Elizabeth Lord
LightNews LightNews
banner
dearadhdbrain.bsky.social
Elizabeth Lord
@dearadhdbrain.bsky.social
51 followers 25 following 74 posts
ADHD Coach | Writer | 1:1 Coaching for Adults with ADHD | Talking about ADHD + rejecting the pressure to keep up | Certified Professional Coach | MA Psychology
www.getcoachedbyel.com
https://substack.com/@getcoachedbyel
https://medium.com/@elizabeth_lord
Posts Replies Media Videos
dearadhdbrain.bsky.social
Since my ADHD diagnosis, I live by different rules.
No toxic positivity.
No hustle talk.
Just real shifts that helped me finally feel successful.
A screenshot essay titled '4 Rules I Live By Since Getting Diagnosed with ADHD' discussing the author's journey with ADHD. The essay outlines personal insights gained over three years, including realizing their self-worth, redefining success, and abandoning harmful metrics like productivity as measures of value. The author emphasizes four key rules: 1) Rest is essential and doesn't need to be earned. 2) Productivity does not determine worth. 3) A positive mindset significantly affects life with ADHD. 4) It's okay if certain strategies do not work, as each brain is unique. The author notes that kindness toward oneself is a vital aspect of healing.
April 10, 2025 at 1:01 AM
dearadhdbrain.bsky.social
Not all ADHD struggles start in your brain.
Some start in your environment.

Which one gets your first - noise, clutter, or those florescent lights?
Screenshot essay titled '5 Ways Your Environment Is Making Your ADHD Worse (And What To Do About It)', discussing the impact of environmental factors on ADHD symptoms. The essay expresses feelings of irritation towards distractions like chewing, background talking, and repetitive noises, emphasizing how these drain energy and hinder focus. It outlines five environmental detractors: 1) Clutter causes mental noise; 2) Clothing with irritating tags affects attention; 3) Time of day influences energy levels for tasks; 4) Noise disrupts concentration; 5) Technology notifications lead to energy loss. The conclusion stresses the importance of protecting energy for individuals with ADHD.
April 9, 2025 at 12:34 AM
dearadhdbrain.bsky.social
"Life's not fair"
I heard it a lot. It never helped.
Now I know why it hurt so much.
A screenshot of an essay titled 'The Hidden Cost of Being Told "Life's Not Fair" as an ADHDer (And Why Understanding This Helped So Much)'. The text discusses the author's childhood experiences with the phrase 'life's not fair', describing how it was dismissive and led to confusion and anxiety. The author reflects on needing validation for their feelings of injustice and explains that they have since understood this sensitivity as 'Justice Sensitivity' commonly experienced by individuals with ADHD. The essay emphasizes connection and understanding, acknowledging that these intense feelings are valid and that others may share the same experience.
April 8, 2025 at 1:03 AM
dearadhdbrain.bsky.social
I broke up with the Pomodoro method. It was time. No regrets.

What ADHD advice have you kicked to the curb?
A screenshot essay titled 'My Least Favorite Piece of ADHD Advice (and What Happened When I Let It Go)'. The body discusses the author's dislike for the Pomodoro method for managing ADHD. It begins with a strong statement against the method, explaining the theory behind it, which involves working for 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break. The author shares frustrations about how breaks disrupt focus and lack of effectiveness in practice. The essay explores feelings of inadequacy due to the method's popularity and emphasizes the importance of finding what works for the individual. Conclusively, it advocates giving oneself permission to abandon ineffective strategies, highlighting personal preferences for deep work and aversion to transitions, ultimately leading to increased productivity.
April 6, 2025 at 1:30 AM
dearadhdbrain.bsky.social
ChatGPT is becoming one of my favorite ADHD tools.

I put together a list of ways I'm using it to make life easier.

