The Overlooked Struggles – Emotional Well-being of ADHD Moms
Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get enough airtime: the emotional toll of being a mom with ADHD. Sure, we hear a lot about managing chores, routines, and to-do lists, but what about the deep stuff—the guilt, the overwhelm, the constant sense of falling short?
The Hidden Weight ADHD Moms Carry: Being a mom is already a full-time mental load, but add ADHD into the mix, and it becomes a whirlwind of emotional highs and lows. According to a 2022 study published in Journal of Attention Disorders, women with ADHD are more prone to anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation, especially during motherhood.
You’re not just trying to manage your own life—you’re managing little humans, expectations, and all the invisible work of motherhood with a brain that resists structure. That’s a LOT.
Emotional Struggles We Don’t Talk About Enough
Guilt: For forgetting appointments, for snapping at the kids, for not having it all together.
Shame: For comparing yourself to the “organized moms” and constantly coming up short.
Overwhelm: The mental noise is never-ending. It’s not just the mess—it’s the emotional chaos that comes with it.
Imposter Syndrome: Feeling like you’re faking this whole motherhood thing and someone’s about to expose you.
Coping Strategies That Actually Help
1. Reframe the Narrative: You’re not a “bad” mom—you have a different brain. Period. Repeat that until it sticks. Use affirmations like, “I’m doing my best, and that’s enough,” or “Progress over perfection.”
2. Therapy Is Not a Luxury—It’s a Lifeline: Consider ADHD-informed therapy or coaching. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has shown strong results for emotional regulation in adults with ADHD. Coaching can also offer practical, non-judgmental support.
3. Mindfulness, But ADHD-Friendly: Let's not do 60-minute quiet meditations here. Give this a try:
Five-minute guided meditations (check out Insight Timer)
Walking meditations
Doodling or journaling with some tunes playing
4. Join Your Tribe Community is key: Get in touch with other ADHD moms (online or locally). Begin with communities like the Chatterbrain Mommy Podcast community—we keep it real, unfiltered, and judgment-free.
Expert Opinion: Dr. Kathleen Nadeau (clinical psychologist, ADHD) states, "When women feel understood and supported emotionally, their executive functioning improves. Connection reduces shame and motivation."
Netta's Point from Chatterbrain Mommy Podcast "I used to cry in the bathroom just to have five minutes of peace. As soon as I quit pretending to do it all and started getting help, life lightened up. Not perfect—just lighter.".
If you're nodding your head, then I wrote for you. Get my ADHD mom survival eBook, Focus, Energize, and Thrive. It's half pep talk, half toolkit, and all heart.
Also, check out my Amazon list of emotional wellness goodies—from weighted blankets to fidget rings. Because soothing your nervous system is a form of self-love.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely love and trust!
ADHD Isn’t Just About Focus—It’s a Whole Different Way of Experiencing Life!
Main image by Ehimetalor Akhere Unuabona
ADHD isn't just an issue of being hyper or having a problem focusing—it's about experiencing the world in an entirely different manner.
If you've got ADHD (or think you do), you already know it's not about forgetting your keys for the dozenth time or zoning out in the middle of a discussion.
It's the rollercoaster of hyperfocus one day and utter forgetfulness the next.
It's the struggle of time management, thought organization, and even relationship management.
Some days, you're unstoppable. On other days, you can't remember why you opened the fridge.
Ring a bell?
This vivid image captures a bustling city that never truly stops, where everyday life's vibrant hustle and bustle plays out like a never-ending show. The constant motion and clamor reflect the delightful yet chaotic whirlwind that characterizes the overactive mind of someone with ADHD. It's a beautiful mess, brimming with energy and excitement, yet it often overwhelms one in the vibrant maze.
What Causes ADHD?
ADHD isn’t just about “not trying hard enough” or “being lazy.” It’s a legit brain difference, and science backs it up.
Genetics Play a Big Role
If your parents or siblings have ADHD, there’s a good chance you do too. Studies show that it runs in families.
Brain Chemistry & Structure
Image of the brain lighting up with thoughts and different processes
Focus, motivation, and impulse control are all impacted by the variations in dopamine levels in the brains of people with ADHD. The "control center" of the brain, which is responsible for executive function, doesn't always function the same way in neurotypical brains.
Environmental Factors
Prenatal exposure to drugs, alcohol, or nicotine may increase the chance of ADHD.
Prenatal exposure to drugs, alcohol, or nicotine may elevate the risk of ADHD. Low birth weight and premature birth are linked to a higher likelihood of ADHD.
Some research suggests that early exposure to lead and other chemicals may also play a role.
Low birth weight and premature birth are associated with an increased risk of ADHD.
According to some research, early exposure to lead and other chemicals may also be involved.
ADHD Symptoms: The Three Big Categories
ADHD symptoms are usually grouped into three major categories: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. You might lean heavily toward one or experience a mix of all three. Here’s what that looks like in real life:
Inattention Symptoms (aka The Scatterbrain Struggles)
You start a task with full enthusiasm, only to abandon it five minutes later because something else caught your eye.
Your workspace looks like a hurricane hit it—papers, coffee cups, and random objects everywhere.
You lose your phone, keys, or wallet at least twice a day. (And they’re always in some weird place, like the fridge.)
You space out in conversations, even when you’re genuinely interested.
You leave projects until the last minute, even though you know it’ll stress you out later.
Keeping a planner sounds like a great idea, but actually using it consistently? Not happening.
Hyperactivity Symptoms (aka The Human Energy Drink)
You tap your foot, click your pen, or bounce your leg constantly—sitting still feels like torture.
You interrupt people mid-sentence, not because you’re rude, but because your brain moves a mile a minute.
You get up and pace while thinking, watching TV, or even talking on the phone.
You talk a lot. Like, a lot. And sometimes realize you’ve been rambling for five minutes straight.
Sitting through a long meeting or lecture? Absolute nightmare.
Impulsivity Symptoms (aka Oops, Did I Just Say That?)
You say things without thinking, which can occasionally result in awkward circumstances.
You make spontaneous decisions without taking into account the advantages and disadvantages; sometimes they turn out well, and other times they go wrong.
You find it difficult to wait your turn in traffic, lines, or conversations. Very impatient because you feel like you are in a rush.
Purchases on impulse are your worst enemy when it comes to online buying, therefore it might be risky.
ADHD Ain’t a Weakness—It’s Just a Different Operating System
Having ADHD doesn’t mean you’re lazy, unmotivated, or incapable.
It just means your brain works differently, and you need to find strategies that fit your style.
Some of the most creative, successful, and innovative people in history had ADHD.
The key is learning how to work with your brain, not against it. Whether it’s medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, or a mix of everything, you can build a system that helps you thrive.
ADHD isn’t a roadblock—it’s just a different way of navigating the world.
Managing ADHD isn’t about "fixing" yourself—it’s about finding the right tools to work with your brain, not against it.
That’s why I created an ADHD Planner to help you stay on track without overwhelm.
You can grab yours now here and start organizing life on your terms!
Click here to check it out!
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