ADHD in girls

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Why Progress Doesn't Always Look or Feel Like Progress

It looks like getting out of bed when everything in you wanted to stay there.
It looks like pausing instead of reacting.

It looks like setting a boundary and feeling uncomfortable about it.

It looks like surviving a hard day without falling apart—even if it didn’t feel “successful.”

Little wins matter. They build momentum, confidence, and self-trust. And just as important—some of our biggest wins don’t always feel like wins in the moment. Growth can feel messy, exhausting, or even disappointing before it feels empowering.

If today felt heavy, that doesn’t mean you failed.
If today felt quiet, that doesn’t mean nothing happened.
If today felt hard and you’re still here, that counts.

Take a moment to ask yourself:
What did I do today that supported my safety, my healing, or my well-being—even in a small way?

You don’t have to minimize it. You don’t have to earn it.
It counts. You count. And here is a blog I wrote a while back on this topic.

The Milestones We Forget to Celebrate in Our ADHD Mental Hea...

#ADHD #ADHDInGirls #MentalHealth #Anxiety #Neurodiversity #SubstanceRelatedDisorders #Depression

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The Milestones We Forget to Celebrate in Our ADHD Mental Health Journey

But we really should celebrate them.
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🎄✨ The holidays can be beautiful—and overwhelming. If you live with mental health challenges or a diagnosis, this season might stir up more than just festive feelings.

That’s why I created this gentle Holiday Self-Care Checklist—a visual guide to help you pause, reflect, and care for yourself in ways that feel doable and kind.

💚 Save it. Share it. Print it. Use it when you need a moment of support, grounding, or clarity.

🧠 Here are some extra reflection questions to guide your season:

• What boundaries do I need to feel safe and supported?
• What traditions feel nourishing—and which ones feel draining?
• Who can I reach out to when I need connection?
• What does “rest” look like for me right now?
• What’s one thing I can say no to this week?

🌟 And here are some gentle ways to navigate the season:

• Create a “comfort kit” with snacks, sensory tools, affirmations, and grounding items
• Schedule quiet time before or after social events
• Use a code word with a trusted person if you need to step away
• Practice saying “I’m not available for that right now” without guilt
• Celebrate in your own way—there’s no one-size-fits-all holiday

📝 Reflection prompt: What’s helped before—and what can you let go of this year?

Lastly, remember, you deserve care and kindness this season. Let’s make space for both. #ADHD #ADHDInGirls #Neurodiversity #Anxiety #GeneralizedAnxietyDisorder #MentalHealth #Depression #SubstanceRelatedDisorders

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Understanding Internalized Ableism and Its Impact

I’ve always carried around this burden of shame. My constant struggles with trying to fit in with society made me feel weak, underappreciated, and out of place. I’m plagued by emotions that become overwhelmingly unbearable and impossible to control. Walking this path of life has made me more aware of my sensitivity, my quietness, and the ways my emotional world shapes how I experience life.

Learning the Word for It

I didn’t understand what was happening at the time, but what I was experiencing was internalized ableism. I had absorbed society’s messages that being different was wrong.

Masking My Way Through Life

I spent years masking. At work, I’d smile and seemingly get through the day, but I was exhausted the whole time. In school, I’d sit quietly and daydream, drift off from reality and focus on something more interesting. My mind was running full of ideas nonstop, so I’d capture one and run with it.

But my focus on schoolwork was nearly nonexistent, and that made me anxious in case I ever got called upon by the teacher. I was always anxious in class to be honest. The bright lights, the closeness of other peers sitting next to me, the piercing glares around the room. I think that’s why I needed some sort of escape, just to try and stay calm.

In every scenario, I’d be too afraid to ask questions or ask for help because I didn’t want to appear incapable of figuring out perhaps the simplest thing. I didn’t want to come off foolish or judged in any way.

When Masking Became Second Nature

For me, masking became second nature. I remember one day at work when I was utterly overwhelmed by towering stacks of paperwork, and my boss kept calling out to me, asking questions in the middle of other urgent tasks. She did that often. She’d always ask questions right in the middle of a task that she wants you to get done on a timeline. And her voice shrieked like nails on a chalk board. Every conversation with her made me more anxious.

I’d want to ask questions or just make a general statement about how overwhelmed I felt, but I just kept my mouth shut and began typing again. All I really wanted to do was walk away or take a long break to cry and let it all out. I just kept thinking to myself, “How are other people managing this? I have to be able to handle this too.” That moment sticks with me because it revealed how deeply I internalized that needing a break was shameful.

Hiding My Whole Self

Masking wasn’t just about hiding anxiety or sensory sensitivities. It was about hiding my whole self. I convinced myself that my natural way of thinking were wrong. I believed that if I didn’t change, I wouldn’t belong.

