Could it be ADHD?

Sarah Cawood on ADHD, Navigating Menopause without HRT and Living a Life you Love after Surviving Cancer

Sarah Cawood is a TV presenter who regularly appeared on shows like Live and Kicking, Top of the Pops and MTV back in the 90s and 00s – if you’re a 40-something like me you’ll remember those days well! Sarah has had the most incredible and challenging few years surviving breast cancer and navigating menopause. She identifies with ADHD traits and has found a way to navigate menopause and life without HRT that works for her and her family.
It was a pleasure to have Sarah on and take on board her infectious energy and outlook on life.
In  this episode we talk about:
How Sarah’s ADHD traits started to manifest
Challenges that come with ADHD and freelancing
How Sarah found HRT and why she can’t take it anymore
The key supplements that Sarah takes instead
Why we need to change how we think about anti-depressants
The types of exercise Sarah swears by that has helped her through menopause
The ways in which Sarah has designed her work life to fit around family
Vaginal atrophy and dryness and having those conversations with our partners
Being open with our kids about puberty and sex
How Sarah simplified things in her life to avoid burnout
You can find Sarah over on Instagram here and check out her affiliate links for both Simon Ourian (the skincare range I use – and no I don’t get anything from this I just love it!) and Scentsy here.
I hope you’re enjoying these episodes. We’ve got some great episodes planned in for the end of this season so subscribe to listen out for more. Every time you listen or hit subscribe it pushes the pod up the charts and I truly appreciate it!
You can also find me over here:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/coulditbeadhd_thepodcast
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coulditbeadhd
Website: www.coulditbeadhd.co.uk  On the website you’ll find a free downloadable resource to help you on the pathway to a diagnosis
You can also join my private Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/471027132415779 
 

ADHD, Neurodivergency and the Correlation with BDD (Body Dysmorphic Disorder)

In this episode I talk about the correlation between neurodivergency and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD).
I ran a webinar recently with BDD specialist Dr Lauren Peile for the BDD foundation (the only charity dedicated to supporting people with BDD) and found out that 80% of the children in the BDD specialist unit in London were neurodivergent.
I have cared for an adolescent for a number of years with BDD and helped them through extensive therapy. I also have another close family member with BDD. And we are a neurodivergent family. So although there still needs to be more research on this there is a clear correlation of some kind.
This made me even more aware of how this information needs to be common knowledge in the neurodivergent community.
But neurodivergent or not, It’s always good to be aware of what BDD is, the signs of BDD and how to best support a young person with BDD. The effects can be devastating – but the good news is that recovery is possible.
As a neurodivergent yourself it’s likely you have neurodivergent children. You probably already know how OCD, anxiety, depression and eating disorders might present themselves, but what about BDD? And with estimates that up to 2% of the population suffer with BDD, often suffering an average of 10 years before seeking treatment, it’s clear it’s also highly prevalent.
In this episode I share:
What BDD looks like (and what it’s not)
How to talk to your child about BDD if you suspect they may be showing signs
The treatment options for BDD
How to navigate recovery from BDD and what it looks like
Where to get help and advice for BDD (lots of links are below with further resources)
The best things you can do as a parent or carer to support a child (or even friend) with BDD
Whether you’re ADHD, Autistic, or have any other neurodivergence, being aware of the signs of BDD is really important so that you can intervene early.
For screening tests and further support head to the BDD Foundation's website: https://bddfoundation.org/
To listen to the webinar with me and Dr Peile on YouTube for Parents and Carers of children with BDD: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1XTtm1eTRc
To join my private Facebook support group for parents and carers of children with BDD: https://www.facebook.com/

ADHD Right to Choose Expert Nicola Cheetham Shares Advice and Her Experience of ADHD

Nicola Cheetham is a fellow late diagnosed ADHDer and Advocate who received her diagnosis when she was 50. Nicola has grown a large following on Tik Tok and is dedicated to helpng people access a diagnosis through the right to choose pathway to avoid lengthy wait times and to empower people to advocate for them themselves.
 
