmacogeneticstesting.com/pharmacogenomic-news/does-genetic-testing-for-adhd-medication-work/Some easier to read articles:https://www.additudemag.com/genetic-testing-adhd-medication/https://www.additudemag.com/harmonyx-releases-new-genetic-test-for-adhd-meds/Full Show Notes Available On My Website: https://www.excusemyadhd.com/episode-3/

In this episode I will explain a little bit about why I am doing this and why you should listen. I will also cover the what, a description of the layout and format you can expect. Enjoy!

In the episode 'Everything I am' I discuss my major ADHD symptoms that make me, me. I talk about what it was like going through school with ADHD and how it affected my grades, how my college career was affected and then finally work. There are many more symptoms and stories I have but here are the few that I discuss in this episode; impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, hyperfocus, and working memory. I also discuss the friends my ADHD hangs out with including the learning disability dyscalculia.Below you will find links to the two books I mentioned in this episode as well a link to the ADHD Rewired podcast.Here is a link for more information about the learning disability DYSCALCULIA https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/child-learning-disabilities/dyscalculiaThe two video clips I mentioned are in the video's section of the resources page.Full Show Notes available on my website: https://www.excusemyadhd.com/episode-1/

"When the devil is on your back you have to Shake him off" Florence and the Machine 'Shake it out'Shake it Out is about shaking out my fears and getting on this crazy roller coaster. I discuss what drove me to finally see a doctor and how I went about getting my diagnosis. Learning to manage my ADHD has been interesting to say the least. Starting with medication I went from from a non-stimulant to a stimulant and with each experienced adverse side effects that I am just not willing to put up with. This episode ends a little abruptly because I know I can't sit and listen to much more than 30 minutes so I don't want to make you either. I touch briefly on my decision to do pharmacogenomic testing which I will go into more detail on my next episode. In the mean time check this out below about what the testing is and can do. Pharmacogenomic Information:https://www.additudemag.com/genetic-testing-adhd-medication/https://consultqd.clevelandclinic.org/the-pharmacogenomics-of-adhd-treatment/ Full Show Notes Available on my website: https://www.excusemyadhd.com/episode-2/