Back when I was considering that perhaps ADHD could explain – well, me – I started a document called ‘Reverse engineering my life’ where I wrote all the different ways I did not display obvious ADHD traits.

With this list I was trying to prove to myself that ADHD couldn’t be the explanation for what I found difficult, for what I had been criticised for or made to feel was disappointing about myself, because the real explanation was that it was a failing on my part, I was just a bit crap.

Instead the document revealed the many, many coping mechanisms I had been using for decades which took vast amounts of energy and left me regularly exhausted and overwhelmed.

In this episode I’m sharing some of the ways that women, often sensitive, introverted, perfectionist people-pleasers, try to manage or hide their ADHD features for decades before realising their neurodivergence.

If what I share in this podcast resonates with you and you’re looking for support go to gabrielletreanor.com. And if you’d like to share this or any of my podcast episodes on social media or with your friends or family that would help more quiet ADHDers to know they’re not alone too.

Resources:

* Follow Better Read Book Fest on Instagram here and be the first to know when authors are announced and tickets go on sale by signing up here.

* If what I’m sharing resonates with you I’d love to hear from you, email me [email protected].

* Read my posts about the experience of a midlife, late-discovered ADHD woman here.

* Find out more about the Quiet ADHD Club and join here.

* You can find more info including my coaching services on my website here.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gabrielletreanor.substack.com