The ADHD Clarity Coach: ADHD Crash Course
This is a podcast for those of us who feel we have a lot to learn about ADHD!
My name is Donae Cannon- I'm an occupational therapist, a certified coach, a parent of more than one child with ADHD, and I have ADHD. I've been learning about ADHD for a while now, and I'm still learning new things. Welcome to the Crash Course- let's dive in...
The ADHD Clarity Coach: ADHD Crash Course
Ep 116. ADHD & Shame: Why Shame Stops You & What to Do About It
In this episode, we explore how shame shows up with ADHD — and how it can interfere with progress, motivation, and confidence. Shame loves secrecy. It thrives when we judge ourselves, stop asking questions, and retreat into hiding.
I break down:
-How shame undermines problem-solving
-Why curiosity is the antidote
-Simple but powerful shifts: self-compassion, community, and open inquiry
-Real examples of how to step back from shame and move forward
If shame ever whispers that you're “lazy,” “flaky,” or “just not enough,” I want you to see it as a story — not a fact. There’s more space, more possibility than shame allows.
Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction: Why I talk about ADHD & shame
0:45 Why people don’t usually come to coaching to work on shame
1:10 How shame shuts down problem-solving
2:05 Shame stories vs curiosity
3:15 What it looks like when shame hijacks action
4:00 Asking “how” instead of “why”
5:10 What happens when you assume the story
6:05 Brene Brown insight: shame needs secrecy
6:45 The power of connection and authenticity
7:20 Commonality: you’re not alone in this struggle
8:00 What to do: self‑compassion, community, curiosity
9:00 Closing and invitation