Authentically ADHD with Carmen

De: Where the chaos of ADHD meets self-acceptance growth and a whole lot of authenticity
  • Resumen

  • Hi! I'm Carmen, a late-diagnosed ADHDer, ADHD life coach, and early childhood special education teacher who wants to spread awareness, relate to other ADHDers, and have fun while talking and learning about the difficulties, awesomeness, and new research behind the neurodiverse ADHD brain. ARE YOU READY?? Let's get started!

    carmenauthenticallyadhd.substack.com
    Carmen Irace
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Episodios
  • ADHD, Self-Trust, and Breaking Free from External Validation
    May 3 2025

    In this episode of Authentically ADHD, host Carmen explores the complex relationship between ADHD, self-confidence, and the constant need for external validation. For many adults with ADHD, self-worth has often been shaped by a lifetime of criticism, and this episode dives deep into how that reliance on others' approval can undermine self-trust. Carmen outlines why ADHDers tend to seek external validation and offers practical strategies for reclaiming control over self-evaluation.

    In the first segment, Carmen explains the concept of an external locus of evaluation and how ADHD can lead to an overwhelming reliance on others for reassurance. She shares relatable examples of how this pattern develops from childhood and its impact on adulthood. The episode then introduces the psychological mechanism of the complementary moral defense, which emerges as a response to repeated criticism and can lead to overworking, people-pleasing, and chronic self-criticism.

    Moving into the third segment, Carmen discusses why it's especially important for ADHDers to cultivate an internal locus of evaluation. Relying on internal validation not only promotes self-trust but also breaks the cycle of people-pleasing and constant doubt. The episode closes with seven actionable strategies to help ADHDers develop self-trust, including identifying core values, tracking small wins, practicing self-validation, and building self-compassion.

    Carmen encourages listeners to start small and shift from seeking external praise to trusting their own judgment. She leaves listeners with a hopeful reminder that their ADHD brains are wired for creativity and resilience, and self-trust is key to unlocking their potential.

    If today’s episode resonated with you, share it with someone who might benefit and consider leaving a rating & review to help Authentically ADHD grow.

    Show notes: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGjTbREIYI/sFGNEj879Ye4x_zWl-W76Q/view?utm_content=DAGjTbREIYI&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h8496660196

    Join FOCUSED: https://ihaveadhdllc.ontralink.com/t?orid=29951&opid=1

    Follow me on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/carmen_irace

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    26 m
  • 7 Types of Rest You Didn’t Know Your ADHD Brain Desperately Needs
    Apr 26 2025

    In this enlightening episode of Authentically ADHD, host Sunny Sparks takes us on a whimsical journey into the science and art of rest—especially tailored for those of us with ADHD. The episode kicks off with a warm welcome and a reminder that true self-care isn’t one-size-fits-all. Sunny introduces the “ADHD & Rest Tango,” explaining how the unique wiring of ADHD brains—characterized by altered dopamine dynamics, delayed sleep phase syndrome, and sensory overload—can make winding down a nightly challenge.

    The conversation then dives into the research behind why sleep can be so elusive, from our racing thoughts and creative bursts at midnight to environmental factors like blue light from screens. This sets the stage for exploring the “Seven Kingdoms of Rest”: physical, mental, emotional, sensory, creative, social, and spiritual. Each kingdom is described as a vital aspect of our well-being that needs its own form of rest to help balance our lives.

    Sunny offers a creative self-diagnostic tip by encouraging listeners to imagine their energy levels as a vibrant, multi-colored pie chart. By mapping daily activities to these seven types of rest, we learn how to identify which areas may be undernourished—transforming our self-care routine into an artful process of balance.

    To wrap up, the episode presents a practical 7-tip self-care segment, sharing real-life examples for each type of rest—from setting up a power nap schedule for physical rest to dedicating time for mindful sunrise moments for spiritual rest. Sunny concludes with an uplifting call-to-action to experiment with these strategies, reminding listeners that rest is not a luxury but a necessity for thriving with ADHD.

    Stay authentic, take time for each piece of your rest puzzle, and keep shining—even if it means burning the midnight oil sometimes!

    If today’s episode resonated with you, share it with someone who might benefit and consider leaving a rating & review to help Authentically ADHD grow.

    Show notes: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGjTbREIYI/sFGNEj879Ye4x_zWl-W76Q/view?utm_content=DAGjTbREIYI&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h8496660196

    Join FOCUSED: https://ihaveadhdllc.ontralink.com/t?orid=29951&opid=1

    Follow me on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/carmen_irace

    Thanks for reading! This post is public so feel free to share it.