This is such a juicy episode full of useful info about right to choose!
We talk about
 
How her ADHD realisations came about
How even after two years post diagnosis Nicola is still working out what unmasking is and how to advocate for her needs
How Nicola is comfortable to be open about her ADHD and advocating for herself which drives her mission to help others who feel they can’t
Her diagnosis journey and experience of shared care
Advocating for yourself when speaking to your GP especially in peri menopause
The work Nicola is doing to deep dive into the ADHD diagnosis crisis in the UK
ADHD medication Nicola’s journey to find the right type
The things Nicola has changed in her life since her diagnosis
What Nicola loves about her ADHD
Nicola’s advice for anyone who is at the start of their ADHD journey
 
Find out more about Nicola over on Tik Tik where you can also find a link to her ADHD Right to Choose documents.
https://www.tiktok.com/@nicolasgotadhd
If you liked this episode then please do follow as I’ve got more incredible guests lined up every week.
You can also find me over here:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/coulditbeadhd_thepodcast
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coulditbeadhd
Website: www.coulditbeadhd.co.uk  On the website you’ll find a free downloadable resource to help you on the pathway to a diagnosis
You can also join my private Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/471027132415779 
 
 

ADHD, Social Anxiety & Stigma - Public Speaker and Mental Health Advocate Wes Woodson Shares His Story and Insights

Wes Woodson is an incredible human, public speaker and mental health advocate making a difference to the lives of teenagers up and down the US touring Universities and Colleges. Through his talks and workshops fighting the stigma and giving children the tools to manage their mental health.
In this episode we talk about:
Wes’s experience at Primary School and feeling different.
How he came to be labeled with ‘learning disabilities’ instead of understanding it was ADHD
How his story has shaped his purpose and passion for helping children by touring schools in the US and sharing his message.
The negativity and stigma attached to labels and how we need to change that.
How Wes found out about his ADHD
How Wes feels when he’s in hyperfocus!
I asked Wes for his top tips to share with me to overcome my fear of public speaking!
What our kids need from us to help encourage them to talk about their feelings as they get older
Wes’s parent's reaction to his ADHD
How executive function difficulties affect Wes
Wes's final words of wisdom about discovering your ADHD
Follow Wes over on Instagram (and threads!) to follow his speaking journey  https://www.instagram.com/weswoodson/
If you liked this episode then please do subscribe to the podcast as I’ve got more incredible guests lined up every week. You can also find me over here:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/coulditbeadhd_thepodcast
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coulditbeadhd
Website: www.coulditbeadhd.co.uk On the website you’ll find a free downloadable resource to help you on the pathway to a diagnosis
You can also join my private Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/471027132415779
 
 

ADHD Journey with Meredith Carder - Author, ADHD Coach and Multi-Passionate Entrepreneur

Meredith Carder is an ADHD Coach, creator and writer with a BS in psychology and MBA. As a true multi-passionate adult with ADHD, Meredith has gained considerable experience over the last 20 years working in employee training and development, as well as successfully running several small businesses culminating in a huge following on social media.
Meredith shares her ADHD story with us and how as an adult, the struggles started to creep in. And like so many of my guests these realisations started to come to light when she found out about her child’s neurodivergences.
In this episode we talk about:
The diagnosis pathways in the US
How Meredith felt around her and her daughter’s ADHD diagnosis and the worry of being believed
The grief process that Meredith has worked through
How Meredith slowly shared her ADHD news and found safe people to share her diagnosis with
How Meredith’s Instagram was a way to talk about ADHD and how positive the response was
Meredith’s very random previous businesses (the typical multi passionate ADHDer!)
Some of the systems Meredith puts in place to stay focussed on her successful coaching business so it works for her
Bucking the ‘typical’ business advice for an ADHDer by incorporating variety
Some of the common difficulties ADHDers face in the workplace and as entrepreneurs
What Meredith loves about her ADHD
How ADHDers can be great listeners and talkers
Checking for understanding with your partner so information sinks in
Meredith’s advice for anyone who thinks they may have ADHD
 
Meredith has some great strategies in her brand new book ‘It all makes sense now’ designed for anyone who wants to learn more about their ADHD and strategies they can try out to manage some of their ADHD struggles. I’ve found it super easy to read with bite size-tips. Great for anyone who is at the start of their journey. Buy your copy here
 
You can find Meredith on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/hummingbird_adhd/
If you liked this episode then please do subscribe to the podcast as I’ve got more incredible guests lined up every week. You can also find me over here:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/coulditbeadhd_thepodcast
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coulditbeadhd
Website: www.coulditbeadhd.co.uk On the website you’ll find a free downloadable resource to help you on the pathway to a diagnosis
You can also join my private Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/471027132415779
 
 

ADHD Journey with Journalist Helen Dewdney - Self Diagnosis and Dealing with Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria when Making Complaints