What's your favorite use of ChatGPT for your ADHD?
A screenshot essay titled '5 Ways I Use ChatGPT to Help With My ADHD (That You Can Totally Steal)' by an author discussing their positive experiences with ChatGPT for managing ADHD. The author shares five specific ways they utilize ChatGPT: 1) Meal Planning, emphasizing the ease of generating new cooking ideas; 2) Brainstorm Buddy, highlighting the tool's effectiveness in sparking creativity; 3) Information Gatherer, noting the convenience of quick answers without extensive research; 4) Deep Dive Partner, describing enjoyment in exploring topics deeply; and 5) Decision Paralysis Ender, explaining how ChatGPT assists in overcoming indecision. The conclusion stresses the importance of finding supports that cater to individual needs.
April 5, 2025 at 1:10 AM
dearadhdbrain.bsky.social
Late ADHD diagnosis? You're not alone.

The more I learn, the more I see how much gets missed, especially when we only look at ADHD through a binary lens.

ADHD doesn't follow a script.

Neither do we.
Screenshot essay titled 'When You Only Look at One Version of ADHD, You Miss Everyone Else' discusses the late diagnosis of ADHD in women and the varied expressions of symptoms across genders. The author reflects on her personal experience of being diagnosed later in life and highlights that ADHD presents differently for different individuals. The text emphasizes that current discussions about gender differences in ADHD often oversimplify the experience, categorizing it in a binary manner while many people’s experiences fall outside this framework. Included is a referenced image comparing key differences in ADHD symptoms between boys and girls, illustrating that internalized symptoms can lead to delayed diagnoses in women.
April 3, 2025 at 1:57 AM
dearadhdbrain.bsky.social
The grief of a late ADHD diagnosis is real.

We didn't get the support we needed because the system wasn't built to see people like us.

What helped you start making sense of your story?
A screenshot essay titled '3 Factors That Contribute to Late ADHD Diagnosis (And Why It Was Never Your Fault)'. The text discusses the author's experience with ADHD and reflects on why late diagnosis is common. It highlights three main factors: 1) Research only considered boys, leading to a narrow understanding of ADHD; 2) The myth that individuals will grow out of ADHD, contributing to delayed recognition; 3) Cultural pressures that taught individuals to hide their symptoms, particularly hyperactivity, which could have resulted in earlier diagnosis. The author emphasizes that these systemic issues led to a lack of recognition of ADHD traits, and reassures readers that their delayed diagnosis is not their fault.
April 2, 2025 at 12:39 AM
dearadhdbrain.bsky.social
ADHDer - tired of being late?

Time blindness is REAL!

Here's the 3-step process that finally helped me get ahead of it.

What are your tips for time blindness?
A screenshot essay titled '3-Step Process for ADHDers to Finally Get Ahead of Time Blindness That Keeps Making You Late.' The text discusses the author's struggles with time management and time blindness associated with ADHD. It describes personal experiences of being late to meetings, illustrating the difference in time perception between ADHDers and neurotypical individuals. The author shares a 3-step process to manage time better: 1. Plan it out by figuring out travel and prep time, 2. Set timers for every task including preparation and travel, and 3. Relax and trust the timers to manage time anxiety. The essay emphasizes understanding and compassion for those with ADHD and reassures them that their efforts are valid.
April 1, 2025 at 12:52 AM
dearadhdbrain.bsky.social
Hey ADHDer, can't stop thinking about that weird thing you said to your boss?

Here's what I do when my brain won't let go.

What works for you?
A screenshot essay discussing ways for individuals with ADHD to cope with overthinking, featuring the author's personal experiences and strategies. The essay begins by addressing the concept of overthinking and the negative connotations associated with the term. It emphasizes that persistent thoughts often reflect a person's values and emotional processing needs. The author lists four helpful strategies: journaling or brain dumping, talking it out, engaging in word games, and distraction through interesting activities. The conclusion reassures readers that it's okay to struggle with these thoughts and encourages patience and self-experimentation in finding effective coping methods.
March 31, 2025 at 12:12 AM
dearadhdbrain.bsky.social
I stabbed a frozen veggie bag with a knife because scissors felt like too much.

The wasn't even the moment I knew...

