LATE BLOOMERS

THE SHAME SPIRAL: How to stop feeling like a failure and embrace who you are


Listen Later

Why do so many people with ADHD struggle with shame? In this episode, Rox and Rich break down the cycle of self-criticism, exploring how productivity culture, masking, and forgetfulness fuel feelings of failure. Rox opens up about her own experiences with shame—from harsh self-talk and fear of judgment to the pressure to appear "put together"—and how it impacted her relationships, creativity, and mental health.

Rich shares his perspective on supporting a partner with ADHD, highlighting the importance of compassion, communication, and breaking free from unrealistic expectations. Together, they unpack the difference between shame and guilt, why self-acceptance is essential, and how reframing your inner dialogue can transform your self-esteem.

You’ll also hear practical tools for overcoming shame, including:

  • Rewriting negative narratives about yourself
  • Letting go of perfectionism and over-apologizing
  • Doubling down on your strengths instead of fixating on your struggles
  • Surrounding yourself with people who see and accept the real you
  • If you've ever felt like you're "not good enough" or that your ADHD makes you a failure, this episode is a reminder: You are not broken. And it's time to start believing that.

    ...more
    View all episodesView all episodes
    Download on the App Store

    LATE BLOOMERSBy Rich & Rox Pink

    • 5
    • 5
    • 5
    • 5
    • 5

    5

    217 ratings


    More shows like LATE BLOOMERS

    View all
    Happy Place by Fearne Cotton

    Happy Place

    1,143 Listeners

    How To Fail With Elizabeth Day by Elizabeth Day and Sony Music Entertainment

    How To Fail With Elizabeth Day

    1,332 Listeners

    The ADHD Adults Podcast by James Brown, Alex Conner and Sam Brown

    The ADHD Adults Podcast

    43 Listeners

    ADHD Women's Wellbeing Podcast by Kate Moryoussef

    ADHD Women's Wellbeing Podcast

    170 Listeners

    Stompcast by Dr Alex George

    Stompcast

    33 Listeners

    ADHD Chatter by Alex Partridge

    ADHD Chatter

    230 Listeners

    You're Wrong About ADHD by Global

    You're Wrong About ADHD

    13 Listeners

    The Hidden 20% by Ben Branson

    The Hidden 20%

    25 Listeners

    Great Company with Jamie Laing by Jampot Productions

    Great Company with Jamie Laing

    148 Listeners

    Mo Gilligan: Beginning, Middle & End by We Are L17 & Global

    Mo Gilligan: Beginning, Middle & End

    22 Listeners

    I'm ADHD! No You're Not by Dr Mine Conkbayir MBE & Paul Whitehouse

    I'm ADHD! No You're Not

    35 Listeners

    Strangers on a Bench by Tom Rosenthal

    Strangers on a Bench

    577 Listeners

    Begin Again with Davina McCall by Begin Again

    Begin Again with Davina McCall

    508 Listeners

    Mad, Sad and Bad with Paloma Faith by JamPot Productions

    Mad, Sad and Bad with Paloma Faith

    69 Listeners

    How Do You Cope? by Wondery

    How Do You Cope?

    80 Listeners