Could you have ADHD? Let’s breakdown the signs with Tracy Otsuka | Clutterbug Podcast # 203

ADHD is one of the most common neurological disor­ders in the world, yet a staggering 75 percent of girls and women remain undiagnosed. Symptoms look different in women (it looks like anxiety, depression and issues with work­ing memory, sleep, energy, and concentration), so many ADHD women are left to navigate a society that fails to understand their struggles and gifts.
Enter certified ADHD coach and podcast host ‪@tracyotsuka4796‬ . Armed with her experience coaching thou­sands of women, cutting-edge medical research, and personal insights from her own diagnosis, she offers hope for women with ADHD.
Learn more about Tracy and her new book ADHD for Smart Ass Women here: www.tracyotsuk...
You can find more Clutterbug content here:
Main KZbin Channel: @Clutterbug
Website: www.clutterbug.me
TikTok: / clutterbug_me
Instagram: / clutterbug_me
Facebook: / clutterbug.me
#clutterbug #podcast

[@tamarshugert4600]

I almost cried when you said that that "doc" said you were too successful to have ADHD. I work my butt off every second of every day to just keep my head above water. And to the outside it looks like I'm totally fine, when in actuality, I'm drowning.

[@SarahAnew]

Yep 😢😊

[@ChickPeaChannel]

It astounds me the horrid remarks doctors say in relation to mental health.

[@jd-um4jw]

The drowning. 💯

[@happyimpressions8902]

My whole life I have been told "people either LOVE you, or they HATE you." So, at 42 I have no close friends, and anxiety when it comes to trying to make friends as an adult.

[@iammybelovedslisajackson2758]

Me too

[@sarahgc434]

I had to check to make sure I didn’t leave this comment because I have been told the EXACT.SAME.THING. Sooooooooo many times. My response has always been, “Same.” (It’s my ADHD intuition, I can smell fake and bs like a shark can smell blood in the water!)

[@sarahgc434]

I don’t want to eat a frog. It’s the visual for me. I get the metaphor, however I then begin visualizing Kermit in a cereal bowl and want to cry, free the frogs! I have happily earned multiple Fs in many classes because no I cannot and honestly will not be cutting apart with the corpses of animals. No. Just unequivocal NOPE. First of all I like animals more than people and second just no. I was raised on a farm and I haven’t eat meat since like age 9- for obvious reasons. My uncle was very kind and understood my horror and worked very hard to be as delicate about “things” that occurred. However my gran was hard core and I never looked at her the same after the incident with the chicken.

[@BB-sk9hf]

As one of those 'inattentive' people, I can tell your guest that we don't have it as easy as she imagines. I have no working memory, suffer debilitating brain fog, and have never excelled, despite having a high IQ. My life has been hugely impacted by Inattentive ADD, and I wish I didn't have it 💔

[@6butterflywings6]

Yes! She made it sound rosy. Like we have friends? No. We just sit and LOOK like we fit in. People tell us their life stories and don’t want us to talk or connect. I hate my ADHD.

[@taraquo]

Same.

[@taraquo]

​@6butterflywings6 yeah people dump all their trauma on me, and I do listen and care, but know I could never share anything like that with anyone else. People have no time or capacity for that I guess.

[@HitherandYarn]

@@6butterflywings6 OMG I have this all the time. It's like they think I'm a big ear.

[@yourjourneyisnow]

May I ask if any doctor has discussed diet with you? I have found this to be a game changer. Processing, hidden ingredients, chemicals and dyes change your BRAIN. This is profound! Written With love.

[@ginac7235]

Just starting the video and had to take a moment to appreciate the squirrel on her shelf 🤎🐿️

[@emilypacheco2074]

My 8 year old daughter heard Tracy and said, “Wait! Does Cass have TRACY OTSUKA on her KZbin channel?!” We both have ADHD and listen to both of you. Feliz Navidad 🎄 from New Mexico where we actually got frost this morning.

[@findingaway5512]

I am excited too!!!!! 😊 Both such amazing strong role models. Love that your daughter is excited!!! Good job Mama!!! ❤❤❤

[@lpjohnson120]

Rejection sensitive dysphoria - I thought I was the only person in the world who avoids going to social events because I don’t sleep afterwards! I’m up rehashing every conversation, thinking “I’ll do better next time.” There is a name for this thing?

