By Taylor Mann, Resident in Counseling
October is ADHD Awareness Month, a time to explore the diverse ways ADHD can affect people of all ages. This year’s theme, “Awareness is Key,” emphasizes the significance of understanding ADHD and its impact, allowing those affected to feel seen and supported.
One of the critical issues surrounding ADHD is the stigma, particularly for women. Many people don’t realize that ADHD manifests differently in various individuals. While ADHD is often associated with hyperactivity—traits typically more visible in boys—women often display symptoms that are less apparent, such as forgetfulness, distraction, and internalized feelings of inadequacy. As a result, women are frequently diagnosed later in life, sometimes after years of struggle without understanding the root cause of their challenges.
This delayed diagnosis contributes to a pervasive stigma around ADHD in women. Societal expectations often place pressure on women to appear organized and composed. When they struggle with tasks that seem simple to others, it can lead to feelings of shame and self-blame. Many women report feeling overwhelmed by the dual burden of managing ADHD symptoms and combating the stereotypes that label them as lazy or disorganized. This internalized stigma can have serious mental health implications, leading to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
Research indicates that women may have a higher prevalence of inattentive symptoms of ADHD, which are less likely to be recognized compared to hyperactive symptoms. These factors create a scenario where women may dismiss their struggles as personal failings rather than recognizing them as signs of ADHD. Furthermore, societal biases can lead healthcare providers and educators to overlook ADHD in women, focusing instead on the more well-documented symptoms in men.
Increased awareness is vital for changing the narrative around ADHD, especially for women. When we understand that ADHD is a lifelong condition that can look different from one individual to another, we create an environment that supports all individuals, regardless of gender.
#ADHDAwarenessMonth #ADHD #WomenWithADHD #MentalHealthAwareness #BreakTheStigma #AwarenessIsKey
#SupportADHD #ADHDEducation #EmpowerWomen
Sources:
• CDC – ADHD Across the Lifetime Partner Toolkit
• CHADD – ADHD Awareness Month