When I couldn’t hide my difference, I overcompensated. I worked harder than anyone else, prepared more than anyone else, and pushed myself to exhausting to just appear capable. I measured myself against others all of the time, comparing my achievements, energy, and productivity to people who didn’t have the same challenges that I did.

Every time I fell short of something, I’d feel like a failure. I didn’t see that the problem wasn’t me, it was the world’s rigid expectations and my internalized belief that I had to conform to them.

Putting a Name to It

It wasn’t until I learned the term internalized ableism that things began to make sense. Internalized ableism is when you take society’s negative messages about disability, difference, or neurodivergence and turn them inward. I felt like suddenly, all of the years of self-blame, guilt, and masking clicked into place.

Moving Toward Acceptance

Learning this made me realize that I should start doing things differently because I could rest without feeling guilty or lazy. I could ask for support when I need to, and I can embrace my differences instead of hiding them.

“You were never too much. You were simply too honest for a world that prefers masks.” – Unknown

#MentalHealth #neurod #ADHD #ADHDInGirls #Anxiety #self

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I'm new here!

Healing, learning, unlearning. Writing about the mind, the nervous system, trauma, sensitivity, and the quiet art of building a life that finally fits. Mindful, imperfect, and deeply human.

#MightyTogether #ADHD #ADHDInGirls #AspergersSyndrome #MentalHealth #Healing

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Letting go some thoughts #ADHD #ADHDInGirls

Hi, long time not being here!

After some suspicions, my therapist talked to me that I might have ADHD. I started researching, and I was so amazed at how everything just describe who I have been all this time. At first, I wasn't so sure because I was presenting some other health issues, but some part of me was feeling that I finally have an answer for all my questionings about my self my whole life. After solving my health issues, and with the company of my therapist, I began a diagnosis process.

Two months ago I had an appointment with a neuropsychologist. I did the tests, and after a long time, he confirmed my diagnosis. I felt shock and cried. I first cry because of confusion, later it were tears of making sense. I wasn't broken, I wasn't trying enough, I just process different and I have been enduring a lot without knowing the best to work with for me.

Tomorrow I have my appointment with a neurologist, I'm really nervous because I don't know what to expect, and because it have been a rollercoaster of emotions and thoughts to understand myself better. I have been doing mistakes, and some days are rougher than others, but now I know why.

I'm still trying and doing my best to live better and feel better with myself. It can be really hard at times, specially when failing and realising that it's something you need extra help with, but at least I know it now, and I can continue looking for a better way to live in calm, because it can be possible, and I deserve it. We all deserve to live at peace with ourselves with all the patient and consideration we might need.

Thank you for reading me, I felt the need to let go of some thoughts. I hope my English it's not so bad😅

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I’ve realized that some of my most meaningful progress shows up in the messy days—the ones when my thoughts feel heavy, my emotions spike, or old patterns try to pull me back. I used to think progress meant feeling better or not getting triggered at all, but that’s not how growth works.

The real shift happened when I stopped judging myself for struggling and started paying attention to how I moved through those moments. When I paused before spiraling, named what I was feeling, or simply chose not to shame myself—that was progress, even when it didn’t feel like it.

For me, it’s about taking a more self-compassionate and realistic approach: acknowledging what’s happening, reminding myself it’s human, and asking what I need instead of what I “should” be doing. It’s not about eliminating hard thoughts or feelings—it’s about meeting them with awareness instead of criticism.

Every time I do that, even imperfectly, I’m building something stronger in myself. And the more I acknowledge it, the easier it is to see that I’m moving forward, even on the tough days.

This shift for me happened when I started seeing those moments for what they really are—signals, not setbacks. When I stopped treating every tough feeling like proof that I was slipping, things got lighter. Those moments became chances to understand myself a bit better, to be kinder to myself, and to respond in a way that actually supported my growth instead of shutting me down.

If you’re struggling with this, remember: every small moment you notice and respond to with compassion is proof that you are moving forward, even when it doesn’t feel like it that’s why gaining context when we experience these moments is so important here’s a few tips for helping who finds this challenging. Do you want me to support you just message me and I can help you

What story am I telling myself about this moment, and is it the only possible story?

What does this experience reveal about my values, needs, or areas for growth?
Instead of viewing discomfort as a flaw, this reframes it as information—something that can guide you toward clarity and personal development.

If I look at the bigger picture, how might this challenge fit into my overall journey?
This encourages perspective-taking, reminding you that difficult feelings often signal progress or learning rather than failure.