[@Ninishiningleaf]

I call it vulnerability hangover. Didn't know it actually had a psychological name.

[@dovaillancourt]

I wish I had known this while I was teaching and I wish I could open a Special school for extraordinary ADHD kids where they could choose what to study in a big proportion. When I taught, I used to allow kids to chose the way they were evaluated: I am a very creative person and I understand that kids put a lot of effort when they like what they do. So I would offer different ways of evaluation on a topic in science, my subject: making a game, doing a class, making a 3D model, making a song, a video, a puppet show, whatever the kids would like. It was a bit unconventional but the kids liked it and more important, learned for more than cramming for a test.

[@bevier8100]

Wish I had had you for a teacher!

[@rover790]

I am so pleased you dud that fir kids. Ten gold stars to you, as so many teachers cannot see how a different approach would help those kids that don't fit ❤

[@cherryb5008]

I’m crying listening to this because my thoughts and experiences were just validated for a whole hour, over and over again.

[@denisewhitney5926]

Thank you so much for this!!!! I worked as a receptionist in the 1980's (and I was in my early 20's) and had to take messages and write down people's names and phone numbers. I couldn't remember 7 digits to write it down on the "return call" slip. I had to have them give me the numbers 2 digits at a time. Talk about poor working memory! lol! People thought that I was an idiot, but it was just a bad job for me! OTOH, I could organize a band concert with 500 students, 7 teachers, 1500 family members in my 50's... because I loved it!

[@SoleSun80]

I listen to you talking about your experience and I relive what I went through with my adenomyosis diagnosis: the dismissal was huge ("hey it's normal you literally cannot walk for 2 days every month from the pain, unless you take enough painkillers to drop a horse. Stop bothering us"). And it's the same for endometriosis. For autism. For fibromyalgia. Women are dismissed, ignored, ridiculed all the time and it's so frustrating.

[@bellaluce7088]

PREACH! Thank god for the internet. I ended up doing a differential diagnosis on mySELF plus a master's degree worth of research to find answers and treatment because so many doctors blew me off. Turns out women with one of my conditions (hEDS) wait over eight YEARS longer on average than males for a correct diagnosis! : - ( A doctor even *falsified* my test results(!!!) (which thankfully his manager later verified were still in the blood pressure machine) *after* I told him an abnormal result would help me get help through an outside referral a panel of his colleagues had *already approved.* He referred me to a psychologist instead! > : - ( Bias is real and damaging and it needs to change!

[@bellaluce7088]

@@LovesChild316 So glad you found things that helped! Good for you for being persistent! 👏👏👏

[@HomesteadingChicks]

I’m in the same boat at 40 years old, 5 pregnancies later. All it took one one doctor who believed me and understood the symptoms. 5 minute phone call.

[@LulaMae21]

​@@bellaluce7088My sister dropped 30 pounds in a month and her provider pretty much shrugged and said "Meh. Anxiety." Turns out she had Median Arcuate (sp?) Ligament Syndrome, MALS, in addition to POTS and EDS. I got "lucky" in that a follow up ultrasound revealed a suspected large functional cyst to be in fact a large endometrioma-- just diagnosed this week. Yay?

[@heatherburrill]

I am so glad that you write this comment! It is so frustrating and disheartening when one is dismissed because the doctor, and/or because the general public does not understand. I wish people would believe people’s struggles and be curious about it rather than dismissing or casting negative judgement. They cannot realize the additional harm they are causing.

[@melaniehutchinson5306]

“Driveness is hyperactivity “ omg. I needed to see this today. I am Recently diagnosed and unmedicated. Thanks Cas and Tracy.

[@Tkyle5127]

I am a PMHNP and this hits home. I have colleagues who will NOT treat adults who clearly have ADHD. What?!! Does ADHD magically disappear at age 18? Some insurance companies will not pay for medication after age 18! I get incredibly frustrated with the stigma and misinformation that surround this issue. Females push hard to get through these symptoms! Thank you for raising awareness!!

[@imnnai9454]

Just a thought… Maybe we’re normal? And It’s boring or annoyed people that might need meds??? 🤣

[@meaghanstipkovich6570]

Thank you for bringing attention to this! Diagnosed @37. Was told by female psychologist, after taking neuropsych test and checking off almost every ADHD symptom, "You have four young kids and a high IQ, so I think you have really high expectations for yourself. It's probably anxiety." 🤯 Thankfully, my GP knew to put me on Ritalin. Was like putting on a pair of glasses for the first time. Now I don't lock myself out, lose my keys, my phone or other really important things, get myself to places on time and can keep my house relatively under control.

