The ADHD Brain & Self-Care: What No One Tells You

What happens when you spend decades thinking you're "clever but lazy," only to discover your brain works differently? Dr Alix Woolard shares her journey from misdiagnosis to understanding, revealing the hidden reality of ADHD in women and the unique self-care challenges that come with a brain that craves novelty while struggling with traditional wellness advice.

This conversation goes beyond the hyperactive boy stereotype to explore what ADHD actually looks like in daily life - from the exhaustion of masking to the revelation of diagnosis, and the complex path from self-blame to self-compassion.

In This Episode

Dr Alix Woolard opens up about:

• The decade-long journey to diagnosis and the barriers she faced
• Why women's ADHD often goes unrecognised and misdiagnosed
• The concept of being "twice exceptional" and what it means
• Moving from shame and self-criticism to understanding and acceptance
• Why traditional self-care advice fails the ADHD brain
• The revolutionary concept of a "DOPA menu" for sustainable self-care
• The grief process that follows late diagnosis
• How to support the neurodivergent women in your life

Quotable Moments

"There is nothing wrong with you. There's nothing wrong with me. And your brain is beautiful. It is beautiful, and it is a challenging diagnosis, but there are also incredible strengths that come along with this." - Dr Alix Woolard

"The ADHD brain is like a sports car with bicycle breaks, so it's very quick, but you can't slow down very well." - Dr Alix Woolard

"Getting a diagnosis or getting assessed for ADHD is the least ADHD-friendly process in the world." - Dr Alix Woolard

"For me, when I got diagnosed initially it was like this huge exhale and it clicked and I was like, that's it. Finally." - Dr Alix Woolard

"I now understood that it's not laziness. It's none of those things. It's not because I'm stupid. And the big thing was there's nothing wrong with me." - Dr Alix Woolard

"A DOPA menu is like your standard menu. You've got your starters, your entrees, mains, and then you've got dessert... it's a list of activities that you can categorise to recharge you and provide you with more energy." - Dr Alix Woolard

"I wish that you recognize the incredible strength that you have to have shown in your life. And I, for one, really love my spicy brain." - Dr Alix Woolard

Resources Mentioned

• The concept of "twice exceptional" individuals
• DOPA menu framework for ADHD self-care
• Body doubling techniques
• Pomodoro method adapted for ADHD brains
• Mindful self-compassion therapy approaches

About Our Guest

Dr Alix Woolard is a senior research fellow at The Kids Research Institute Australia, and a provisional psychologist living in Boorloo, Perth. She is also an ADHDer and science communicator, and is the host of "Embracing the Mind" - a podcast that dives into the research and lived experience of mental health and health conditions.

Connect With Us

• Follow She Speaks on Instagram: @shespeakswellbeingstrategies
• Visit our website: www.shespeakswellbeing.com

A Note on Wellbeing

She Speaks is dedicated to amplifying women's voices on self-care and wellbeing. This episode discusses personal experiences with ADHD and is not intended as medical advice. If you're considering seeking an ADHD assessment, please consult with qualified healthcare professionals. Remember that everyone's journey is different, and what works for one person may not work for another.

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