It was after I'd washed the thermometer for the 5th time.

That's when my brain was DONE!

When did YOU realize your brain was DONE lately?
A screenshot of an essay discussing decision fatigue experienced by individuals with ADHD, highlighting a personal anecdote about preparing dinner. The author humorously describes a series of mishaps while cooking, illustrating how decision fatigue manifests during simple tasks. The essay outlines three strategies for coping with decision fatigue: checking in with self-talk, lowering expectations, and ensuring to engage in enjoyable activities afterward for recharging. The tone is relatable and supportive, emphasizing that decision fatigue is common and not the individual's fault.
March 30, 2025 at 1:51 AM
dearadhdbrain.bsky.social
ADHD isn't a character flaw.
Forgetting, being late, feeling stuck. They're all things that my brain does.

I'm learning to be ok with that.

What's been the hardest thing for you to unlearn?
A screenshot essay titled "7 Things I Had to Unlearn About Myself After My ADHD Diagnosis." The essay discusses the challenges and misconceptions the author faced prior to their ADHD diagnosis. Key points include: 1) Forgetting isn't a character flaw due to ADHD's effect on working memory; 2) Being late can happen despite efforts because of time blindness; 3) Diagnosis doesn't fix issues but aids in understanding and support; 4) Emotional overwhelm is common as ADHD affects emotional regulation; 5) Most ADHD hacks may not work long-term, highlighting the uniqueness of each individual's experience; 6) Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria is a real condition that intensifies feelings from social interactions; 7) Feeling stuck isn't laziness but rather an ADHD challenge. The author emphasizes self-compassion and the journey of understanding one's unique ADHD experience.
March 29, 2025 at 12:44 AM
dearadhdbrain.bsky.social
Hey ADHDer, are you overwhelmed? This might help.
Screenshot essay titled '5 Ways ADHDers Can Try to Stop Overwhelm (And Start Feeling Relief)' featuring text that discusses how ADHD overwhelm is more about feeling unable to complete tasks rather than the volume of tasks. It provides five key mindset shifts: 1. Be Nice (To Yourself!) - emphasizes self-compassion and positive self-talk. 2. Say No! - suggests evaluating personal capacity and visualizing assertiveness in saying no. 3. Do Nothing! - highlights the importance of rest for productivity. 4. Break it Down! - advises on tackling large tasks by identifying small steps. 5. Perfection (is impossible!) - encourages acceptance of imperfection and redefining success. The essay contains various tips for each mindset shift.
March 28, 2025 at 2:21 AM
dearadhdbrain.bsky.social
ADHDer, have you ever felt completely paralyzed by overwhelm?

Here's a 5-step rescue plan that actually helps.
A screenshot essay titled 'The Overwhelm Rescue Plan: 5 Steps ADHDers Can Use To Move Forward'. The essay provides a 5-step plan to help individuals with ADHD manage overwhelm. The steps include: 1. 'Dump your Swirling Thoughts' - encourages writing everything down to reduce mental clutter; 2. 'Group the Scattered Pieces' - emphasizes organizing and prioritizing tasks; 3. 'Turn Big into Manageable' - suggests breaking large tasks into smaller, easier steps; 4. 'Put Your Plan in Place' - advises creating a structured plan with support; 5. 'Jump in for Five' - recommends setting a timer for 5 minutes to start tasks easily. The essay concludes by reaffirming the commonality of overwhelm in ADHD and providing reassurance that these strategies are helpful.
March 27, 2025 at 12:46 AM
dearadhdbrain.bsky.social
You lost your job.
And with it, the people, the progress, the purpose.

