Women & Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Celynna Harnetiaux LMFT: ADHD Therapist for Women in & San Clemente
Women with ADHD: A Journey of Understanding and Empowerment
As someone who was diagnosed with ADHD in my early 20s, I deeply understand the unique struggles that women with ADHD face. For years, I lived with the challenges of being neurodivergent without knowing why things like managing time effectively, staying on task or struggling with emotional overwhelm felt so much harder than they did for others. I also know what it’s like to overcompensate by striving for perfection, constantly feeling like I have to prove myself. That’s why I’m passionate about helping other women navigate the complexities of ADHD and live with more understanding, self-compassion, and practical strategies.
Why ADHD in Women is Often Overlooked
ADHD is often thought of as something that primarily affects young boys, leading to an underdiagnosis or late diagnosis in women. Many women like me go through life with ADHD without fully realizing it, struggling to fit into a world that isn’t built for our brains. Symptoms like forgetfulness, disorganization, and trouble focusing are often overlooked or dismissed as laziness, anxiety, or being "too emotional." It wasn’t until my own diagnosis that I truly understood how ADHD had shaped so much of my life.
Women with ADHD are often overlooked in the medical world because their symptoms may look different from the typical hyperactive behaviors associated with the disorder. Instead of externalized impulsivity, many women struggle with more internalized symptoms, such as:
Chronic procrastination or difficulty following through
Difficulty organizing tasks or managing time effectively
Emotional overwhelm or mood swings that seem out of control
Perfectionism, trying to "fix" ADHD struggles by overcompensating in other areas
Low self-esteem, often believing you're not doing enough or are falling short
Struggles with maintaining relationships, feeling misunderstood or isolated
Understanding ADHD in Women | Therapy Services in San Clemente
My Personal ADHD Diagnosis Journey
When I was diagnosed with ADHD in my early 20s, it was a revelation that helped me understand many of the challenges I had faced for years.
Despite doing well academically and excelling in school, I always struggled with issues like chronic lateness, indecision (both big and small), and losing track of time when focusing deeply on tasks. Because I didn’t fit the typical mold—appearing to perform well in structured settings—I didn’t immediately consider ADHD as a possible explanation. In an effort to compensate for what I thought were just "quirks," I became perfectionistic, believing that if I could do everything "right," others wouldn’t notice my struggles. This led to constant anxiety, as I feared that people would see my difficulties. Emotional overwhelm was something I often faced, too.
Over time, I realized that striving for perfection wasn’t the solution, and learning to embrace my neurodivergence—rather than hiding it—was the key to managing these challenges. As a therapist with lived experience of ADHD, I’m passionate about helping others who may feel misunderstood, guiding them toward practical strategies that work for their unique experiences.
Symptoms of ADHD in Women
ADHD in women can often be masked by their ability to "mask" symptoms or adapt in certain situations, leading to the misconception that they don’t have the condition. If you're noticing these symptoms, it may be helpful to speak with a professional to better understand how ADHD may be affecting your life.
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Difficulty staying focused: Women with ADHD may struggle to concentrate on tasks, especially those that are lengthy or require sustained mental effort.
Frequent forgetfulness: Forgetting appointments, important dates, or daily tasks can be common.
Disorganization: Difficulty keeping track of things, managing time, and keeping spaces tidy.
Lack of attention to detail: Making careless mistakes in tasks because of missing important details.
Procrastination: Putting off tasks or feeling overwhelmed by them, leading to last-minute work or avoidance.
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Difficulty waiting for turn: Impulsive speech or actions, such as interrupting conversations.
Making impulsive decisions: Impulse buying, sudden career changes, or rash decisions in relationships.
Emotional outbursts: Strong emotional reactions, including frustration or irritability, without prior warning
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Restlessness: Feeling the need to move constantly or experiencing physical restlessness, such as tapping fingers or bouncing legs.
Difficulty relaxing: Struggling to unwind and feeling agitated even when it's time to relax.
Talkativeness: Excessive talking or speaking out of turn, especially when nervous or excited.
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Chronic lateness: Struggling to keep track of time, leading to constant tardiness or missed deadlines.
Overcommitment: Taking on too many responsibilities and struggling to manage them effectively.
