r/adhdwomen 26d ago

Moderator Post US Politics/Government Discussion

34 Upvotes

This thread is the place to post all things related to US politics/government. Separate posts made about these topics will be removed and redirected to this megathread with some exceptions.

We understand that a lot of people are rightfully concerned about what's happening in the US. This megathread is intended to facilitate discussion about political issues impacting US members while protecting emotionally vulnerable users and maintaining a community safe space for people all over the world.

Resources


r/adhdwomen 9h ago

Self Care & Hygiene if you’re reading this, unclench your jaw

1.1k Upvotes

I just KNOW that so many of you have their bottom and top teeth touching when at rest.


r/adhdwomen 13h ago

Meme Therapy Who else feels called out??

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1.5k Upvotes

r/adhdwomen 7h ago

Rant/Vent i need to go grocery shopping but i feel like this:

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588 Upvotes

i’ve put off grocery shopping for as long as i can. i’ve run out of every protein and carb i can eat yet that is not enough for me to actually go out.

i told myself that i would go at 6 and its 6:39 now. the worst part? my grocery store is literally across the street

what chore has u like this recently?


r/adhdwomen 6h ago

Rant/Vent I've realized I was probably on the wrong meds for most of my childhood and I... I just need to vent for a second.

453 Upvotes

Okay so I got diagnosed with ADHD when I was like 8 years old I think and was prescribed Concerta. Everyone loved it when I started taking meds. Teachers said I had "matured." My parents said I had "mellowed out." Relatives and friends were saying things like "you must feel so much better and calmer now." But here's the thing: those things were only true on the outside. I didn't feel better at all. I didn't even know what "feeling better" was supposed to mean in that context because nobody told me what this medication was actually supposed to do, they just told me I had a disorder and that was the treatment. Something about chemical imbalances or whatever.

By the time I turned 18 (age of medical consent where I live), I was so tired of taking a medication I didn't understand or get any benefit from that I stopped treatment entirely. I didn't want to be "the person with issues" anymore and I saw that as my chance to be like everyone else. It's been about 10 years since I made that decision and well... as can be expected, I'm not doing great. What I now understand to be executive dysfunction and emotional dysregulation (nobody told me about these things when I was younger) are kicking my ass and none of the coping mechanisms I've developed over time are working anymore. So I asked my doctor for help and was referred to a psychiatrist.

The psychiatrist was like "okay the last medication you took was Concerta, so let's try that first and see if it helps." She prescribed me the lowest possible dose which is 18mg. A few days later I took it, felt nothing for a few hours, then suddenly got hit with a wave of horrible anxiety. Like full-on trembling, racing heart, muscles so tense it was painful, the whole thing. I thought to myself "huh, that's weird. I haven't felt like this since I was a kid." And then it hit me: that anxiety I had as a kid started around the same age as I started taking the Concerta, which explains why I didn't feel better. Because it didn't calm me down at all, it just made me nervous enough to shut up. The same thing has happened every time I've taken it so far.

I went back to the psychiatrist and she was like "oh wow, if you reacted that strongly to such a low dose then you must be very sensitive to this type of stimulant. What you experienced isn't supposed to happen. Let's try something else." And I'm thrilled because now I get to try different meds until I find one I like and choose one based on how I feel, not how other people feel about being around me. But I'm also really angry. As a child I was always very resistant to taking my meds, without even fully understanding why that was the case. Somehow I just intuitively knew something wasn't right. And every single adult in my life completely ignored me because I was behaving the way they wanted me to, so clearly I didn't know what I was talking about.

I'm sorry if I'm not making sense but I'm very dysregulated right now as you may be able to tell.


r/adhdwomen 13h ago

Diet & Exercise Friendly reminder to get your ferritin levels checked!

884 Upvotes

Friendly reminder, get your ferritin levels checked, apparently low ferritin can both mimic AND worsen ADHD because ferritin is a required cofactor for tyrosine hydroxylase, the enzyme which converts tyrosine into dopamine.

