Many women feel pressure to create the “perfect” holiday season. From decorating and hosting to gift-giving, all while staying cheerful and calm. But for some women with ADHD, these expectations can make the holidays feel more stressful than joyful.

In this episode, Dr. Monica Johnson shares how common ADHD symptoms like trouble focusing and managing time can make the holidays feel overwhelming. Hear why some women have a hard time managing tasks and their emotions during what should be a season filled with joy. And learn practical ways to tackle holiday stress. 

Related resources

• 11 ADHD holiday tips
• Understood.org’s 2024 Neurodiversity and the Holidays Survey

Timestamps

(00:33) How holiday pressures affect women with ADHD

(01:09) What holiday stress can look like in women

(02:10) Ways having ADHD can impact holiday stress

(03:04) How sensory overload plays a role

(04:48) Effective strategies for reducing holiday stress

To get a transcript and check out more episodes, visit the MissUnderstood channel at Understood.

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Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give