ADHD Masking in Women: Why It Breaks You & 6 Ways to Embrace Your Authentic Self
Manage episode 486584412 series 3375006
Ever feel like you’re faking it just to survive motherhood/adulthood? Spoiler: It’s not impostor syndrome—it’s ADHD masking. Learn how to ditch the exhausting act without setting your life on fire.
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Who Should Listen
- Moms who feel like they’re pretending to function while drowning in chaos.
- Women who downplay their struggles because “we’re all tired.”
- Anyone who’s been called “too much” or “scatterbrained” but knows there’s more to the story.
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What You Get In This Episode
- The truth about masking: Why ADHDers (especially moms) become masters of disguise—and how it backfires.
- Burnout red flags: How to tell if you’re actually burned out (and not just really tired).
- Unmasking strategies: Practical ways to honor your brain without abandoning responsibilities.
- The “should” trap: Why societal expectations set moms up to fail—and how to rewrite the script.
- Rest as rebellion: Why sleep isn’t selfish (and how to fight guilt-free for it).
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Bios
Caitlin Kindred: ADHD mom, former teacher, and perpetual chaos wrangler who’s survived burnout (twice). Specializes in laughing so she doesn’t cry.
Ariella Monti: Author, ADHD creative, and yoga teacher who actually understands neurodivergent brains (no essential oil pseudoscience here).
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Sources & Mentions
- Why ADHD Masking Is a Form of Self-Sabotage | by Sharon Saline, Psy.D., Nathaly Pesantez for ADDitude Magazine
- Rising from ADHD Burnout: A Recovery Kit for Women | by Kate Moryoussef for ADDitude Magazine
- 🎮 Squirrel Bingo: The anti-shame game for ADHDers (linked in blog!)
- 📱 Bird Feeder Cam: Caitlin’s hyperfixation (because squirrels are menaces)
- 📚 Roots in Ink: Ariella’s spicy novel (Use code CKANDGK for 20% off!)
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CK & GK
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Chapters
1. ADHD Masking in Women: Why It Breaks You & 6 Ways to Embrace Your Authentic Self (00:00:00)
2. The Illusion of Having It Together (00:00:55)
3. Understanding ADHD Masking (00:05:17)
4. Negative Consequences of Masking (00:09:57)
5. The Link Between Masking and Burnout (00:17:40)
6. Practical Strategies to Unmask (00:22:34)
7. Bird Feeding Hyper-fixation Adventures (00:36:40)
8. Weekly Accomplishments (00:42:59)
158 episodes