My Journey: cPTSD with ADHD
For much of my life, I felt like an enigma—even to myself. I knew I processed the world differently, but I couldn't quite figure out why. My ADHD diagnosis was a turning point, but something still didn’t add up. The more I researched, the more I realized that what I was experiencing wasn't fully explained by ADHD alone. That’s when I discovered how cPTSD and ADHD intertwine, blurring the lines between what is neurodivergence and what is a trauma response. This is my journey of untangling the two, finding balance, and learning how to thrive.
Early Signs and Unseen Struggles
When I was diagnosed with ADHD in June 2023 by a psychiatrist, it was like a missing puzzle piece finally clicked into place. Suddenly, the lifelong struggles with focus, organization, and procrastination made sense. However, what I didn't realize at the time was that ADHD wasn't the whole story. A few months later, in September 2023, I was also diagnosed with complex PTSD (cPTSD), a revelation that added another layer of understanding to my experiences.
Growing up, I was always energetic, curious, and eager to please. I thrived in environments where I could be creative and problem-solve, but I also struggled with executive dysfunction, emotional regulation, and an ever-present sense of being overwhelmed. My family dynamic—marked by emotional neglect and dysfunction—shaped my coping mechanisms in ways I didn't fully grasp until much later in life.
The Challenge: Why It Was Hard
At first, my ADHD diagnosis made sense. The struggles with executive dysfunction, focus, and motivation all clicked. But then there were things that didn’t fit. My extreme sensory sensitivities, my deep-rooted need to avoid conflict at all costs, and the way I could almost shapeshift to be accepted in different situations—these weren’t just ADHD.
As I dug deeper, I realized that many of my experiences aligned with those who identified as AuDHD (Autism + ADHD). cPTSD mimics autism in many ways, and the more I learned, the more I saw that my trauma responses had become interwoven with my neurodivergence. My highly sensitive nature wasn’t just an ADHD quirk; it was a survival adaptation. My people-pleasing tendencies weren’t just a coping mechanism; they were a shield I had carried for years to keep myself safe.
How ADHD and cPTSD Intertwine
The intersection of ADHD and cPTSD is complex. On one hand, my ADHD symptoms—impulsivity, forgetfulness, and difficulty with focus—often masked the deeper emotional wounds left by my past experiences. On the other hand, cPTSD exacerbated my ADHD challenges by adding layers of anxiety, hypervigilance, and a constant need for external validation.
For years, I chalked up my struggles to simple forgetfulness or a lack of discipline. I thought if I just tried harder, I could overcome my procrastination and emotional rollercoasters. But living with both ADHD and cPTSD means that the traditional solutions don’t always work. My brain processes stress differently, my triggers can hijack my focus, and my coping strategies often revolve around managing emotional overwhelm rather than just managing my to-do list.
Finding a Way Forward
Understanding the overlap between cPTSD and ADHD wasn’t immediate—it was a process. I talked through my discoveries with my support system, slowly beginning to separate what was trauma and what was neurodivergence.
Medication was a game-changer for me. It allowed me to experience a level of clarity that helped me recognize patterns in my thoughts and behaviors. I also started leaning into my people-pleasing tendencies in a way that worked for me rather than against me. If my need to be accountable to someone else could help me combat executive dysfunction, then I could use that to my advantage rather than fighting it.
Navigating Work and Life with Dual Diagnoses
In my professional life, I excelled in high-pressure environments, where my hyper-focus and ability to adapt quickly made me an asset. But behind the scenes, I was constantly battling imposter syndrome, burnout, and the nagging feeling that I was always one step behind.
I learned to mask my struggles well—pushing through exhaustion, ignoring my own needs, and internalizing failures as personal flaws rather than symptoms of neurodivergence. The turning point came when I realized that living this way was unsustainable. My diagnosis gave me permission to step back and assess how my brain works, instead of forcing myself into neurotypical expectations.
The Transformation: What I’ve Learned
Healing is a long road, and I’m still walking it. But one of the biggest shifts in my perspective has been realizing that there is no "one-size-fits-all" for ADHD—or for trauma. No two people experience ADHD the same way, and comorbidities like cPTSD only add layers to that complexity. Understanding this has made me a better coach and a more compassionate person—to myself and to others.
I’ve also learned to build a support system that keeps me grounded. Healing isn’t about finding a finish line; it’s about creating the right environment to continue growing, even when setbacks happen.
What You Can Take Away
If you’re struggling with both ADHD and cPTSD, know that you’re not alone. The road is tough, and untangling these conditions can feel overwhelming. But healing happens through patience, trial, and error.
If you take one step today, let it be this: give yourself grace. Change is hard, and it won’t happen overnight. But with the right knowledge, tools, and support, you can find a way to move forward in a way that works for you.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Your ADHD and Neurodiversity journey is unique, and you don’t have to navigate it alone. Whether you're looking for strategies to harness your strengths or guidance on overcoming challenges, I’m here to help. Schedule a session today and take the first step toward embracing your neurodivergence with confidence.
