Digest

This episode of Your ADHD Besties podcast concludes with a celebrity deep dive, where Grace and Tara guess which celebrity made specific hotel requests. They discuss the potential for both John Mayer and Justin Bieber to have requested a partition for privacy, with Grace ultimately guessing John Mayer due to his perceived "diva energy." They then discuss the possibility of Justin Bieber requesting a partition to avoid being seen watching adult content, given his efforts to maintain a clean image. Grace correctly identifies John Mayer as the celebrity who requested the partition, showcasing her knowledge of pop culture and her ability to connect with listeners on a personal level. The episode ends with a reminder to listeners to subscribe, leave a review, and avoid RSD (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria).

Outlines

00:00:00

Intro and Week Updates

This Chapter begins with Grace and Tara discussing their weeks. Grace shares her progress with managing her ADHD symptoms, including using melatonin for sleep, snacking throughout the day, and setting reminders on her phone. Tara, on the other hand, has been unwell and shares her recent negative COVID test.

00:09:33

Dilemma 1: Hairdresser and RSD

This Chapter features a listener dilemma about a listener who double-booked herself and missed a hair appointment, leading to RSD (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria). Grace and Tara discuss the importance of advocating for ADHD and suggest the listener address the situation with her stylist, explaining her ADHD and RSD.

00:19:39

Dilemma 2: Overthinking and Rumination

This Chapter features a listener dilemma about a listener who recently received an ADHD diagnosis and is struggling with overthinking and rumination. Grace and Tara discuss the concept of stimming, a self-regulating behavior common in neurodivergent individuals, and explain the neurological reasons behind overthinking and rumination in ADHD. They offer strategies for managing rumination, including breath work, engaging in enjoyable activities, and seeking professional help.

00:48:34

Celebrity Deep Dive

This Chapter features a celebrity deep dive, where Grace and Tara guess which celebrity made specific hotel requests, showcasing their knowledge of pop culture and their ability to connect with listeners on a personal level.

00:54:27

Celebrity Deep Dive: John Mayer vs. Justin Bieber

This Chapter features a celebrity deep dive, where Grace and Tara guess which celebrity made specific hotel requests. They discuss the potential for both John Mayer and Justin Bieber to have requested a partition for privacy, with Grace ultimately guessing John Mayer due to his perceived "diva energy." They then discuss the possibility of Justin Bieber requesting a partition to avoid being seen watching adult content, given his efforts to maintain a clean image. Grace correctly identifies John Mayer as the celebrity who requested the partition, showcasing her knowledge of pop culture and her ability to connect with listeners on a personal level.

00:55:39

Outro

This Chapter concludes the episode with a reminder to listeners to subscribe, leave a review, and avoid RSD (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria).

Keywords

Q&A

• What are some strategies for managing rumination in ADHD?

  Grace and Tara suggest several strategies for managing rumination, including breath work, engaging in enjoyable activities like watching TV shows, and seeking professional help. They emphasize that it's okay to allow yourself time to relax and distract your brain, and that it's not necessary to earn this time through hard work or exhaustion. They also recommend books like "Emotional Agility" by Susan David and "ADHD2.0" by Edward Hallowell and John Ratey for understanding emotions and the ADHD brain.

• What is stimming and why is it important for neurodivergent individuals?

  Stimming, short for self-stimulating behavior, is a common behavior in neurodivergent individuals, including those with ADHD. It involves repetitive movements or vocalizations that help regulate sensory input and provide a sense of comfort or focus. Stimming can take many forms, from tapping fingers to rocking back and forth. It is a natural and often helpful behavior that should not be discouraged.

• How can I advocate for my ADHD when dealing with social situations?

  Grace and Tara emphasize the importance of advocating for ADHD in social situations. They suggest explaining your ADHD and RSD to others, especially when you've made a mistake or feel anxious about a social interaction. This can help others understand your experience and build empathy. They also encourage listeners to share their experiences and advocate for neurodiversity.

• What are some common misconceptions about ADHD?

  Grace and Tara address several misconceptions about ADHD, including the idea that it's simply a lack of focus or that it's only a childhood disorder. They emphasize that ADHD is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that can manifest in various ways and persist into adulthood. They also discuss the common experience of RSD (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria) in ADHD and the neurological reasons behind overthinking and rumination.

• What is the role of medication in managing ADHD symptoms?

  Grace and Tara acknowledge that medication can be a valuable tool for managing ADHD symptoms, including anxiety. They share their personal experiences with anti-anxiety medication and how it has helped them access other coping strategies. They emphasize that medication is not a one-size-fits-all solution and encourage listeners to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment.

• What are some helpful resources for understanding ADHD?

  Grace and Tara recommend two books for understanding ADHD: "Emotional Agility" by Susan David and "ADHD2.0" by Edward Hallowell and John Ratey. They highlight the importance of learning about the neuroscience of ADHD and understanding the unique ways in which the ADHD brain functions.

• What is the connection between ADHD and anxiety?

  Grace and Tara discuss the common co-occurrence of ADHD and anxiety disorders. They explain that anxiety can be a significant symptom of ADHD and can contribute to rumination and other challenges. They emphasize that anxiety is not always a bad thing, but that excessive or debilitating anxiety can be a sign of a larger issue that requires attention.

• How can I learn to identify and manage my emotions more effectively?

  Grace and Tara discuss the concept of emotional agility and the importance of learning to identify and understand your emotions. They recommend using an emotion wheel to help break down complex emotions into more specific feelings. They also emphasize the importance of being specific about your emotions and needs when communicating with others.

• What is the default mode network (DMN) and how does it relate to ADHD?

  Grace and Tara explain that the default mode network (DMN) is a brain network involved in daydreaming, mind-wandering, and self-reflection. They highlight that ADHD brains have a "sticky" DMN, meaning they can get stuck in this daydreaming state, which can contribute to rumination and difficulty focusing on tasks. Understanding this neurological difference can help individuals with ADHD be more compassionate towards themselves and their experiences.

• What are some examples of celebrity hotel requests?

  Grace and Tara engage in a fun segment where they guess which celebrity made specific hotel requests. This lighthearted segment showcases their knowledge of pop culture and their ability to connect with listeners on a personal level.

• Who did Grace and Tara guess requested a partition in their hotel room?

  Grace and Tara guessed that John Mayer requested a partition in his hotel room for privacy, while Justin Bieber requested a partition to avoid being seen watching adult content. Grace ultimately guessed John Mayer correctly.

Show Notes