LATE DIAGNOSED ADHD: How To Heal After Years Of Pretending (5 Steps)

Processing a late ADHD diagnosis involves navigating complex emotions like grief, resentment, and envy, which can stem from reflecting on missed opportunities and a lost sense of self. Dr. Judith Mohring, a psychiatrist specializing in ADHD, emphasizes that emotional sensitivity, a common trait among individuals with ADHD, intensifies this emotional storm. The discussion highlights the importance of acknowledging and understanding these emotions to leverage them constructively. Common experiences, such as feeling misunderstood, masking true selves, and the relief of finally understanding the reasons behind lifelong struggles, are explored. The conversation also addresses the potential risks of late diagnosis, including feeling lost or being gaslit by others, while underscoring the possibility of post-traumatic growth through self-acceptance and adaptability.

Outlines

Part 1: Emotional Impact and the Grief of Diagnosis

Part 2: Regulation, Adaptability, and Complex Emotions

Part 3: Social Challenges and Invisible Diversity

Part 4: Growth, Sensory Insights, and Practical Tools

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ADHD Chatter

Part 1: Emotional Impact and the Grief of Diagnosis

Emotional Sensitivity and the Overlooked Aspects of Late ADHD Diagnosis

Grieving the "What Ifs" and Resentment After a Late ADHD Diagnosis

The Crippling Impact of Fear and Rediscovering the True Self After ADHD Diagnosis

Universal Stories of Misunderstanding and the Relief of a Late ADHD Diagnosis

Part 2: Regulation, Adaptability, and Complex Emotions

The Risks and Adaptability of Late ADHD Diagnosis: Finding Strengths in Change

Emotion Regulation, Irritability, and Anxiety: Complex Emotions in Late ADHD Diagnosis

Unlearning Coping Mechanisms and the Potential Regression Post-Diagnosis

Part 3: Social Challenges and Invisible Diversity

Conscious Choices, New Careers, and the Risk of External Validation

Gaslighting, Anger, and the Struggle with Invisible Diversity

Shame, Isolation, and the Impact of Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria

Part 4: Growth, Sensory Insights, and Practical Tools

Sensory Differences, Emotional Porosity, and Post-Traumatic Growth in ADHD

Addressing Common Questions: Worsening Symptoms Post-Diagnosis

Addressing Common Questions: Overcoming Anger and the Worth of Diagnosis

The Feelings Wheel: Naming Emotions to Reduce Their Intensity

LATE DIAGNOSED ADHD: How To Heal After Years Of Pretending (5 Steps)

ADHD Chatter

Part 1: Emotional Impact and the Grief of Diagnosis

00:00Emotional Sensitivity and the Overlooked Aspects of Late ADHD Diagnosis

Emotional Sensitivity and the Overlooked Aspects of Late ADHD Diagnosis

04:34Grieving the "What Ifs" and Resentment After a Late ADHD Diagnosis

Grieving the "What Ifs" and Resentment After a Late ADHD Diagnosis

07:51The Crippling Impact of Fear and Rediscovering the True Self After ADHD Diagnosis

The Crippling Impact of Fear and Rediscovering the True Self After ADHD Diagnosis

11:40Universal Stories of Misunderstanding and the Relief of a Late ADHD Diagnosis

Universal Stories of Misunderstanding and the Relief of a Late ADHD Diagnosis

Part 2: Regulation, Adaptability, and Complex Emotions

15:06The Risks and Adaptability of Late ADHD Diagnosis: Finding Strengths in Change

The Risks and Adaptability of Late ADHD Diagnosis: Finding Strengths in Change

17:38Emotion Regulation, Irritability, and Anxiety: Complex Emotions in Late ADHD Diagnosis

Emotion Regulation, Irritability, and Anxiety: Complex Emotions in Late ADHD Diagnosis

20:27Unlearning Coping Mechanisms and the Potential Regression Post-Diagnosis

Unlearning Coping Mechanisms and the Potential Regression Post-Diagnosis

Part 3: Social Challenges and Invisible Diversity

23:52Conscious Choices, New Careers, and the Risk of External Validation

Conscious Choices, New Careers, and the Risk of External Validation

27:09Gaslighting, Anger, and the Struggle with Invisible Diversity

Gaslighting, Anger, and the Struggle with Invisible Diversity

30:57Shame, Isolation, and the Impact of Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria

Shame, Isolation, and the Impact of Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria

Part 4: Growth, Sensory Insights, and Practical Tools

35:36Sensory Differences, Emotional Porosity, and Post-Traumatic Growth in ADHD

Sensory Differences, Emotional Porosity, and Post-Traumatic Growth in ADHD

38:29Addressing Common Questions: Worsening Symptoms Post-Diagnosis

Addressing Common Questions: Worsening Symptoms Post-Diagnosis

40:17Addressing Common Questions: Overcoming Anger and the Worth of Diagnosis

Addressing Common Questions: Overcoming Anger and the Worth of Diagnosis

42:41The Feelings Wheel: Naming Emotions to Reduce Their Intensity

The Feelings Wheel: Naming Emotions to Reduce Their Intensity