Overcoming ADHD Paralysis: A Guide for Women to Embrace Their Neurodivergence
Introducing ADHD Paralysis
ADHD often traps you in a cycle of overwhelming thoughts, making it challenging to break free. The constant battle to overcome this while simultaneously accepting your current state can feel like an endless loop. If you’re a woman with ADHD, this experience might be all too familiar.
I completely understand what you’re going through because I’m experiencing it myself. As women with ADHD, we excel at putting immense pressure on ourselves—if self-imposed stress were an Olympic discipline, we’d win gold every time.
You have probably felt this way:
You wake up after a disrupted night’s sleep, feeling anything but rested. You recall the promise you made to yourself the previous night: “Tomorrow, I’m going to accomplish that task, I’m going to get it done…” But as the day progresses, nothing happens. Your mind enters a freeze mode, and your body feels paralysed. Half-functioning, you teeter on the verge of tears.
You are not alone in this.
Even as an ADHD coach, I find myself in the thick of it, experiencing the same paralysis I help others navigate.
Why Overcoming ADHD Paralysis Feels Impossible
Overcoming this state of paralysis can seem like a mammoth task when you’re deep in it. Sometimes, it feels good to power through and ignore the thoughts of doubt and self-deprecation. However, this approach doesn’t always work.
As a woman with ADHD, you’re likely very self-aware and have done a lot of personal work. You might often find yourself performing self-therapy, trying to think your way through limiting beliefs or mental barriers.
While this cognitive approach can work at times, it can also lead to overwhelming emotions that you might not feel equipped to handle.
What to Do When Nothing Seems to Work
Most methods imply that we need to rid ourselves of discomfort. It’s natural to want to escape the stuckness, but what if we tried a different approach?
Instead of trying to change this state, what if we immersed ourselves in it? Embrace the stuckness, become the stuckness, and embody it fully. It may sound scary, but it also means you don’t have to force yourself to change.
As neurodivergents, we often feel the need to constantly adapt. Wouldn’t it be refreshing to simply be yourself, with all those big feelings?
The Myth of the “Right Mindset”
Many coaches emphasise the importance of having the right mindset. However, life isn’t black and white. If you’re struggling to achieve this so-called “right mindset,” why not try doing the task without it.
While the right mindset can make things easier, forcing yourself into it shouldn’t be the goal. If striving for the right mindset is actually hindering you from accomplishing tasks, then it’s time to reconsider.
Conclusion: Free Yourself from the Mindset Trap
The right state of mind isn’t a prerequisite for success. Free yourself from the notion that you can only achieve your dreams when your mind is in perfect alignment. Do the task—even if you’re sad, annoyed, or angry—and eventually, your mind will follow.
ADHD Paralysis: FAQs
-
ADHD paralysis refers to the overwhelming and often frustrating feeling of being mentally stuck or unable to take any meaningful action, which is commonly experienced by individuals diagnosed with ADHD. This feeling can lead to significant challenges in daily life, affecting both personal and professional responsibilities.
-
Women with ADHD can effectively manage feelings of overwhelm by embracing their emotions, breaking tasks down into smaller, more manageable steps, and letting go of the constant need for a perfect, ideal mindset. This approach allows them to navigate challenges with greater ease and cultivate a sense of accomplishment as they progress at their own pace.
-
Hell yeah! Of course, you are absolutely allowed to do things even without having the "right" mindset in place. Sometimes, just the act of beginning with what may feel like the "wrong" mindset can actually be the catalyst that gets you started in the first place. This initial action can create momentum that may help shift your mental state to a more positive and productive one down the line. Embracing this process can be an important step towards personal growth and development.
-
ADHD can often lead to significant disruptions in various aspects of life, including sleep patterns, concentration levels, and effective task management. These challenges frequently result in feelings of paralysis and overwhelm, which can hinder an individual's ability to function optimally in daily activities.
Need more support to manage life with ADHD?
ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, affects individuals across all demographics, but women often face unique challenges that can exacerbate the condition's impact on their lives. Below, we delve into the 13 most debilitating issues faced by women with ADHD.