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit carmenauthenticallyadhd.substack.com
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    35 m
  • Understanding Anhedonia in ADHD
    Apr 25 2025
    Understanding Anhedonia in ADHDBecause of the HIGH activity on my post about this, i am releasing this episode EARLY, SURPRISE DOPAMINE; your are welcome :) IntroductionWelcome back to Authentically ADHD, where we dive deep into topics that matter to those of us navigating life with ADHD. Today, we're exploring something that many of us can relate to, but we may be unaware of it, or are unable to explain it because its not talked about a ton, I heard about it in my new hyperfocus podcast/book by the ADHD adults UK/Unpacking ADHD by James Brown and Alex Connor & mrs AuDHD: and here it is’ anhedonia. We will talk about what it is, why we struggle and how it's more than just feeling down—it's a significant challenge that affects how we experience pleasure and joy in our daily lives.Segment 2: So, what exactly is anhedonia? According to neuroscience, it involves dysfunctions in the brain's reward system, particularly affecting the mesolimbic dopamine pathway. This pathway is crucial for experiencing pleasure and motivation. In ADHD, these dysfunctions can lead to a diminished ability to derive pleasure or reward from activities that were once enjoyable. This phenomenon can vary from mild to severe, impacting hobbies, social interactions, and even personal achievements. It's like life loses its vibrant hues, leaving everything in shades of gray.Types of Anhedonia: There are two primary types of anhedonia:Social Anhedonia: Difficulty finding pleasure in social interactions, leading to feelings of disconnection and isolation.Physical Anhedonia: Reduced pleasure from physical sensations, such as taste, touch, or sexual experiencesUnderstanding the ADHD Brain Reward SystemNeuroscience reveals that ADHD is closely linked to dysfunctions in the brain's reward system. Specifically, there's altered activity in the mesolimbic dopamine pathway, which plays a pivotal role in motivation, pleasure, and reinforcement learning. Dopamine, often referred to as the "feel-good" neurotransmitter, is crucial for signaling rewards and motivating behavior.This means that for those of us with ADHD, the experience of pleasure and the motivation to pursue rewarding activities can be fundamentally different. The reward circuits in our brains may not respond as effectively to everyday stimuli, making it challenging to experience and sustain pleasure from tasks and achievements that others find inherently satisfying.ADHD, Alexithymia, and Anhedonia: Exploring the OverlapLet’s quickly explore the intersections of ADHD with another mental health disorder, & the intriguing overlap between ADHD, alexithymia and anhedoniaUnderstanding Alexithymia and AnhedoniaAlexithymia refers to difficulties in identifying and expressing emotions. It's common among individuals with ADHD and can complicate emotional experiences, including the ability to recognize and respond to feelings of pleasure—known as anhedonia. Research indicates that these conditions often coexist, influencing how individuals perceive and process both positive and negative emotions.For many of us with ADHD, the combination of alexithymia and anhedonia can create a unique emotional landscape. It may be challenging to articulate our feelings or derive satisfaction from activities that once brought joy. This intersection underscores the complexity of ADHD beyond its core symptoms, impacting our emotional well-being and interpersonal relationships.Neuroscientific Insights[Narration]: Neuroscientific studies suggest that ADHD, alexithymia, and anhedonia share underlying neural mechanisms, particularly involving brain regions associated with emotion regulation and reward processing. Dysfunctions in these areas, such as the prefrontal cortex and limbic system, contribute to difficulties in emotional awareness and the experience of pleasure.[Carmen]: This neural overlap provides a deeper understanding of why individuals with ADHD may struggle with emotional expression and enjoyment. It's not just about behavior—it's rooted in how our brains process and integrate emotional and reward-related information.Impact on Daily LifeIn practical terms, the overlap of alexithymia and anhedonia can manifest in various ways. It may affect our ability to engage fully in social interactions, maintain meaningful relationships, and pursue personal goals with enthusiasm. Recognizing these challenges can empower individuals with ADHD to seek tailored support and strategies that address both emotional awareness and the capacity for experiencing pleasure.By acknowledging these intersections, we can better navigate the complexities of ADHD and cultivate resilience. Whether you're personally navigating these challenges or supporting someone who is, remember that understanding and empathy are key to fostering a supportive environment.The Impact of a Dysfunctional Reward SystemResearch suggests that individuals with ADHD may exhibit reduced dopamine activity in response to rewards, leading to difficulties...
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    18 m
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favorite adhd podcast

Favorite ADHD Podcast super relatable authentic and informational with a twist of humor. She tells and informs in a great way. Carmen is a great listen with episodes usually not exceeding 20-30 minutes

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