Now you’re trying to “job search right”…
But what if that is what’s burning you out?
Screenshot essay titled '1 Major Shift ADHD Job Seekers Can Make to Avoid Burnout (Especially When You’re Tired of Trying So Hard)'. The essay discusses the challenges ADHD individuals face in job searching, emphasizing that losing a job is a major stressor. It contrasts the structured environment of previous jobs with the undefined nature of job searching, cautioning against the dangers of a relentless 9-5 hustle that can lead to burnout. The author advises shifting from measuring success by hours spent job hunting to focusing on energy management. Key points include identifying peak energy times for job search activities, recognizing what drains energy, and adapting strategies accordingly. The conclusion stresses that managing energy rather than tracking hours is crucial for sustaining the effort required in the job search marathon.
March 26, 2025 at 1:38 AM
dearadhdbrain.bsky.social
If ADHD was easy to explain, you wouldn't feel so misunderstood.
A screenshot essay titled '4 Hidden Battles: Understanding the ADHD Experience You Never See.' The text details the unseen struggles of individuals with ADHD, contrasting visible actions with the hidden emotional and mental efforts behind them. It describes how sensitivity is intensified by Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD), the challenge of being late despite setting multiple alarms, the deep thoughts that diverge during conversations, and the struggle with transitions that may appear as laziness. The essay emphasizes the importance of understanding ADHD beyond stereotypes and acknowledges the invisible effort put forth daily by those living with this condition.
March 25, 2025 at 12:52 AM
dearadhdbrain.bsky.social
ADHDers aren't broken.
The pressure to do more is.
Here's what you need instead.
Screenshot essay titled '7 Things ADHDers Need More Than Another Productivity Hack to Get Through Their Day,' featuring a reflective and supportive narrative on the challenges of living with ADHD in a culture that prioritizes productivity. The essay discusses the struggle with burnout and the overwhelming pressure to perform, emphasizing that more productivity hacks may not be the solution. It lists seven essential needs for individuals with ADHD: less pressure, permission to rest, celebrating small wins, recognizing self-worth beyond productivity, accepting difficulties with certain tasks, fostering kinder self-talk, and acknowledging that one doesn't need to be fixed. The author expresses empathy for the struggles faced and promotes a shift in approach from trying harder to trying differently.
March 23, 2025 at 6:11 PM
dearadhdbrain.bsky.social
If your brain is saying no, try giving it a reason to say yes.

- Interest
- Novelty
- Challenge
- Urgency
- Passion

Just one might be enough to get things moving.
Screenshot essay titled '5 Things to Try When Your ADHD Brain Says "Nope!"' discussing strategies to overcome inertia associated with ADHD. The body outlines 5 key concepts represented by the acronym INCUP: 'Interest' suggests making tasks more engaging with goals or rewards; 'Novelty' encourages changing environment or routine; 'Challenge' involves turning tasks into games; 'Urgency' wraps tasks within time constraints like inviting someone over; and ‘Passion’ stresses connecting tasks to personal motivations. The author concludes that these strategies can motivate individuals to start tasks without feeling overwhelmed.
March 22, 2025 at 10:06 PM
dearadhdbrain.bsky.social
Most ADHD advice is all tips, tools, and hacks.

But what really keeps people stuck?
The beliefs we hold about ourselves

This piece explores 5 common beliefs that make ADHD adults feel like they're always falling short, and the truths that deserve to take their place.
A screenshot essay titled '5 Beliefs Keeping You Stuck (That Most ADHD Advice Never Talks About)' discusses the limiting beliefs that individuals with ADHD often hold. The essay emphasizes that tools and strategies are not the only solution; rather, it is crucial to address these beliefs. It outlines five key beliefs: 1. 'I should be able to do this', warning against the harmful nature of the word 'should'. 2. 'Productivity = worth', asserting that worth is independent of productivity. 3. 'There is something wrong with me', clarifying that nothing is wrong, but rather, the world is not designed for neurodiverse individuals. 4. 'I just need to try harder', suggesting a need for different approaches to avoid burnout. 5. 'I am lazy', explaining that what is perceived as laziness is often exhaustion or dysfunction. The closing message encourages readers to let go of outdated beliefs and recognize their inherent worth.
March 22, 2025 at 12:04 AM
dearadhdbrain.bsky.social
Perfectionism doesn’t always look perfect.