Helen Dewdney is a well-known journalist and consumer champion who regular features in the media on programs like Sky, ITV News, Rip Off Britain and Alexis and Friends, giving her advice and expertise on consumer matters. Over the years it became clear to her colleagues that she was Neurodivergent, unbeknown to her! Until one day it all clicked.
I met Helen through a Neurdodivergent group we’re both a part of and LOVE Helens authenticity and straight-up approach. She has a huge passion for justice and she shares not only some great stories from her younger years, but some tips for fellow ADHDers on how to advocate for themselves when it comes to complaining.
This is something a lot of us find hard due to rejection sensitivities, something I hear more and more of that is common among ADHDers.
In this episode we talk about:
• How Helen’s friends and staff recognised her neurodivergent traits when she was working in children’s services
• Her struggles with reading people’s intentions and her straight-up approach • How her neurodivergent traits showed up when she was younger
• How important her sense of justice is, a common feeling among ADHDers, and how it’s shaped her career
• How as ADHDers we both find it hard to accept the first answer to a problem and demand a fullproof solution so that others don’t come up against the same struggles we did.
• How to get over your RSD and tips for making a complaint • Helen’s personal reasons for not seeking a diagnosis and how she’s put in place great support systems to manage any struggles
• Finishing the episode on our soapbox as we complain about smalltalk! If you liked this episode then please do follow as I’ve got more incredible guests lined up every week.
You can also find me over here:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/coulditbeadhd_thepodcast
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coulditbeadhd
Website: www.coulditbeadhd.co.uk  On the website you’ll find a free downloadable resource to help you on the pathway to a diagnosis
You can also join my private Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/471027132415779 
If you want to find out more about Helen or download her book then you can find her details here: https://thecomplainingcow.co.uk/ 

ADHD Impulsivity, hyper fixating and how I just had to have the tent! And the intense feelings that come with wanting everything

A friend said that the first part of your ADHD diagnosis is filing through memories and past life experiences and making sense of things. And this was an example of something that popped into my head this week.
I get SO sad when I can't have the things I want. And that sounds like a spoilt brat right? But I don't have many other ways to describe it. I don't outwardly stamp my feet (well not often!) but I feel a deep sadness. Because when I get an idea into my head, and I spend hours researching it (to the detriment of others around me) I feel like I can't stop until I've made it a reality, or I've quite literally lost the flow. Like gone numb from it.
 
My tent story is a CLASSIC example of how it doesn't matter what anyone says to me, I'll ignore it all. Which is scary. Scary that I get so much satisfaction from hours of looking at things (what a waste of precious time) and that I've spent years putting energy into so many things that never worked out.
 
This is the side of ADHD that is my biggest struggle. One I still struggle with now. One that can cost money and arguments. But I'm getting better at recognising the patterns and trying to understand my feelings better so I don't put my energy and time into the wrong things. Thank you ADHD!
 
I don't have the answers - but this isn't something I hear all the time so maybe it resonates with you? And maybe you can take a step back now and try to evaluate what's actually happening before you fall into the black hole.
 
If you'd like to know more about ADHD and are thinking about the diagnosis process then download my free support email here: https://www.coulditbeadhd.co.uk/adhd-support 
 
Follow me on Instagram here: www.instagram.com/coulditbeadhd_thepodcast 
 
Please subscribe to the podcast (just click the little follow button) 
 
And if you want somewhere to come and chat then I've got a little Facebook group over here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/471027132415779 
 
Watch on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/3_D1gKE-3Gs?si=Z6O8qVSOtMPvfKDx 

ADHD Journey with Louise Harman - Why self identifying and owning your ADHD now is so important and the steps you can start taking today

Louise Harman is a no BS copy and messaging coach and business friend who is on the pathway for an ADHD diagnosis.
With 200K people on the wait list in the UK I’m a firm believer that we should feel empowered to start exploring those ADHD realisations while we wait in limbo, and so this conversation is really important to share with you all so you can feel inspired to do the same.
In this episode Louise also shares some great tips on how she incorporates joy into the mundane tasks to get shit done so listen to the end for the good stuff!
We talk about:
How ADHD first came under Louise’s radar
Embracing your weird
The ADHD interest hyperfocus
How Lou has flipped the script on habits
How Sam and Lou deal with ADHD clutter!
Working with your ADHD brain when it comes to your business
Why rules for ADHDers feel hard
Delving into why we are always trying to find the path of least resistance
Our shared love of geeking out over certain processes
Things that Louise does differently now that she can recognise her ADHD
Incorporating joy into the mundane to create good habits
The psychological tricks Louise plays on herself to get through the ADHD freeze
Why Louise is seeking an ADHD diagnosis
Louise’s advice for anyone else who is struggling to voice their self-diagnosis
Please do follow the podcast (click the little follow button at the top) and come and say hey over on Instagram. www.instagram.com/coulditbeadhd_thepodcast
You can sign up for podcast alerts over on my website www.coulditbeadhd.co.uk
And If you loved what you heard you can support the podcast by buying me a cuppa coffee the next time I’m at the café editing away! https://buymeacoffee.com/coulditbeadhd
To find out more about Louise head to: https://www.instagram.com/loulououtloud/
 
 

Is this what unmasking is?