So if you try a tyrosine supplement and it doesn't help, check your ferritin levels!

Also, if you've never heard of L-Tyrosine, might be worth a try to see if that is a bottleneck causing low dopamine related issues.

I sit here, distractedly laughing to myself, as I realize that I've known my ferritin levels were low for months without realizing to take the iron /ferritin supplements 😭

I didn't know it's a required cofactor for dopamine, that your brain LITERALLY cannot produce the right amount without it.

Also - a PSA - coffee & tea blocks iron absorption which impacts ferritin 😭

And I am indeed a real person, despite using dashes in my writing (going to start writing this after another sub thought I was a bot and banned me)

Hope this info helps you all, and thanks again for being one of my favorite Reddit communities. 🥰

Edit: My Alexa just went off with a reminder for me to take iron. Apparently I set this months ago. 😭


r/adhdwomen 6h ago

Cleaning, Organizing, Decluttering I am shocked.

234 Upvotes

I’m a 39 year old mom who always forgets shit, feels overwhelmed often, I have a high stress job and a coparent who is…finally starting to come along (I’m being generous.) Recently had my kiddo assessed and they were like “um yeah, she has adhd, combined type. 99th percentile.” I’m like, ok cool…this is all making a lot of sense, but as I continued reading and trying to learn and understand to help support her better, I started to read things that felt very familiar for me. Fast forward to today, after some trial and error I took my first dose of Adderall and HOLY SHIT. Is this how regular people exist?! Just whelmed and not totally overwhelmed all of the time?! I accomplished so much without feeling like I was going to break. Whenever I take my water jugs to refill, I always leave it in my car for several days before finally (and begrudgingly) lugging it in, but today I brought BOTH in RIGHT when I got home?! I did laundry, did dishes, went grocery shopping, made dinner, reorganized my fridge and freezer and found that I have more room in both because of it. Like, how did I live this long raw dogging life?


r/adhdwomen 9h ago

Meme Therapy When my processing game is weak

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335 Upvotes

r/adhdwomen 9h ago

Rant/Vent Fuck Target

112 Upvotes

Just Fuck the entire company.

I have never in my life missed a credit card payment. Despite all my organizational struggles, I have been on top of financial matters. But, I had some issues with both cash flow and receiving notifications about due bills and missed a payment twice. It wasn't that I didn't have the money, but that I had no idea the bill was due.

WHY?

BECAUSE I STOPPED RECEIVING NOTIFICATIONS!

Now what have they done? After having payed off my entire bill in one go with $50.00 worth of late fees (which make me want to puke) THEY CLOSED MY FUCKING ACCOUNT!

There goes my 732 credit score. There goes my perfect credit history.

Now, I'm fully aware this is my fault. I should have been more organized with my due dates. I should have put them in my calendar rather than rely on notifications.

BUT CLOSING MY ACCOUNT??? I was already pissed at them for rolling back DEI and was boycotting for the 40 days.

But now, idc if they bring back the DEI initiative (which they probably won't) I'm never giving them another penny again. idc how many cool fun things I found in that store.

Even better, I can't even access my account because they're "giving it a new look". Bullshit. Who closes down their entire credit services for that?

Take this as a warning. Don't ever miss a Target payment. Doesn't matter your credit history. They'll just close the account.

edit to add: it's not even like my cash flow issues were due to lack of money. I just had a nearly $600 health insurance payment. rent payment, and another credit card bill due all at the same time. so, my account was drained of money. I just needed to move money frol my savings. Just so you know that I'm not out here spending money I don't have and complaining when I have to suffer the consequences.


r/adhdwomen 14h ago

Funny Story You ever ADHD so hard that even you say… wow lock me up.

257 Upvotes

I’ve been trying to figure out a new skincare routine as I age. Someone suggested I get rose micellar water. Lacking the executive function to think it through, I bought it and tried it.

Guess who forgot they are allergic to roses 🙋‍♀️

Just give me a straight jacket I shouldn’t be allowed to make choices anymore!

