The Spicy Fat Podcast is for 40+ women trying to make sense of their bodies, brains, and hearts.
March 28, 2024

My ADHD Story

My ADHD Story

Host Carlen Costa speaks about her personal ADHD diagnosis and the clues she wishes she was more attentive to along the way.

Carlen shares her personal journey of uncovering her ADHD diagnosis and reflects on how it was missed for so long. She discusses the impact of ADHD on her academic and personal life, as well as the role of social media in her discovery. Carlen sheds light on the diagnosis gap in women with ADHD and the need for a shift in the model of diagnosis. She also explores the effects of trauma and ADHD on hunger cues and shares her experiences with coffee and smoking. Carlen's desire to support women with ADHD is just beginning! She's excited to create tools, resources, and support for neurodivergent individuals in the near future; she'll keep you posted.

Takeaways

  • ADHD symptoms in women are often overlooked or misdiagnosed, leading to a diagnosis gap.
  • Trauma and ADHD can affect hunger cues and lead to disordered eating patterns.
  • Social media can play a positive role in self-discovery and connecting with others who have similar experiences.
  • Creating tools, resources, and support for neurodivergent individuals is crucial for their well-being and empowerment.


Chapters

(00:00) Introduction and Episode Purpose

03:20) Uncovering the Diagnosis of ADHD

06:10) Managing ADHD in School and Personal Life

07:30) ADHD in Women and the Influence of Social Media

10:43) The Diagnosis Gap in Women with ADHD

11:02) ADHD Symptoms and Coping Mechanisms

12:07) Discovering the Impact of Weight Loss Surgery

13:27) Practicing Embodiment Work and Feeling Fullness

15:24) The Effects of Trauma and ADHD on Hunger Cues

20:50) Finding Support and Connection with NeuroSpice Goblins

21:36) Exploring ADHD and Anger in Women

22:31) Creating Tools, Resources, and Support for NeuroSpice Goblins

23:14) Embracing Self-Worth and Deservingness

25:06) Closing Remarks and Call to Action


Find out more about Carlen's work:

https://www.carlencosta.com/

ADHD Resources

ADDitude Editors. “Famous People with ADHD.” ADDitude, 28 Nov. 2016, www.additudemag.com/slideshows/famous-people-with-adhd/.

“Is ADHD Hereditary or Genetic? Yes and No.” ADDitude, ADDitude, 15 Jan. 2009, www.additudemag.com/is-adhd-hereditary-yes-and-no/.

“Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).” The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder.

Chhabra, Sameer. “Adults Who Don’t Know They Have ADHD Can Struggle. Here’s How a Diagnosis Can Help.” CBC, 20 Jan. 2024, www.cbc.ca/radio/whitecoat/adults-undiagnosed-adhd-1.7087547.

Vear, Emily. “New Manulife Data Shows Spike in Adult ADHD Diagnosis | Manulife.” Www.manulife.ca, 21 Sept. 2023, www.manulife.ca/business/news/group-benefits-news/health-insights-press-release.html#:~:text=According%20to%20CADDRA%2C%20the%20Canadian.