The Self-Loved ADHD Woman Way®️17 Sep 2025

Is It ADHD, Anxiety, or Depression?

Ever fantasized about quitting everything and disappearing for a month?

That urge to escape might be more than burnout.

In this episode, we’ll unpack the hidden overlap between ADHD, anxiety, and depression—especially in high-achieving women who have spent their lives masking, people-pleasing, and pushing through.

I’ll share my own story of “smiling depression” as a successful actuary, when everything looked fine on the outside but felt overwhelming inside.

You’ll hear about the subtle ways depression and anxiety can show up when ADHD goes unrecognized—like emotional numbness, chronic tiredness, inner self-criticism, and rage reactions to small things.

If you've ever wondered why you're so exhausted all the time or felt like you're barely holding it together even though you're “doing well,” this episode will help you name what’s going on and explore next steps with more self-compassion and clarity.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why ADHD in women often hides behind achievement
How anxiety and depression may be secondary symptoms of ADHD
What “smiling depression” looks like in high-functioning professionals
How to spot the difference between normal exhaustion and something deeper
Where to start if you think ADHD might be part of your story

✨ Resources Mentioned:

How to ADHD by Jessica McCabe
Women with Attention Deficit Disorder by Sari Solden
The Upward Spiral by Alex Korb
Extra Focus by Jesse J. Anderson
How to Get Sh*t Done When You Don’t Feel Like It by Dani Donovan
The Self-Loved Woman Way: How to Stop Playing Small with ADHD Journal-Book Experience: https://jenbarnes.org/stop-playing-small/
FREE 5-Step Task Master Plan: https://jenbarnes.org/task-master-plan/

—CHAPTERS—

00:00 Introduction: The Urge to Escape

01:25 Jen's Personal Journey with Anxiety and Depression

01:52 High Achievers and Masking

02:53 The Hidden Struggles of High Achievers

05:31 Recognizing the Signs of Anxiety and Depression

10:35 The Overlap of ADHD, Anxiety, and Depression

17:09 Seeking Help and Diagnosis

22:27 Tools and Strategies for Managing ADHD

28:13 Finding Support and Community

35:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

✨ If you found this episode helpful… Please follow, subscribe, and share it with another ADHD woman who needs support!

💛 Connect with me on social media!

Youtube: @Jenbarnes

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenbarneslicsw/

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal health or medical advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. This podcast is not intended to replace professional medical advice or psychotherapy.

If you are experiencing a medical or mental health emergency please contact emergency services in your area. If you are in the USA, dial 988 for the Suicide and Crisis line or 911 for a medical emergency.

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