2 Distractible Doctors

This episode, we’re talking about what it was like growing up “gifted” while also having ADHD.

For both of us, that meant a weird mix of being told we were smart, capable, and full of potential while also struggling with things like focus, boredom, procrastination, organization, perfectionism, and actually finishing the thing we definitely started with excellent intentions.

We get into the contradiction of doing really well in some areas while completely falling apart in others, and how being academically successful can sometimes hide ADHD rather than rule it out.

We also talk about the messages gifted kids tend to absorb early: that being smart is supposed to make things easy, that struggling means you aren’t trying hard enough, and that if you just “applied yourself,” everything would magically click into place.

Spoiler: brains are more complicated than that.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Growing up labeled as gifted
• ADHD being overlooked in high-achieving kids
• Twice-exceptionality and uneven strengths
• Boredom and under-stimulation
• Executive dysfunction
• Procrastination and last-minute productivity
• Perfectionism
• Masking
• Burnout
• The emotional weight of “you have so much potential”
• What it’s like to understand your brain differently as an adult

And, naturally, several side quests occur along the way because this is 2 Distractible Doctors and we do have a brand to maintain.

EPISODE CREDITS:

Produced, edited, mixed, artwork by Sita-Marie Pillay, Psy.D.

A reminder that the podcast is not a replacement for therapy.

Hosts are not liable for any information gained from listening.

Edited & produced by Dr. Sita-Marie Pillay

ADHD brains are emotional, impulsive, overwhelmed, and chronically misunderstood — which means suicide risk shows up differently here than it does in the textbooks.
In this episode, Christie and Sita-Marie break down what we actually see in our work with neurodivergent clients: the shame spirals, the “all-or-nothing” thinking, the executive dysfunction that makes it hard to reach out, and the moments when impulsivity turns dangerous.

We talk about what suicidal thoughts can look like for ADHDers, why they’re not always about wanting to die, and how support systems can fail (and how they can be rebuilt).
We also walk through real-world strategies: safety planning that works for neurodivergent brains, protective factors that really matter, and how to show up for someone without panicking, minimizing, or shaming them.

Heavy topic? Yes.
Hopeless? No.
This one’s about surviving the storm and understanding the terrain so no one has to walk it alone.

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.)
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• Local emergency services based on your region
• Community-based ADHD and neurodivergent support groups
• Trauma-informed therapy options via Grow Therapy, Headway, or your insurance provider

This episode discusses suicide, self-harm, and mental health crises. Listener discretion advised.

Hosts: Dr. Christie Pickel & Dr. Sita-Marie Pillay
Produced / Edited by: Dr. Sita-Marie Pillay
Artwork: JK Mythos Co.

EPISODE CREDITS:

Produced, edited, mixed, artwork by Sita-Marie Pillay, Psy.D.

A reminder that the podcast is not a replacement for therapy.

Hosts are not liable for any information gained from listening.

In this episode, we’re not 2 Distractible Doctors — we’re three (because clearly one more doctor makes us more focused, right?). Dr. Christie Pickel, Dr. Sita-Marie Pillay, and our honorary third wheel, Dr. Francisco Rojas, geek out about heroes and villains in comic books and fandoms, straight from our WonderCon 2025 panel.

We break down how iconic comic book mentors mirror real-life therapist vibes (yes, your therapist might secretly be your Gandalf), what villains teach us about our darker bits, and how fandoms help us find belonging when real life feels like a chaotic multiverse.

Expect tangents, questionable analogies, and enough nerdy therapy talk to make your inner Batman weep happy tears.

EPISODE CREDITS:

Produced, edited, mixed, artwork by Sita-Marie Pillay, Psy.D.

A reminder that the podcast is not a replacement for therapy.

Hosts are not liable for any information gained from listening.

In this episode, Dr. Christie Pickel and Dr. Sita-Marie Pillay dive into the complex world of ADHD medication. From the benefits and challenges to the doubts and misconceptions, they break down what works, what doesn’t, and what still raises eyebrows. Whether you’re considering medication, already on a treatment plan, or just curious, this conversation sheds light on the realities of managing ADHD. Stick around until the end—we’re wrapping things up with a dose of hope.

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https://open.spotify.com/playlist/31PDSFMOQqJ9XAWksGekqn?si=crOiY513TXaPOgkF3qJtYw&pi=LSMnTmNiStWBV

EPISODE CREDITS:

Produced, edited, mixed, artwork by Sita-Marie Pillay, Psy.D.

A reminder that the podcast is not a replacement for therapy.

Hosts are not liable for any information gained from listening.