Laura Mears-Reynolds had reached a breaking point with anxiety and depression—until she realized something deeper was going on. She didn’t feel safe in her own hands, and she knew she needed help. What she didn’t know? ADHD was at the root of it all.

The UK-based host of the ADHD AF podcast joins ADHD Aha! to share how understanding her brain finally helped her shed shame, find self-acceptance, and build a thriving community. Her message is clear: You’re not broken—and you’re definitely not alone.

Related resources

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
• Laura’s podcast and community website, adhdasfemales.com
• ADHD and depression
• ADHD and anxiety

Timestamps

(02:37) The most ADHD thing that’s happened this week

(03:29) Laura’s ADHD diagnosis story, and crisis point

(07:20) Identifying as naive and overly trusting

(10:18) Laura’s ADHD “aha” moments

(13:02) A constant level of chaos, and assuming (what ended up being) ADHD symptoms were from partying a lot

(15:18) The “little” ADHD things that add up and cause shame

(17:27) Struggling with the “ADHD superpower” narrative

(19:50) How would life have been different with an earlier diagnosis?

(21:21) How Laura’s life has changed since her diagnosis, and creating the ADHD AF podcast

For a transcript and more resources, visit the ADHD Aha! show page on Understood.org. 

We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at [email protected] or record a message for us here. 

ADHD Unstuck is a free, self-guided activity from Understood.org and Northwestern University designed to help women with ADHD boost their mood and take small, practical steps to get unstuck. In about 10 minutes, learn why mood spirals happen and get a personalized action plan of quick wins and science-backed strategies that work with your brain. Give it a try at Understood.org/GetUnstuck.

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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.