#ADHD #ADHDInGirls #Neurodiversity #Anxiety #Depression #MentalHealth #MightyTogether #AddictionRecovery

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Overcoming Self-Comparison: My Path to Acceptance

Being behind in life is something I never really foresaw in my future. I assumed that I was doing everything “right,” following the path I was supposed to. I kept up academically — even socially at times — but deep down, I knew I didn’t quite match others emotionally.

Rethinking Emotional Intelligence

I used to believe I was emotionally intelligent because I was empathetic and in tune with my feelings. But looking back, I realize that my emotional intelligence was actually quite low. I didn’t know how to regulate my emotions properly. I struggled with communication, lacked motivation, and was often defensive.

I’ve learned that emotional intelligence says, “I feel this. I want to understand it and respond thoughtfully.” The opposite says, “I feel this, and I don’t know why — so I’ll just ignore it or react impulsively.” For a long time, I lived more in the latter.

Over time, though, my emotional intelligence has grown. I’ve learned how to regulate my emotions in healthier ways — but it took patience, reflection, and a lot of unlearning. Growth like that happens slowly, and over time.

Living with a Fragile Heart

Personally, I’ve always been a fragile soul. I walk through life with my heart on my sleeve, and sometimes, that heart gets hurt too easily. Living with RSD (rejection sensitivity dysphoria) makes it a challenge to stay strong, be courageous, and stand firmly on the ground. I’m highly sensitive, easily overwhelmed, and often fear being left behind.

For years, I put myself down because I couldn’t stop comparing myself to others. When they succeeded, I felt like I had failed. When they received praise, I went unnoticed. When they were popular, I was struggling to socialize. The more I compared, the smaller I felt.

For a long time, I listened to that voice in my head, the one that kept telling me I wasn’t up to par, that I was incapable, and that I was too weak. But into adulthood, I received my mental health diagnoses, and it all finally made sense. When I reflect on those years growing up, I realized that I was lost, confused, and quite frankly, different from others.

The Trap of Comparison

Self-comparison made me feel lost and inadequate. And with time, I must say it hasn’t gotten any easier. I still compare myself to others and still feel one-step behind everyone else. I’m nowhere where I thought I’d be. I’m thirty-seven, single, no kids, no home of my own, and no real career. Sure, I work as a caregiver and part-time blogger, but still, it’s not what I pictured for myself.

I can’t help but compare myself to other people’s success when it’s constantly in your face. Social media doesn’t help because you see all of these people leading such “happy,” lives. Meanwhile, I feel like a shlub, that’s just been twiddling my thumbs for years, trying to figure out how I can fit myself into that image.

Finding Perspective

But with growth comes new perspective. And now that I’m in a better place mentally, I no longer see my life as a “failure,” I see it as someone who doesn’t follow societal standards, and who moves through life at their own pace. I’m trying really hard to notice my good qualities, and the successes that I have achieved. To be proud of myself, even if it’s just accomplishing the smallest task. I’ve realized that I’m my own person, and that I’m living my life the best way I know how—as myself.

Sure, I may not be where other people are, but I don’t think that makes me any less than. Of course, I still struggle with communication, but I’m getting better at speaking up for myself, and that is something that I never thought I’d see.

Embracing Neurodivergence

Being neurodivergent certainly isn’t my excuse, but it has helped me see life with more clarity. It’s helped me find myself again and become the person I always knew I could be. My passion is back, I’m more emotionally intelligent, and I’m continually healing in areas I needed extra help with. I may not be where I expected, but I’m proud of the person I am. Perhaps for the very first time.

Trusting My Own Timing

Learning to trust the timing of my life has meant accepting that my growth doesn’t need to look like everyone else’s. It’s taken me a long time to realize, but I’m blooming in my own season, and it’s a reassurance that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

“Your time is way too valuable to be wasting on people that can’t accept who you are.” - Turcois Ominek

#MentalHealth #ADHD #ADHDInGirls #neurod #RSD #Selfacceptance #PersonalGrowth

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$2 for the best ADHD app I’ve ever tried

I found an app that helps me deal with complications with my executive dysfunction and it only cost $2 for the app (no subscription!). It’s called Goblin tools and it can different parts of the app to help with specific problems. #ADHD #ADHDInGirls

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How was everyone's October and what's something you're looking forward to getting, starting or doing this fall for me it's getting my adhd coaching certification and taking a course on running a small business, #ADHD #ADHDInGirls #MentalHealth #Anxiety #Depression #Neurodiversity #BipolarDisorder

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Just two more chapters, and my book Fu@k Stigma will finally be a real thing—it will no longer just exist in my head. Soon, the words, experiences, and ideas I’ve been holding onto will have a life of their own, ready to reach others who need them. 😊😊😊😊#MentalHealth #Addiction #ADHD #ADHDInGirls #Anxiety #Depression #Neurodiversity

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