When you hear the word ADHD, what comes to mind? A kid bouncing off the walls? Someone who can't sit still? What if I told you that isn't the full story? What if I told you that ADHD isn’t just about restless bodies, it’s also about restless brains? This episode, we’re diving into a side of ADHD that often gets overlooked. Let me take you into the whirlwind of thoughts, energy, and challenges of a hyperactive mind.
Welcome to the Howling Podcast
Hi, I’m Jezz, and I have ADHD. But I’m not the stereotype you might imagine. Sure, I can get restless, but I don’t need to be running laps around the room to burn off energy. Sometimes, I’m just tapping a pencil, bouncing my leg, or scrolling through my phone to keep that restlessness in check. But here’s the thing: ADHD isn’t just about movement. It’s about how our brains are wired.
Did you know that ADHD brains don’t really rest? While others might have moments of mental stillness, our brains are running 24/7. Imagine a car racing at 200 km/h with no brakes. That’s how it feels. Thoughts come at you one after another, ideas, worries, random to-do lists. And it’s exhausting.
What I’ve learned is that hyperactivity doesn’t have to look like someone bouncing off the walls. Some of us seem calm on the outside, but inside, our minds are like a buzzing airport with no control tower. This is especially true for girls and women. Society teaches us to be “perfect” and quiet, so we learn to mask our hyperactivity. Instead of moving our bodies, our thoughts start running wild.
For years, ADHD has been misunderstood. Research often focused on boys who couldn’t sit still in class, ignoring girls who might have been quietly doodling or staring out the window while their minds raced. That’s why so many girls don’t get diagnosed until later in life or get misdiagnosed with something like ADD. ADD is the same as ADHD but without the hyperactivity.
Let me share what it’s really like. When my mind races, I can’t focus on anything. I’ll be too restless to sit still, but too mentally tired to actually be productive. Want to watch a movie? Nope, my mind wanders. Want to draw? All my sketches go wrong. It’s frustrating, because you’re both bored and exhausted at the same time.
Over the years, I’ve found a few ways to cope. For me, movement is key. If my body gets tired, my brain tends to follow. That’s why I’ll take a walk, do some strength training, or even just bounce my leg while working. Recently, I started playing with a spinning pen, it’s simple, but it helps. I also ordered some Rubik’s cubes to keep my hands busy. It’s about finding what works for you.
But let’s not sugarcoat it. Living with a hyperactive brain is hard. Meditation sometimes helps me calm down, but when my brain is overloaded, even that can feel impossible. And while exercise is great, it doesn’t always solve the problem.
What about medication? Some people swear by it, and if it works for you, that’s amazing. But for women, it’s tricky. ADHD studies historically focused on boys, which means our unique hormonal cycles and brain chemistry aren’t always considered. For some, ADHD medication can even impact creativity or worsen other symptoms.
Still, I’ve found silver linings in my hyperactive brain. It’s not all bad. That endless stream of thoughts can spark incredible ideas. It’s how I solve problems and come up with creative solutions. My spinning pen, for example, isn’t just a tool to calm me down, it’s a moment of focus, where my mind goes quiet. Sometimes, those quiet moments bring the best ideas.
ADHD is a complex, frustrating, and sometimes beautiful part of who we are. It’s not just about hyperactive bodies, it’s about hyperactive minds. And for anyone out there feeling overwhelmed by their racing thoughts, know that you’re not alone. Whether it’s exercise, creative outlets, or even just a simple spinning pen, there’s a way to work with your brain instead of fighting against it.
If you enjoyed this episode or found it relatable, share it with someone who might need to hear this. You never know, it might just help someone understand themselves a little better.
Thanks for tuning in, and I’ll see you next time!
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