ADHD and Women with Tracy Otsuka: Overcoming Feelings of Too Muchness and Leaning Into Your Interests

On this episode of Talks with Dr Shafer, Dr Shafer welcomes Special Guest Tracy Otsuka, Lawyer, Author and Host of ADHD for Smart Ass Women. Tracy Otsuka shares her journey of being diagnosed with ADHD later in life and how it has impacted her life and career. She discusses the misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding ADHD, especially in women, and the importance of understanding the unique strengths and challenges that come with it. Tracy emphasizes the need for women with ADHD to lean into their interests and purpose, and to not let shame or societal expectations hold them back. She also highlights the connection between ADHD and trauma, and the importance of seeking support and understanding in managing ADHD symptoms. Tracy Otsuka discusses the impact of ADHD on women, particularly during perimenopause and menopause. She emphasizes the importance of understanding one's brain and finding strategies that work for individual strengths. Tracy shares her own experiences with exercise and sleep as effective ways to manage ADHD symptoms.#ADHD #women #diagnosis #stereotypes #strengths #challenges #purpose #shame #trauma #support #ADHD #perimenopause #menopause #dopamine #exercise #talkswithdrshafer #tracyotsuka #adhdforsmartasswomen #podcast #coachTakeaways

@tracyotsuka @adhdforsmartasswomen

Takeaways

• ADHD in women can often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to misconceptions and stereotypes.


• ADHD symptoms can be different in women 


• Managing ADHD involves understanding and embracing one's interests and purpose.


• Finding strategies that work for individual strengths is crucial for managing ADHD symptoms.


• Understanding one's purpose and working in alignment with strengths can lead to a more fulfilling life with ADHD.


• Celebrating accomplishments and focusing on strengths is important for building self-confidence and overcoming feelings of not being enough.

• ADHD and Trauma: Navigating the Intersection


• Leaning into Purpose: Empowering Women with ADHD The Power of Exercise and Sleep for ADHD


• Finding Strategies that Work for Your ADHD Brain

Quotes:

• "We have a surplus of attention."


• "Drivenness is a form of hyperactivity."


• "We need to feel like we're making a difference."


• "We can modulate dopamine through sleep regimens, diets, and mindset work."


• "20 minutes of exercise that gets your heart rate up to 70% of max is as effective as a course of Adderall and Ritalin."


• "Knowing your purpose and working in your sweet spot is key for ADHD women."

Talks with Dr Shafer is hosted by Neurologist, Mom, Life Coach, Musician and Author Shafer Stedron, MD, who is passionate about storytelling as a tool to help reclaim your story and create your most beautiful future. 

You can learn more about Dr Shafer on her website, ⁠⁠www.drshaferstedronova.com⁠⁠, 

and follow Talks with Dr Shafer on Facebook @TalkswithDrShafer, Instagram @talks_with_dr_shafer, TikTok @DrShafer, Youtube @Talks with Dr Shafer, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Apple Music.

This episode does not offer individualized medical advice. Opinions discussed are for informational purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice.

Little House Of Dreams Entertainment, LLC, 2024. 

All Rights Reserved. 

Music Credit: Shafer Yost, Impulse