The Hidden Cost of Masking in the Workplace
Masking at work—suppressing neurodivergent traits, emotions, or personal identity—can take a serious toll on mental health and productivity. This article explores the hidden cost of workplace masking, its impact on individuals and businesses, and why fostering authenticity is key to a thriving work culture.
My Journey: Masking and Unmasking
For years, I shaped myself into who I thought I was supposed to be—masking every part of myself to fit in. My late ADHD diagnosis and perimenopause shattered that illusion, forcing me to unmask and rediscover who I truly am. Read my journey through self-discovery, grief, and ultimately, freedom.
Did You Know? Unmasking Doesn't Mean Losing Social Skills
Unmasking doesn’t mean losing the ability to communicate—it means learning to engage in ways that align with your true self. If you’ve spent years masking ADHD or autistic traits, you might worry that letting go means losing essential social skills. But the truth? Unmasking helps you connect more authentically while still using the strategies that genuinely work for you.
The Overlooked Link: Why ADHD and Menopause Need to Be Studied Together
Many women experience a sudden increase in ADHD symptoms during perimenopause and menopause, yet the connection between hormonal shifts and ADHD remains largely unstudied. As estrogen levels fluctuate, executive function, mood regulation, and focus can all worsen—leading some women to receive an ADHD diagnosis for the first time in midlife. Without research that examines ADHD and menopause together, women are left struggling to manage their symptoms without proper support. It’s time to bridge the gap and advocate for better awareness, diagnosis, and treatment.
Did You Know? Chronic Stress Can Shrink Your Brain
Chronic stress doesn’t just affect your mood—it physically changes your brain. Long-term stress can shrink key areas like the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, impacting focus, decision-making, and memory. The good news? With the right strategies, you can support neuroplasticity and rebuild cognitive function.
What is: The Gut-Brain Connection?
The gut-brain connection influences mood, focus, and emotional resilience through neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Learn how gut health impacts mental well-being and discover practical strategies for improving gut balance and reducing inflammation.
What is: Emotional Dysregulation?
Emotional dysregulation makes it difficult to manage emotions, cope with stress, and maintain stable relationships. Often linked to ADHD, trauma, RSD, and hormonal changes, it can lead to mood swings, emotional overwhelm, and impulsivity. Learn the science behind emotional dysregulation and discover effective, neurodivergent-friendly strategies for emotional balance.
What is: Shame?
Shame is a deeply painful emotion that can affect self-worth, mental health, and relationships. Unlike guilt, which is tied to behavior, shame is linked to identity, making individuals feel fundamentally flawed. Learn how shame develops, its connection to trauma, ADHD, and RSD, and the best strategies for healing and self-compassion.
Did You Know? Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) Can Feel Like Physical Pain
Rejection doesn’t just hurt emotionally—for those with Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD), it can feel like physical pain. Research shows that social rejection activates the same brain regions as physical injuries, making even minor criticism feel overwhelming. This heightened sensitivity can impact relationships, self-esteem, and daily life, leading to avoidance, people-pleasing, or emotional outbursts. The good news? Understanding RSD can help you develop practical strategies to manage its effects, build resilience, and navigate social interactions with confidence.
What is: Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)?
Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) is an intense emotional response to perceived or actual rejection, often linked to ADHD, trauma, and hormonal changes. It can lead to overwhelming emotional pain, anxiety, and relationship challenges. Learn how RSD affects mental health and discover strategies to manage emotional sensitivity and build resilience.
What is: Dopamine Deficiency?
Dopamine deficiency affects focus, motivation, and emotional regulation, contributing to ADHD, stress, and brain fog. Learn about the symptoms, causes, and science-backed ways to boost dopamine naturally.
What is: Executive Dysfunction?
Executive dysfunction makes tasks like planning, time management, and emotional regulation feel overwhelming. It is commonly linked to ADHD, trauma, and hormonal changes, impacting productivity and daily life. Understanding executive dysfunction can help individuals develop strategies to improve focus, organization, and self-regulation.
Did You Know? ADHD and Menopause Are Connected
Menopause doesn’t just bring hot flashes and sleep disturbances—it can also make ADHD symptoms worse. Estrogen plays a key role in dopamine regulation, which impacts focus, memory, and emotional regulation. As hormone levels fluctuate during perimenopause and menopause, many women with ADHD experience worsening brain fog, emotional sensitivity, and executive dysfunction. The good news? Understanding the connection between ADHD and menopause can help you develop strategies to regain focus, manage emotions, and thrive in midlife.
My Journey: Perimenopause, From Dismissal to Empowerment
Perimenopause symptoms can be confusing and often dismissed. My experience with heavy bleeding, hormonal fluctuations, and ADHD led me to advocate for myself through multiple medical opinions until I finally got answers. Learn how I discovered the link between ADHD, perimenopause, and adenomyosis—and how you can advocate for yourself too.
The Link Between ADHD and Perfectionism: Breaking the Cycle
ADHD and perfectionism often go hand in hand, leading to procrastination, task paralysis, and burnout. This post explores why perfectionism is common in ADHDers, how it ties to RSD and people-pleasing, and actionable strategies to break free from the cycle and embrace progress over perfection.
Did You Know? How Did ADHD Get its Name.
Did you know ADHD’s name has changed multiple times over the years? From “Defective Moral Control” in 1902 to ADD and then ADHD, the evolving terminology reflects changing understandings of this neurotype. But does Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder really describe ADHD accurately? Some argue the name should change to reflect ADHD strengths rather than just challenges. Dive into the history, debate, and future of ADHD’s name.
My Journey: Becoming a Coach
I never imagined I’d become a coach, but my journey through self-reflection, career struggles, and personal growth led me here. Coaching has transformed my life, and now, I help others navigate challenges I once faced alone. Here’s how I found my path and built a purpose-driven coaching practice.
Navigating Depression with ADHD and Neurodivergence: Feeling the Feels
Depression and ADHD often go hand in hand, making daily life feel overwhelming. This article explores why neurodivergent individuals face higher rates of depression, how executive dysfunction impacts mental health, and practical strategies to regain control and well-being.
My Journey: cPTSD with ADHD
ADHD and cPTSD often intertwine, making traditional coping strategies ineffective. My journey of discovery helped me understand how trauma and neurodivergence shape my daily life. Through self-acceptance, medication, and a strong support system, I'm learning to navigate both challenges with resilience and grace. If you're struggling with ADHD and cPTSD, know that you're not alone—there is hope and a way forward.
My Journey: ADHD
For most of my life, I knew I was different but didn’t have the words to explain why. My ADHD journey—from struggling in school and work to embracing my strengths—has been one of resilience, self-discovery, and transformation. Here’s how I finally found clarity and learned to work with my neurodivergent brain instead of against it.