When life seems harder than it should, and you just can’t figure out why, this might be the missing piece.
By: Ally Nickerson
Image Source: istockphoto.com
There seems to be a quiet chaos many women live with; forgetting appointments, zoning out in meetings, struggling to keep up with texts or laundry. That there is no possible way to manage being a mom, a wife, and an employee all within 24hrs. Sometimes it feels like everyone else got some insider secret on managing adulthood and staying organized, but somehow it just missed you.
To make matters worse, underneath it all is this gnawing feeling of being incapable, like you’re constantly failing to just keep things manageable but you can’t explain why. Maybe you’ve concluded it’s just burnout, over scheduling, or being lazy. But what if its not just that? What if it’s ADHD; and no one ever thought to look for it?
ADHD in Women: The Hidden Struggle
ADHD has long been viewed as something that mainly effects hyperactive little boys who get in trouble for fidgeting in class. It hasn’t been until 2003 that research had finally be concluded that ADHD could be found in females, but it typically wouldn’t be discovered until adulthood, which is why many young girls continue to fly under the radar, becoming adult women who have internalized that they’re just disorganized, emotional, or “too much”.
The truth is, ADHD can look very different in women! Without the hyperactivity side of things, it can often show up as emotional overwhelm, forgetfulness, chronic disorganization, obsessive behaviours, or a deep sense of underachievement despite trying really hard.
You’re Not Broken — You’re Wired Differently
If this is where you find yourself it’s important to remember that your struggles are not a character flaw, but a reflection of how your brain might be wired differently, and thats okay! A brain that works differently, isn’t broken – you just might not have the tools to best understand what to do. Theres still much to learn about ADHD in women, and how to manage life with it, but you don’t have to figure it out by yourself!
While we can’t provide a formal diagnosis, talking to one of our therapists can be a helpful first step! Together you can explore your experiences, identify patterns, and start making sense of the things that haven’t made sense for so long. Understanding your brain and how it works, can be the beginning of not just managing ADHD, but feeling more empowered and less overwhelmed!
Ready to Take the Next Step?
To book an intake session, a FREE 15 minute consultation session, or to learn more about how we can help, reach out to the office today at 902-812-1717, or by email at office@growwellcounselling.ca or check out our team of therapists at growwellcounselling.ca .
You deserve support that sees the whole you!
Sources
Schluger, Alice E., PhD, and Lawrence Robinson. “ADHD Symptoms in Women: Recognizing Signs of ADHD in Women.” HelpGuide.org, 23 Jan. 2025, www.helpguide.org/mental-health/adhd/adhd-in-women.
“ADHD in Women.” Cleveland Clinic, 13 May 2025, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24741-adhd-in-women.
*This content is based on lived experience and general knowledge. It is not a substitute for professional mental health advice or diagnosis.