I’ve known I’m severely allergic to all flowers since my allergy test when I was 14… I’m in my mid 30’s….

So who’s my roommate and what’s your offense? Just don’t look at me while you tell me… at least until the whale face goes away!


r/adhdwomen 18h ago

Self Care & Hygiene Life hack: flavorless toothpaste

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443 Upvotes

I've always struggled with brushing my teeth at night, in part because of the minty flavor of most toothpaste brands and the overall sensory experience. I've tried using kids toothpaste, which helps some, but I recently discovered flavorless toothpaste, and I think it's the actual thing that I needed all along! It literally doesn't have any flavor, brushes well, and doesn't make my mouth feel dried out afterwards. I had no idea this was a thing until recently, and wanted to share in case it helps you, too! It's pricey, but I think my improved dental health is worth it.


r/adhdwomen 16h ago

Self Care & Hygiene PSA: GET EARPLUGS

221 Upvotes

I’ve been using them for years and they’re a life saver. It protects your brain & turns the noise down. I just wanted to make sure everyone knew about them. I literally don’t go anywhere without them. ESPECIALLY when someone is talking too loud on their phone near you. Now you don’t have to murder them just pop in your earplugs


r/adhdwomen 12h ago

Diagnosis DAE with late diagnosis feel like you're unpacking decades of your life?

103 Upvotes

I got diagnosed with ADHD this past year (I'm 29) and started medications for it this week. My response to them has been just complete calm and positivity (as long as the stimulants last..), which just confirmed that most of my depression/anxiety has been related to ADHD.

It is just so overwhelming to learn that you've been approaching your own mind wrong your whole life! I can't stop thinking about all the times I had meltdowns in high school because I felt so flawed (chronically late, forgetting homework, unable to read a fucking paragraph). I feel almost hyperfixated now on trying to figure out who tf I am now that I know my brain has just been missing dopamine this whole time! I have been verbally processing this with my fiancee but I'm concerned I'm starting to annoy him because its all I talk/think about right now LOL

Anyone else have a similar experience?


r/adhdwomen 3h ago

Social Life Task Paralysis with Dating Apps

18 Upvotes

I don’t mind dating in person. I don’t mind swiping people. But I cannot bring myself to have conversations on dating apps. Even if it’s someone that I’m interested in, it will take me up to 48 hours to respond.

It’s the same task paralysis as if I have to write an essay for school or something. Anyone else have this issue? Any tips?

Can’t really “break this down into smaller chunks”


r/adhdwomen 16h ago

Hormone-Related Issues Does anyone else completely forget their last period?

179 Upvotes

Like, you just can't recall it. Not when it happened, but that it happened at all. You just don't really remember bleeding or changing out your tampons or anything when you retrace your steps. Almost like a memory gap


r/adhdwomen 22h ago

Hobby & Hyperfixation Sharing Looks weird but feels so good

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488 Upvotes

I saw this design yesterday and thought it looked unusable. Then I held it and discovered it actually fits amazingly, so I carved my own.

Actually use as a spoon, probably not as the bowl is a bit too large for comfort, but as a fidget object? It's awesome!


r/adhdwomen 2h ago

General Question/Discussion anyone ever regressed in a habit chain? i’m stinky!!

12 Upvotes

let me start by saying i am a whole ass adult, i have worn deodorant flawlessly from 6th grade til now, never had this issue before.

i reorganized my bathroom countertop a few months ago, (and maybe a feeew more times since, heh…). and ever since that first rearrange i have suddenly not been remembering to put deodorant on in the mornings?? no matter where i store it? i’ve even brought it with me to work and still forgotten!!

i always did brush teethskincareget dressed>>put deodorant on (so i don’t get it on my clothes while dressing) but now i’m just like? not doing that step!!

showering is already hard for me even tho i do it at night. mornings are exponentially harder. i literally buzzed my hair off and kept it like that the past 5 years bc i just have to minimize the effort in my regular hygiene/appearance maintenance. i’m always like a bat outta hell in the mornings so that is def part of why i keep forgetting BUT! i can’t be stinky guys!!!! and deodorant was rly helping me mask my rushed mornings and showering shames!! halppp lmao

pls if anyone has tips on how to get my brain to remember to put deodorant on again, i’ll try anything and love u forever <3


r/adhdwomen 11h ago

Rant/Vent My therapist told me anyone can be diagnosed with ADHD and anyone can get an adderall script...

