16 Oct Decoding ADHD: What It Means & How to Spot It
October is ADHD awareness month. Since both my podcast partner Megan and I have been diagnosed with ADHD at a young age, and both my children have lately been diagnosed as well, we thought it would be wonderful to interview an expert in the field. We recorded four episodes, each delving into a different subject regarding ADHD. You can find all four episodes in the link below, or anywhere you get your podcasts. Oh, btw, our podcast name is the So Frickin’ Healthy podcast 🙂 Enjoy, and don’t forget to leave Megan and I a message letting us know if you liked the episode!
ADHD is gaining more recognition, but many misconceptions still surround it. For instance, ADHD is often seen as a childhood condition or a lack of focus, yet its complexity goes far beyond these simplified views. ADHD presents itself in various ways, especially in women and adults, leading to delayed diagnoses and unique struggles. This blog dives deep into understanding ADHD’s intricacies, how it differs from ADD, and why it’s crucial to embrace both the challenges and strengths that come with it.
Introduction to ADHD
In our recent podcast episode, we were thrilled to have Kelly Brändli as our guest. Kelly is an experienced ADHD coach and a relationship coach, bringing personal insight into the conversation, being a mother and partner to family members with ADHD. Together, we explored the basics of ADHD, including its symptoms and how it differentiates from ADD. A significant part of our discussion was dismantling common misconceptions and highlighting overlooked signs, particularly as they appear in women and adults.
ADHD vs. ADD: What’s the Difference?
A key starting point is clearing up the confusion between ADHD and ADD. The term ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) is outdated and has been incorporated into the broader diagnosis of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), which includes three distinct types: inattentive, hyperactive, and combined presentation.
What makes ADHD unique is its wide range of symptoms that can appear very differently from person to person. While some experience the well-known restlessness, others may exhibit inward hyperactivity, which can be mistaken for a lack of attention or focus.
Common Symptoms and Misunderstandings
ADHD often involves executive dysfunction, impacting eight critical areas like impulse control, flexible thinking, and working memory. However, it’s important to note that not all individuals with ADHD are hyperactive in the traditional sense. Inward hyperactivity—where the mind is constantly active—can result in people with ADHD being seen as daydreamers or unfocused when, in reality, they are mentally engaged in multiple directions.
A New and Different Perspective
Danna has helped both myself and my family to discover new and simple ways to eat and be healthy. Her suggestions and tips together with her continuing support has encouraged and motivated us to try new things and look at food from a new and different perspective. I would highly recommend Danna as a knowledgeable, understanding and dedicated health coach, thanks Danna!
Without Feeling Restricted
The main reason I chose Danna’s Urban Cleanse program was because I wanted tangible steps for eating in a healthier way that supports my body, mind and wellbeing. There is so much information out there, and I did not want to spend a lot of time and energy figuring it out on my own, especially considering all the contradicting advice. What I particularly loved was learning how to make healthier choices when it comes to nutrition, that I can actually sustain long term without feeling restricted. After the program ended, I decided to keep implementing the changes that best fit my lifestyle and preferences, and I noticed that my body fat percentage has been steadily declining; again, without feeling restricted.
Energy Boost and Moderate Weight Loss
I really enjoyed my Urban Cleanse with Danna. It was exciting to discover new approaches to my diet. As a vegan, Danna helped me adapt and custom-made recipes for me. Indeed the weekly meal plans were a fun way to add novelty in the kitchen, and several of the recipes were declared “the best ever” by my relatively fussy 12 year old. Danna promised an energy boost and moderate weight loss – and I experienced both. Short nights seem to affect me less and I have lost 2 kgs in one month. Danna has lovingly and expertly set the scene and given me the tools and knowledge I need.
Changed The Way I think!
I’ve been following Danna for over a year now. I’ve struggled with being overweight most of my life and was getting really bored of always cooking the same thing for the family. So I decided to join the 30-day Urban Cleanse. I’m really glad I did as even one week in I’m getting more value than I had expected. For example, intermittent fasting is something I’ve been curious about for a while but I never took the plunge to try it as it just felt too scary. However, with Danna’s reassurance, sound reasoning, explanations and support, I’ve taken to fasting so easily. This is a game changer. I’m not hungry but I’m able to give my body a break from digesting food constantly and I know how to feed my body with the nutrients it needs before and after the fast.
The other thing that I’m loving in the program is all the new yummy recipes. There are some new ingredients and different ways of mixing and combining things that I’ve just never thought of before. I love food, cook a lot myself and therefore need to have great flavour and variety in what I eat. I also have 2 hungry and sometimes fussy boys, but 90% of the new meals we’ve had have been an enormous hit with them and will go on the regular meal rotation at my house from now on. I am part of a group of wonderful ladies going through the program. It’s great to hear how others are succeeding or trying different things. I feel supported and not at all alone. I’m looking forward to the rest of the program and taking this approach to food forward. Danna’s really changed the way I think about what I’m eating.