Sometimes it looks like:
- Not starting
- Rereading emails 5x
- Redoing tasks that were already done

I thought I was just being careful. Turns out, I was stuck.

Here’s how I broke free:
A screenshot essay titled 'How I Escaped Perfectionism's Hidden Trap' discusses the author's journey overcoming perfectionism. The body text highlights how perfectionism manifested in the author's life through avoidance of new projects, excessive email editing, and task redoing. The narrative shifts as the author embraces art, transitioning from digital tools to more challenging mediums like pen and watercolor to confront the fear of imperfection. This revelation extends to other areas of life, leading to reduced overthinking in daily tasks like email sending. The essay emphasizes the powerful impact of accepting 'good enough' as opposed to perfection, resulting in significant personal transformation and newfound confidence in creativity and coaching.
March 21, 2025 at 12:29 AM
dearadhdbrain.bsky.social
Have an ADHD brain? You don't have to earn rest.

Constant mental noise, sleep struggles, brain overload, and task blocks. All reasons your ADHD brain deserves breaks without guilt.

You don't need to earn rest. You already deserve it.
A screenshot essay titled '4 Reasons Your ADHD Brain Doesn't Have to Earn Rest (So You Can Finally Drop the Guilt)' discusses the challenges faced by individuals with ADHD regarding the concept of rest. It highlights the following points: 1) The pressure ADHD brains experience from constant mental chatter and overstimulation, emphasizing the importance of taking pauses. 2) The difficulty ADHD individuals have with sleep, advocating for short rests during the day to regain energy. 3) The necessity of intentional downtime without the pressure of productivity to relieve mental strain. 4) The suggestion that rest can make challenging tasks more manageable by providing needed motivation. The conclusion reassures that rest doesn't need to be earned, but is a deserved necessity.
March 20, 2025 at 1:25 AM
dearadhdbrain.bsky.social
I've tried a lot of digital tools to support my ADHD brain. Most didn't stick.

These 3 have become my go-to sidekicks.

What are your favorite ADHD-friendly tools? I'd love to try them!
Screenshot essay titled '3 Digital Tools That Make Life With ADHD Easier' discussing three effective digital tools. The author emphasizes the value of a supportive system for managing ADHD. The tools include: 1) Endel, a music app tailored for ADHD, offering soundscapes for focus and relaxation; 2) Notes App, used for storing ideas and thoughts effortlessly across devices; and 3) Reminders App, preferred for scheduling tasks with calendar integration. The essay concludes with an invitation for readers to share their own ADHD-friendly tools.
March 19, 2025 at 1:13 AM
dearadhdbrain.bsky.social
I thought my ADHD diagnosis would solve everything. It didn't.

But something else did. It changed everything.
A screenshot essay titled 'What I Learned About ADHD (That Actually Helped)' discusses the author's late diagnosis of ADHD in their 30s and the struggles they faced, including forgetfulness, missed deadlines, and financial issues. The text reflects feelings of inadequacy and the desire to meet high expectations. The author highlights that their high expectations were detrimental rather than helpful. By learning about ADHD and adjusting their self-assessment standards, the author finds relief and begins to support their brain effectively, leading to a positive change in their life.
March 18, 2025 at 12:34 AM
dearadhdbrain.bsky.social
30 days. 30 essays. Sharing bite-sized essays about ADHD.

Whether you have ADHD yourself, or just want to learn more, I invite you to follow along.

#ADHD #neurodivergent #perfectionism #latediagnosis #antihustle
Screenshot essay titled 'Why I'm Starting To Write Online' depicting a personal narrative about joining the Ship 30 for 30 writing course by Dickie Bush & Nicolas Cole. The body includes three main reasons for this decision: 1) The author seeks to learn digital writing and share engaging content after a long hiatus from consistent writing. 2) The thrill of taking on a new challenge with accountability to inspire productivity related to their ADHD. 3) A desire to assist others coping with ADHD, stemming from a career change to coaching. The piece concludes with plans to discuss ADHD-related topics over the next 30 days.
March 16, 2025 at 5:22 PM