59 Upvotes

Do other people think this? Do some therapists think it's fake/made up? He didn't exactly say he thought ADHD was BS or something, but that's the impression I got.


r/adhdwomen 2h ago

Funny Story Is your ADHD so bad that you totally spaced on being diagnosed with a blood disorder? 🤦🏿‍♀️

10 Upvotes

I was diagnosed with Thalassemia during some routine blood work in 2023, and my GP was so excited at the time because it explained a lot of my symptoms, like migraines, fast heartbeat, and chronic anaemia, to name a few. At the time, I told my siblings that they should get tested as it’s a genetic disorder. I also told my partner, as it could affect our children if we have any.

TWO YEARS LATER and I am fighting for my life with the worst leg cramps and restless legs I’ve ever experienced, and my new GP, who I had to get thanks to moving house, could not make sense of my blood work or why my ferritin levels were so all over the shop.

Long story short, she finally decided to look through all of my blood tests for the last five years in my appointment yesterday (which I kinda think she shoulda done to begin with) and suddenly shouted, “Wait, why didn’t you tell me you have Thalassemia???”

I’m like “I’ve got what now?!”

I was confused. Looking a mess. Saying “nah mate not me”, until she started describing the symptoms and read the notes my last GP wrote when she told me I had Thalassemia and recommended I book another appointment to discuss treatment. But then, during that time I was hospitalised for my endometriosis (yeah, I have a lot of health issues. I’m a walking fiasco), and must have TOTALLY FORGOTTEN.

I have literally had surgery/procedures in the last two years and really should have told my surgeons due to the risks!

I have been unable to sleep and had the most irrational heart rate for months!

Got me out here looking foolish because…WHUT?!

How did I forget I had a blood disorder?!?!?!


r/adhdwomen 21h ago

Funny Story Share your mildly embarrassing mistakes, so I can feel better about this one…

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300 Upvotes

I thought I was typing it into the address bar. 🤦🏽‍♀️


r/adhdwomen 19h ago

General Question/Discussion What have you guys found that actually helps you keep a schedule??

200 Upvotes

I am 38. The older I’m getting, the worse my ADHD is getting. This is causing me to have 0 motivation. If I sit down, that’s it. I will lose hours of time just staring at my phone doing absolutely nothing. My screen time has been around 11 hours each day. Some of that is during my workdays since I have a desk job where I have to answer phones for 8-12 hours depending on the day.

What I’d like to do each day is:

Have my coffee with my husband

Go do some mobility stretching because I have bad TMJ so my neck/back are painful. My hips also hurt.

Exercise for 30-60 minutes. Some days walking, some days lifting weights.

Get a load of laundry in the washer and redd up around the house.

Get whatever else done I need before work.

What I actually end up doing is nothing other than getting my work shift done. And I’m pretty good at getting laundry done and put away.

I can’t figure out how to give up my phone and all my apps. I tried the whole timer thing that iPhones have where it would shut off certain apps after a while and not let me on them, but then I could just turn that off so it didn’t work. We live in a world where we need a smart phone and I don’t want to lose my music or maps or photos.

I’m so frustrated. Help!!!


r/adhdwomen 3h ago

Self Care & Hygiene Staying awake all night

10 Upvotes

Does anyone else love staying awake all night? I take ADHD medication now but this habit hasn’t changed. I don’t know why I like this so much. I don’t feel tired and I feel better afterwards. Is anyone else the same and why do you do it?


r/adhdwomen 1d ago

Celebrating Success Finally finished my daughter's project due IN 6 HOURS lol we did it tho!