I highly recommend the 30-day Urban Cleanse for anyone who wants to clean up their eating habits and be supported along the way.
A Whole New World
I started working with Danna last year, where we focused together on 3 very specific goals – to have a better handle on the foods that would provide me with energy, experience better sleep and have consistently a more diverse range of healthy recipes to create in the kitchen. In the time we worked together I not only achieved those goals but can confidently say the experience really opened up a whole new world for me, and the best part about all of this is it continues to evolve. When Danna talks about her goals of creating sustainable lifestyle changes, she truly delivers. I have become more curious and mindful about the type of food I choose to eat and provide to my family, what I cook and the way I cook has completely changed and I genuinely really enjoy being in the kitchen. I have a different understanding of what my own body needs and I know what food makes me feel good and which doesn’t and I can now make informed choices around that understanding. And through it all I only feel like I have gained from the experience – there has been no feeling of cutting out or abstaining or missing out. It has been a truly wonderful journey which I encourage everyone to take, you owe it to yourself!
Feeling Good Again
I really enjoyed working with Danna. I was struggling with not feeling good in my body and Danna helped me change my eating, gave me very interesting insights, so that I feel good again. She understood my problem right away and her thorough analysis could help with creating a plan that fit to me and my family’s life style. I would highly recommend her advisory everybody who is ready for a healthy change and to eat wonderful food again.
A Great Way to Kick-Start a Healthy Lifestyle
The 30-day urban cleanse is a great way to kick-start a healthy lifestyle change. The recipes are easy to follow and delicious – even my picky kids liked (most) of them. Danna’s fantastic support made me feel more motivated and confident in the kitchen than ever before.
A Significant Change
Danna has made a significant change to how we eat as a whole family. She has shaped the way we approach food and more important the skills we pass on to our children about nutrition. I love her inspiration, recipes and ideas. She is competent and was always passionate to find the right solution for us. Thanks so much Danna for all your support! I can highly recommend working with Danna!
Life Changing Results
I started just at the right time with Danna’s program. I always liked to eat, but I had zero ideas what to cook… Danna opened up so much more variety how to prepare veggies and make them the star of your meal and not just a side dish. Thanks to Danna, I also enjoy cooking now and our dishes offer way more variety. The great thing about her is, she gives you the complete experience, from meal planning to tips & tricks for preparation, how to “healthyfy” recipes you already like and how to make delicious snacks and nibbles one can enjoy without feeling bad. And always with her personal attention to you and your needs. Thank you Danna, I can absolutely recommend you. Your program is work and needs commitment, yes, but thanks to your persistence the result has been life-changing! I need less sleep and in general I feel fitter, because my body doesn’t have to struggle with the “wrong” food.
ADHD in Women: Why Are Diagnoses Often Late?
One of the most overlooked aspects of ADHD is how it manifests in women. Women tend to internalize symptoms, which means they often go undiagnosed until later in life, frequently during pivotal life stages such as university, pregnancy, or menopause. During these times, hormonal shifts—particularly changes in estrogen levels—bring ADHD symptoms to the forefront. This delayed recognition has led to a growing awareness of how ADHD uniquely affects women, highlighting the need for better diagnostic criteria that account for gender differences.
The Strengths That Come with ADHD
ADHD is often seen through the lens of its challenges, but it also comes with incredible strengths. People with ADHD often excel in fast-paced environments, where their ability to process multiple stimuli and solve problems quickly gives them an edge. Many individuals with ADHD thrive in roles that require crisis management or creative problem-solving, utilizing their unique wiring to achieve success in high-pressure situations.
Breaking Down ADHD Myths
There are several common myths about ADHD that need to be dispelled. One such myth is that people with ADHD can’t focus, but the truth is they can experience periods of hyperfocus, especially when engaged in tasks that are stimulating or exciting to them. Another myth is that stimulant medications used to treat ADHD lead to addiction. In reality, when properly managed, these medications reduce impulsivity and are not associated with a higher risk of addiction.
Conclusion: Embracing the Full Picture of ADHD
ADHD is a multifaceted condition that requires understanding, empathy, and awareness. By recognizing the challenges while also celebrating the strengths, we can help those with ADHD harness their potential and thrive. The ongoing conversation around ADHD is crucial, as it helps reduce stigma, improve diagnoses, and create more supportive environments.
If you found this post insightful, you’ll love diving deeper into topics like this on the So Frickin’ Healthy podcast, where we discuss everything from gut health to personal growth. Be sure to check out the latest episodes at sofrickinhealthy.com.
What’s one thing you learned today that changed your perspective on ADHD? Share your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!
Danna helps incredible women understand just how incredible they really are – by working on self love, on healing their relationship with food, and giving their gut what it needs in order to support their health and livelihood. Her goal is to help others reach deliciously sustainable lifestyle changes. Enjoy life, and enjoy every bite of food you eat. No diets, no deprivation!
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