Okay -  I did a couple of experiments. To see how these things would feel. Whether this is unmasking or not, it felt great and I'm going to continue to lean into those feelings!
A very honest episode I hope you enjoy it and it inspires you in some way to lean into those things you've told yourself you can't do because society frowns upon it.
On your ADHD journey? Come and join our group for anyone who wants to come and chat about it in a safe place over here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/471027132415779 
 
Come and follow me on Instagram here: www.instagram.com/coulditbeadhd_thepodcast
 
Head to the website and sign up for emails here: www.coulditbeadhd.co.uk 

ADHD Journey with Heidi Mavir - Parenting Neurodivergent Children and Turning your Passion into your Business

Heidi helps families get the education their children deserve. Sunday Times Bestseller of ‘Your Child Is Not Broken’, advocate and speaker, Heidi was someone I’ve been wanting to talk to and I’m super thankful our mutual friend put me in contact.
(Just a quick one! Please do follow and rate the podcast. I’m getting lovely messages from people that it’s helping. Every follow pushes it up the charts to reach more people that need it)
Heidi is a fellow late diagnosed ADHDer who very kindly shared her personal stories and experiences in this episode including:
The ADHD and Autism realisations at the time her son was diagnosed
The struggles we face as parents in getting a diagnosis for our children
Recognising the increase in our ADHD traits at key hormone changes for people who are AFAB, during childbirth, menstruation and menopause.
How Heidi’s EOTAS membership business came into being
How Heidi manages to run a successful business taking into account her chronic illness and ADHD
Removing the stigma around telling people when we notice neurodivergent traits
Why Heidi prefers to personally use the term neurodivergent when talking about herself
The complexity of the neurodivergences
What Heidi loves about being neurodivergent
What Heidi wished someone had said to her back when she was diagnosed
The importance of support and therapy
If you’re a parent of children struggling with education then feel free to join Heidi’s free community group for support: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2475013822549739
If you’re newly diagnosed or on the pathway and would like to chat about your experience in a safe space then join my Free Facebook Group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/471027132415779
Find me over on Instagram here: www.instagram.com/coulditbeadhd_thepodcast
And my website here: www.coulditbeadhd.co.uk
As Heidi mentions you can find a neurodivergent therapist over on this website: https://ndtherapists.com/united-kingdom/
Find Heid on Facebook Here: https://www.facebook.com/seNDSupport
And Heidi's website is here:
Heidi helps families get the education their children deserve. Sunday Times Bestseller of ‘Your Child Is Not Broken’, advocate and speaker, Heidi was someone I’ve been wanting to talk to and I’m super thankful our mutual friend put me in contact.
(Just a quick one! Please do follow and rate the podcast. I’m getting lovely messages from people that it’s helping. Every follow pushes it up the charts to reach more people that need it)
Heidi is a fellow late diagnosed ADHDer who very kindly shared her personal stories and experiences in this episode including:
The ADHD and Autism realisations at the time her son was diagnosed
The struggles we face as parents in getting a diagnosis for our children
Recognising the increase in our ADHD traits at key hormone changes for people who are AFAB, during childbirth, menstruation and menopause.
How Heidi’s EOTAS membership business came into being
How Heidi manages to run a successful business taking into account her chronic illness and ADHD
Removing the stigma around telling people when we notice neurodivergent traits
Why Heidi prefers to personally use the term neurodivergent when talking about herself
The complexity of the neurodivergences
What Heidi loves about being neurodivergent
What Heidi wished someone had said to her back when she was diagnosed
The importance of support and therapy
If you’re a parent of children struggling with education then feel free to join Heidi’s free community group for support: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2475013822549739
If you’re newly diagnosed or on the pathway and would like to chat about your experience in a safe space then join my Free Facebook Group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/471027132415779
Find me over on Instagram here: www.instagram.com/coulditbeadhd_thepodcast
And my website here: www.coulditbeadhd.co.uk
As Heidi mentions you can find a neurodivergent therapist over on this website: https://ndtherapists.com/united-kingdom/
Find Heid on Facebook Here: www.heidimavir.com