What Happens When You Have Both ADHD and Trauma? ep 147

What happens when you have both ADHD and trauma, and you can’t always tell which one is behind what you’re experiencing?

In this episode of The Self-Belief Podcast, Jenny explores what she has learned about living with both ADHD and trauma, and why the two don’t simply show up separately.

After years of understanding many of her experiences through the lens of trauma, Jenny’s ADHD diagnosis gave her another piece of the puzzle. Some of the things she had spent years trying to change weren’t signs that she hadn’t worked hard enough on herself, they were connected to the way her brain works.

But ADHD and trauma can also interact.

Forgetfulness can become fear of judgement. Overwhelm can be intensified by a situation that doesn’t feel safe. Putting off a task might begin because you don’t know where to start, but become even harder when you’re frightened of getting it wrong.

Jenny shares examples from her own life, including why she can happily help somebody else complete a form but can feel completely overwhelmed when the form and responsibility for the outcome belongs to her.

She also explores the hidden cost of appearing “high functioning”, and how fear can sometimes look like organisation, preparation or achievement from the outside.

In this episode, Jenny talks about:

• How ADHD and trauma can affect us in similar ways

• Why it isn’t always possible to identify where ADHD ends and trauma begins

• How an ADHD difficulty can become connected to fear

• The hidden emotional cost of appearing capable and high functioning

• Why awareness alone didn’t change some of Jenny’s difficulties

• How practical strategies can support an overwhelmed ADHD brain

• Why fear sometimes needs a different kind of support

• How body doubling can support both ADHD and trauma responses

• Learning to ask what you need in the moment rather than judging yourself for struggling

Listen to the Blame Series here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2BbqcCEpKA9kVOs46RiX1I?si=DuX_3KSKTHKNchM6eWegAw

If you'd like to go back even further, Jenny's Judgement series explores how fear of being judged, self-judgement and other people's opinions can quietly shape the way we see ourselves.

Listen to the Judgement Series here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/64rs54mfdFqX0oWF62d44J?si=mnFwfCW8SvC8Q_9oCTI9kA

💜 Free Reflective Writing Session

If something in this episode has brought up a thought or feeling you’d like to explore, Jenny invites you to join her next free reflective writing session.

You don’t need to be good at writing and there’s nothing to prepare. Simply follow the unfinished sentences and allow yourself to write the first response that comes.

Register for the next webinar here!

If you can’t attend live, Jenny also shares continued writing prompts on her website to use in your own time: www.jennyfield.co.uk/product/continued-writing-freebie/

Connect with Jenny: Book a free call with Jenny

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/justbeingmelearningtolovemyself

Instagram: https://instagram.com/jens_just_being_me?igshid=YTQwZjQ0NmI0OA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Podcast Credits:

Podcast Management by Aisling, Certified Podcast Growth Coach, Podcast Success Hub

Done-for-you podcast launch and management support for coaches, mentors, and service providers. https://linktr.ee/podcastsuccesshub

Want support launching your own podcast? Join my free Facebook group:→ www.facebook.com/groups/launchgrowyourpodcast/

📲 Connect with me: https://www.facebook.com/podcastsuccesshub

Subscribe here now so you don’t miss an episode!

Jingle by Carol Barwick: www.raise4all.com