Ep.6: The importance of Diagnosis; in conversation with ADHD Coach Michelle

Explicit content warning

09/13/23 • 68 min

We're back again, with episode 2 of DIAGNOSIS MONTH!
In our weekly HIGHS & LOWS OF THE WEEK section, witness a chaotic complication of balancing independence and responsibility when it comes to money management for children, and ponder the life cycle of a frog!
Our special guest, ADHD coach Michelle, opens up about her own journey with ADHD - from the emotional rollercoaster of seeking a diagnosis to finally finding answers and the relief it brings. We examine the societal expectations that come along with the condition and the struggles of everyday tasks that others often take for granted. Michelle also talks on the impact of ADHD on mental health and how she navigated her way to a fulfilling career despite the challenges.
She shares the calming effects of meditation and Eastern philosophies, offering practical tips on incorporating these practices into a busy lifestyle, especially for parents living with ADHD.
In the face of negative media coverage and misinformation about ADHD, we discuss the importance of supporting each other and debunk some common myths. We touch on the sensitive topic of self-diagnosis and stress the importance of seeking professional help and finding a supportive community network.
Whether you're living with ADHD, and / or children, or simply want to understand more about the condition, this episode has something for everyone.
Thanks for joining us.
Your sisters in chaos! Gen & Claire xxx

Further TW: This podcast references at times: alcohol abuse, depression, mood disorders, medical emergency, miscarriage, traffic accidents, grief and loss, teen pregnancy, anxiety, abuse, PDA, low self esteem, and anti-depressant medications, disordered eating, hoarding...

All music written and produced by Ash Doc Horror Lerczak.
Artwork by Gen
For more information about us, our podcast and our ADHD MUMS community, visit OUR WEBSITE.
To make a small donation towards our podcasting expenses, visit our BUY ME A COFFEE we are eternally gratefulllllll!!!
PLEASE like and subscribe, and if you enjoyed the show, leave us a review.
Let's get ADHD MUMS up the pod charts and raise awareness when we all need it most!
See you next Wednesday! xxx

Previous Episode

Ep.5: DIAGNOSIS - Controversies and consequences

This episode marks the start of ADHD MUMS Diagnosis month.
Seeking diagnosis is too often a rollercoaster ride, a reeeeeeally painfully slow one! Navigating the complications of ADHD diagnosis while balancing the challenges of modern motherhood, that's extra!
In this week's Highs And Lows Of The Week we reflect on the ending of the summer holidays, from the challenges of travel with kids, to the kindness of strangers, and the stresses of the transition to high school.
We then map our own paths to ADHD diagnosis, and discuss the controversial Panorama documentary titled 'Private ADHD Clinics Exposed', which aired the day of Claire's assessment! We share our thoughts and feelings about the documentary, its potential impact on public opinion, and its unsettling influence on the mindset of people awaiting an ADHD diagnosis. We don't shy away from the hard questions, pondering whether private clinics have a financial motivation to over-diagnose, and the ripple effects this could have on patients seeking help.
Stay tuned gang, we are just getting started! From discussions about our personal highs and lows to more in-depth conversations about ADHD and parenting issues, we can't wait to continue learning, growing, and laughing together.
Gen & Claire, your SISTERS IN CHAOS! xxx
RESOURCES:
LADDERS OF LIFE Liverpool support group for adults with ADHD or Aspergers

Next Episode

Ep. 7: Addressing the Invisible: Women's Fight for ADHD Diagnosis

Have you sought diagnosis for ADHD, only to feel completely overwhelmed by the UK's labyrinthine diagnosis pathways? Well, we've been there, felt that, and today we are attempting to break it down a little for you.
Remember the time when you assumed your GP was the only hurdle between you and your ADHD diagnosis? We dive into the gatekeeper role of GPs and the impact of limited resources on the accessibility of the whole process.
Post-Brexit Tory Britain... Don't get us started!
We explore the options, including new 24/7 service Babylon GP (which we thought was NHS funded, but are now not so sure!), Individual Funding Requests, and the Right To Choose option for ADHD assessments. We mourn the state of affairs, with lengthy waits, and the potential price range for private diagnosis. We challenge the myth of over-diagnosis, and highlight the vital role of being an informed patient.
We throw light on the uphill battle of women in their quest for an ADHD diagnosis and the unwanted stigma fuelled by the media. We share compelling stories of those who embarked on private diagnosis journeys, and their fight to access treatment and medication.
Stay tuned for the final episode of Diagnosis month, next week, when we will be in conversation with Rosie Gill Moss, of Widowed AF podcast.