Let’s start with a little game: how many tabs do you have open right now? If it’s less than 10, congratulations, you’re probably a functional adult. But if you’re like me—a woman with ADHD—you might have enough tabs open to solve world hunger, figure out time travel, and finally get around to that one recipe you bookmarked in 2012.
I, like many other women, were diagnosed with ADHD later in life. I was 37 years old. At first, I was surprised. I don’t consider myself hyperactive. But, as it turns out, ADHD in women often flies under the radar because it doesn’t always look like the stereotypical male hyperactive kid bouncing off the walls- Instead, it can be a bit more subtle and sneaky.
ADHD in women is like having a brain that’s part superhero and part… well, a hot mess. We have this incredible ability to juggle 30 different things at once and most of them are super creative, but here’s the kicker: we often forget what 28 of those things are halfway through. It’s like living in a sitcom where your mind is the wacky neighbor bursting through the door(Seinfeld is still one of my favorite shows)with a new distraction every five minutes.
ADHD seems to be everywhere these days. Yes, some of us are just unorganized, and some of us are easily distracted- but not all of us have ADHD. Take a look at some common symptoms in women.
1. Chronic Forgetfulness:
You might find yourself constantly misplacing things like your phone, keys, or that cup of coffee you made an hour ago. If you had a dollar for every time you asked, “Where did I put that?” you’d be rich.
2. Disorganization:
Your bag is a black hole of receipts, pens, and random objects you don’t remember putting in there. Your workspace might look like a tornado hit it, even if you just cleaned it up yesterday.
3. Time Management Issues:
You might struggle with being late to everything. Despite your best efforts, you seem to be perpetually 10 minutes behind schedule. If “I’ll be there in 5 minutes” really means “I’m just leaving now,” this might resonate.
4. Procrastination:
Deadlines are more like suggestions. You tend to wait until the last possible moment to start projects, fueled by the thrill (or panic) of last-minute pressure.
5. Easily Distracted:
Your focus can shift rapidly from one thing to another. You sit down to work on a report, but somehow end up cleaning your closet or watching YouTube videos about cats.
6. Hyperfocus:
On the flip side, sometimes you get so engrossed in something you love that hours fly by without you noticing. It’s like time disappears when you’re in the zone.
7. Emotional Sensitivity:
Small things can trigger big emotions. You might find yourself crying during a commercial or feeling overwhelmed by criticism more than others.
8. Restlessness:
Even if you’re not physically hyperactive, your mind can be. You might have trouble sitting still for long periods or feel like you constantly need to be doing something.
9. Talking a Lot:
You might find yourself chatting up a storm and then realizing you’ve monopolized the conversation. It’s just that your mind is racing, and you’ve got so much to share!
10. Difficulty Following Through:
Starting new projects is exciting, but finishing them? Not so much. Your enthusiasm might wane quickly, leaving a trail of half-finished endeavors behind you.
11. Poor Memory:
You might struggle with remembering appointments, commitments, or even things you discussed just yesterday. Keeping track of details can feel like trying to hold water in your hands.
12. Sensory Overload:
Loud noises, bright lights, or too much happening at once can make you feel overwhelmed and frazzled. Sometimes, you just need to retreat to a quiet space.
Recognizing these signs can be the first step towards understanding how your unique brain works. ADHD isn’t all chaos—there’s a lot of creativity and spontaneity in there too. We make excellent entrepreneurs!
Try to keep it light, Salty friends. Living with ADHD as a woman is like trying to herd cats while riding a unicycle on a tightrope. It’s challenging, sure, but it also makes us resilient, resourceful, and surprisingly fun at parties. 🤣 We might forget your name three times, but we’ll remember the plot twist in that book you mentioned once two years ago.
So here’s to all the women with ADHD: the daydreamers, the night owls, the list-makers, and the multitaskers. Life might feel like a chaotic whirlwind, but you’re navigating it with a unique blend of humor, creativity, and unshakeable spirit. And if you ever need someone to laugh with about putting the remote in the freezer, you know where to find me—probably somewhere between my 20th open tab and a half-eaten snack.
*If you think you might have ADHD, chatting with a healthcare professional can help you find the best ways to manage it. In the meantime, embrace the quirks and know you’re not alone!*
XO