Girl, Get Up! - STOP Screwing Yourself Over, END ANXIETY, & Take Control of Your Life | Mel Robbins

Added: May 27, 2024

Underdiagnosis of ADHD in Girls

Robbins highlights the underdiagnosis of ADHD in girls compared to boys, explaining that the symptoms of ADHD were initially studied based on boys' behavior, which is more outwardly disruptive. In contrast, girls often internalize their struggles, leading to feelings of incompetence, anxiety, and self-criticism. This internalization can result in undiagnosed ADHD manifesting as anxiety and depression, as individuals struggle to understand why they excel in some areas but struggle in others.

Recognizing ADHD in Women

Robbins emphasizes the importance of recognizing the signs of ADHD in women, particularly those between the ages of 28 and 54, who may have gone undiagnosed for years. Understanding one's learning style, attention issues, and processing challenges can lead to a more compassionate view of oneself and a better ability to navigate daily tasks and responsibilities. She shares her own journey of self-discovery and acceptance after being diagnosed with ADHD, discussing various interventions and treatments available, including medication, microdosing with psilocybin, caffeine, and dietary changes. She also touches on the impact of hormonal changes, such as menopause, on attention and focus, urging women to consider how their hormones may be affecting their cognitive abilities.

Societal Implications of Undiagnosed ADHD

The podcast explores the societal implications of undiagnosed ADHD, particularly in educational settings where individuals with learning differences may be mislabeled as behavior problems. Robbins stresses the importance of early intervention for learning styles and attention issues to prevent negative self-perception and academic struggles. She addresses the challenges of managing relationships and daily tasks with ADHD, such as forgetfulness, distractibility, and difficulty with organization. Robbins shares personal anecdotes about how ADHD has affected her interactions with others and offers practical tips for coping with ADHD-related challenges, such as using Post-it notes, delegating tasks, and focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses.

Challenges with Executive Functioning in ADHD

Robbins delves into the topic of executive functioning, describing it as having an administrative assistant in your brain that helps you plan and prioritize tasks. She explains how individuals with ADHD may have difficulties with executive functioning, leading to challenges in tasks like packing for a vacation or completing a report.

Coping Strategies for ADHD

To cope with her ADHD in daily life, Robbins has implemented various strategies. She uses Post-it notes and alarms on her phone to remind her to follow through on tasks. She maintains open communication with her husband, Chris, about her struggles with organization and cleanliness, and they have devised logistical solutions, such as having separate sinks in their bathroom to prevent clutter from spreading. She emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and understanding that ADHD is a part of who she is. By being upfront with others about her challenges, she can work towards finding solutions and improving her relationships.

Seeking Help for Suspected ADHD

For individuals who suspect they may have ADHD, Robbins recommends taking an online assessment and speaking with a primary care doctor for further evaluation. She also mentions resources such as Edward Hallowell's book "Driven to Distraction" and Dr. Amen's clinics for additional information and support.