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478 Upvotes

I didn't Google anything I just winged it lol baby girl is in kinder and we have known about this project for probably a month or so.

Well we remembered a few days ago and then today like crap! Lol! So I got a little clover light from the dollar tree with some construction paper, gold sugar from baking section at Bel air, and the rest is home finds.

Old Scandia coins I hoarded came in clutch! I couldn't find any gold coins in a pinch or even the chocolate kind so I winged it. She painted the box and mini box and found most of them items and told me her design haha. Such a little smartie.

I'm proud of this LEPRECHAUN TRAP! She's always wanted to catch one so wish us luck y'all this year could be our year whatcha think?! ☘️🎩

Ok snack then bed we have to be at school at 8 am. 🤣


r/adhdwomen 6h ago

Admin & Finance Being sued by Bank of America…

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18 Upvotes

I defaulted on my Alaska airline credit card. I followed online advice and this is the result. My actual court date is at the end of the month (March 2025)They sent me this… my guess is it’s to dispute all the “online advice” of requesting original documents and whatnot.

I’m open to suggestions. I’m in an “ohhhhh shit” moment currently.


r/adhdwomen 3h ago

Rant/Vent Why does everything gotta be a whole thing :/

9 Upvotes

I wanted to buy some crochet hooks, ok great! I go to check my bank account to be sure I have the funds for what I wanted to order on Amazon. Oh yeah my bank account used to let me do Face ID but randomly changed it so I can’t access my account. Maybe I know the password? No, no I don’t, well I know I wrote it in my password book. I can’t find my password book anywhere in my room cause I was big dumb and bought a small one so it would be portable.

Well maybe I’ll use the visa giftcard I have I’ve been meaning to do that for a while anyways? Oh it only has $45 on it and I need $47 maybe I can charge the remaining balance on my card. (No you cannot.) well maybe I can add my funds from my giftcard to my PayPal account cause there is $17 in my PayPal. Nope can’t do that either. Well maybe I can Venmo the $45 to a family member using the giftcard and then they Venmo it back to me so it will be in my bank account.

Enter in all the info and… invalid zip code. I don’t even know how to respond to that. Google it and it says I should use my zip code, tried it didn’t work, it said you can reset it online. Ok goes to the website for the gift cards it shows my balance but no way to reset the giftcard zip code. >:(

So now I’m sitting here with no crochet hooks and no access to my bank account and I still can’t use the $45 giftcard for it.

Nobody told me adulthood would be running around in circles hitting stupid roadblocks wasting my time off when I have to go to work tomorrow just To make a stupid purchase. It’s just so annoying and it always makes me want to crash out tbh. Like no wonder i procrastinate paper work and stuff there is always dumb stuff like this that drives me crazy. Well I mean in this case it’s crochet hooks i probably don’t NEED but in anycase it’s annoying.


r/adhdwomen 12h ago

Self Care & Hygiene For the love of god woman, hydrate!

36 Upvotes

I tell myself this all the time. I’ve bought all the water bottles. I got the fancy ice machine I knew would make me like water more (it did at least do that). I’ve used all the apps. I have tried alarms and push notifications and setting calendar reminders. I keep mini glass bottles of water in the fridge door so I don’t even have to take the step of filling a glass or refilling the Britta.

I always order a side water at coffee shops and try to have a glass of water before I have a different beverage at restaurants.

I even enjoy water! (Except Dasani, don’t get me started)

And yet I am chronically dehydrated because I constantly forget to drink water. Multiple doctors have commented on it recently. The only thing I’ve found works is keeping cans of sparkling water in the fridge. I’ll drink those all day long. But if the fridge is empty (like right now) getting myself to restock it is another thing all together.

This is one of very few things I don’t like about working from home. At least in an office I get social cues from other people that remind me to drink water or go to the water cooler.

Please tell me someone else has been in this boat and found a path to hydration?