05/29/2026
I’m a therapist for moms, and I was diagnosed with ADHD during the pandemic.
Looking back, I honestly don’t know how I kept it all together for so long — but I did. I was a strong student, went to grad school, had two high-risk pregnancies, cared for two preemies, built a thriving small business, and nurtured a loving marriage.
Then the pandemic hit, and I hit a wall.
Since then, through a lot of mental health and neurodivergence training, I’ve learned how common this is for moms. Many of us have been struggling for years, creating coping systems without even realizing it — and not knowing it doesn’t have to be this hard.
I didn’t know other people didn’t need a bazillion reminders to complete one task. I didn’t know mailing a card didn’t take everyone 7–10 business days: buy the card, sign it, get family members to sign, buy stamps, put on the stamp, walk to the mailbox… so many steps, so many chances to get distracted.
For most of my life, I thought everyone struggled like I did, and other people were just smarter, better, more disciplined, or somehow more capable. That led to shame and embarrassment, which makes it even harder to connect or ask for help.
Now I understand my ADHD is part of my wiring — and honestly, part of my superpower, along with being a Highly Sensitive Person. I’ve learned to use brain hacks, skills, supports, and resources that actually work for my brain.
That includes medication. The first adhd medication I tried wasn’t a good fit, so I barely took it for years. Then I found the right one, and it has helped tremendously. My to-do list is still never-ending - because, motherhood - but I have more capacity, more follow-through, and more energy.
Medication can be one helpful tool in the toolkit. Therapy with someone who truly understands ADHD can be another.
Have you been struggling and wondering if it could be ADHD? Or hormones? Don’t get me started on that one yet — a bomb was dropped on me last week, and I’m still recovering. More on that hot mess later.
Drop in the comments: what behaviors, practices, or supports have helped your brain and your life?
We can learn from each other.
