DiscoverLearn to Thrive with ADHD PodcastEp 106: Practical Tools to Reclaim Your Self-Esteem with ADHD
Ep 106: Practical Tools to Reclaim Your Self-Esteem with ADHD

Ep 106: Practical Tools to Reclaim Your Self-Esteem with ADHD

Update: 2025-09-25
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Send us a voice message at speakpipe.com/learntothrivewithadhd

Do you constantly feel like you're not measuring up? Like no matter how hard you try, it's never enough? If you have ADHD, chances are you've felt the sting of low self-esteem – that persistent sense that you're somehow broken or flawed.

But here's the truth: low self-esteem isn't part of your personality. It's a story you've been told about yourself. And if you have ADHD, that story has probably been wrong your whole life.

In this episode, we dive deep into the connection between ADHD and self-esteem, exploring why adults with ADHD consistently report lower self-esteem than the general population – and more importantly, what you can actually do about it.

What You'll Learn:

  • Why being undiagnosed can actually hurt your self-esteem more than being diagnosed
  • How your diagnosis can be the key to rebuilding self-esteem (not a limitation)
  • The difference between guilt ("I did something bad") and shame ("I am bad")
  • Why the "shame cycle" keeps so many ADHD adults stuck
  • The incredible strengths that come with ADHD (that you're probably ignoring)

Practical Tools You Can Use Today:

  • Cognitive reframing: The "Or I could be thinking..." technique that works in under 60 seconds
  • Identity shifting: "I'm learning to become a person who..."
  • Self-compassion practices that actually increase your energy
  • Radical acceptance techniques
  • Action-based self-esteem building strategies

Personal Stories: I share my own journey of carrying shame about my education until my ADHD diagnosis at 42, plus real client breakthroughs that show how changing your self-worth story changes everything.

The Big Shift: You don't have to fix your ADHD before you can feel good about yourself. It actually works the other way around. The more compassion you give yourself, the more energy and clarity you have to manage your ADHD.

Your brain may not always behave the way you want, but it has so many beautiful strengths. What's the story you've been telling about who you are? And what's another story that's also true, but better?

Connect with me: Leave a voice message with your questions, challenges, or wins at speakpipe.com/learntothrivewithADHD

Remember: You're not broken. You're just telling yourself the wrong story.


Click here for full show notes

CLICK HERE for more resources. We're on this journey together!

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Ep 106: Practical Tools to Reclaim Your Self-Esteem with ADHD

Ep 106: Practical Tools to Reclaim Your Self-Esteem with ADHD

Mande John