Underestimating time needed: Poor estimation of how long tasks will take, leading to last-minute rushes.
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Low self-esteem: Constantly feeling inadequate or comparing oneself to others, often due to difficulties meeting expectations.
Mood swings: Rapid emotional changes, such as feeling euphoric one moment and then frustrated or upset soon after.
Anxiety or depression: Many women with ADHD also experience higher levels of anxiety or depression, often linked to the challenges of managing ADHD symptoms.
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Struggles with communication: Interrupting others, not always listening, or forgetting important details about relationships.
Feeling misunderstood: A sense of being judged or not understood by others, especially in family or work settings.
Inconsistent performance: Sometimes excelling at tasks, but other times falling short due to poor attention or emotional regulation.
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Overthinking: Women with ADHD may overthink tasks and details to avoid making mistakes or feeling inadequate.
High expectations of self: Trying to meet excessively high standards to compensate for perceived shortcomings.
Burnout: A tendency to overwork or push themselves to the limit in order to manage symptoms, which can lead to emotional and physical exhaustion.
ADHD Support for Women in San Clemente | Therapy for Neurodivergent Women
Why ADHD Is Often Missed in Women
ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood, but many women don’t get their diagnosis until much later in life. There are a few reasons for this. ADHD shows up differently in women than it does in men. Symptoms like forgetfulness, disorganization, or trouble managing time are often seen as signs of laziness or being scatterbrained, which can leave women struggling without fully understanding why.
Why It’s Harder for Women to Recognize ADHD
Women often juggle a lot—whether it’s taking care of their families, excelling at work, or being there for friends and partners. With all these responsibilities, the pressure to meet expectations can make ADHD feel even more intense. On top of that, women are more likely to internalize their struggles. This can hide the symptoms of ADHD for years, leading to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and even depression.
The Impact of ADHD on a Woman’s Life
ADHD can impact many areas of life. Whether it’s missing deadlines at work, struggling in relationships, or feeling stuck in a constant state of overwhelm, the effects can be far-reaching. Women with ADHD might face challenges like:
Career struggles: Time management, focusing, and staying on task can make it harder to advance at work or meet deadlines.
Emotional health: The stress of managing ADHD symptoms without understanding them can lead to anxiety, depression, and loneliness.
Relationships: ADHD can lead to misunderstandings with loved ones due to forgetfulness, distractions, or emotional reactions that might feel out of control.
San Clemente ADHD Therapy: Helping Women Navigate Life with ADHD
How Therapy Can Help Women with ADHD
If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly falling short or struggling to keep up with the expectations placed on you, therapy can help. As a neurodivergent therapist, I understand the deep frustration of living with ADHD, and I can offer tools and support to help you feel more in control of your life. Together, we can:
Challenge perfectionism: Instead of striving to be perfect, we’ll work on embracing your strengths and learning to accept and manage ADHD symptoms in a way that works for you.
Develop coping strategies: I’ll help you create realistic, personalized systems for managing tasks, staying organized, and prioritizing what matters most—without feeling overwhelmed.
Improve emotional regulation: ADHD often brings intense emotions, and I’ll guide you through tools to manage emotional ups and downs, so you feel more in control and less stressed.
Increase self-compassion: You don’t have to be "perfect" to succeed. We’ll work on building your self-esteem and creating a mindset that embraces your unique brain.
Build healthier relationships: Whether it's with family, friends, or a partner, we can work through ADHD’s impact on relationships and help you communicate more effectively.
Empowering You to Thrive with ADHD
Living with ADHD doesn’t mean you have to struggle or feel out of control. You are not alone in this journey, and there are tools and strategies that can help you navigate life with more confidence and ease. Together, we’ll embrace your neurodivergence and build a plan that works for your life—without the pressure of perfection. It’s time to stop overcompensating and start living authentically.
If you're ready to learn more about how ADHD impacts your life and want to explore how therapy can help you feel more in control and at peace, I’d love to connect with you.
San Clemente ADHD Therapy for Women | Empowerment and Support
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ADHD Support for Women in San Clemente | Therapy for Neurodivergent Women
San Clemente ADHD Therapy for Women | Empowerment and Support 〰️ ADHD Support for Women in San Clemente | Therapy for Neurodivergent Women