[@WriterOfMany]

Cas, I just wanted to say that it makes me so sad to hear people have called you annoying and "too much" your whole life. (I don't want you to stop talking about your experiences! That's not what I'm saying) I'm saying I feel such empathy for you that even as a small child you had such hurtful things said to you. Find your people. A lot of my friends have ADHD and we just found each other naturally (before half of us even knew we had ADHD). We understand our weird minds. Please don't smother your light. Just be you, Cas, and the right people will come to you naturally as well ❤❤❤

[@sarahnader3146]

Ugh! I can remember in 2nd grade doing exactly what you described. I was in my own world and my teacher called on me. I had no idea what she was talking about or what she wanted from me. 😢 It was embarrassing and I'm almost 40 still thinking about this moment.

[@kellyv9523]

Have you heard of the Holderness Family? They have a book coming out called “ADHD Is Awesome” it’s about thriving while having adhd. Penn Holderness has been diagnosed with adhd for quite awhile and he talks a lot about the stigma around it and how he uses adhd as a tool for success rather than a hindrance. They talk a lot about it on their podcast and it has come up in some of the comedy videos they post as well. 😊

[@carlyfagnant9699]

Loved this episode so much! @Cas, if you haven’t already discovered Elyse Myers, she is another ADHD creator I think you would like! What you say at 19:50 sparked this idea, when you said you would try to make yourself less.😢 Elyse has a saying of “If I’m too much… go find less”. No need to make yourself less- they can eff off. We love you Cas! ❤

[@lisarussellrealtor]

This has been me all my life. It’s so sad. I went through thinking I was stupid. I did awful in my school work. But my parents knew I didn’t have a learning disability. But I was tested for it. I was called too hyper, fidgety, anxious, too sassy, too bossy and my teachers said I was too sassy. I was always in trouble for talking and never did my home work! This podcast is MY LIFE! It’s sad. But I guess it’s good to know that there was a reason for it. No one knew how to help me. I have a story and am learning so much now in my 40s. But unfortunately my parents and more importantly my dad are no longer with me. So I cannot call him to tell him. I can finally explain it because I know he tried so hard to help me. But this is all so informative. I feel like it’s gotten worse as I’ve gotten older.

[@beckyb8808]

Baby steps on exercising all of a sudden! I did 3 min for 3 days. 5 min, for 3 days, then 10 for several days -took me awhile to get to 30 min but because of the small daily goals I got that "I did it" dopamine effect each day without getting discouraged and giving up cause I couldnt do 30 min all at once. Also found that the "Grease" soundtrack is great to workout to as it has upbeat and slower songs so you can vary your pace. Lol, and once you're in shape you can belt out the songs while you work out. May even be able to draw your daughters in if willing to take turns choosing the music.

[@messily1456]

Yes! Consistency is the win!

[@rover790]

Love this suggestion, I could do it this way to get started. Thanks

[@andreac333yt]

Keep being "EXTRA", Cas! We love who you are!

[@amywjn]

Thank you for talking about working memory; it is debilitating. Not sure if I have adhd, but I definitely have memory issues. Looking back I can see all the coping mechanisms I have set up. After menopause & c19 & 💉 it got worse & I thought I was getting dementia.

[@susaninden6268]

I lucked out with both my kids. They had a neuro atypical kindergarten teacher, so i was informed early. Not early enough, but definitely sooner than most. And i think they inherited it from both my husband and I. We are not diagnosed, but it wasn't much done 60 years ago.

[@amielibby1491]

I am a teacher with ADHD. I would never expect kids to sit still. In my class we play and dance. One day my Principal told me my students consistently do better in standardized tests year after year. She asked why. It is because sitting still sucks and not having fun is boring. We can learn without sitting still.

[@kgummee]

I just adore you Cass. It breaks my heart that you were told that you were annoying and made to feel that you are weird. Of course I am totally adhd myself.

[@SarahAnew]

Breaks my heart too. My daughter is hyperactive and yeah it’s a lot. I’m sad for this narrative that she is already encountering. But I am heartened by the fact that as imperfect as I am, she still considers me her safe person. 💖 I wish everyone who experiences this has a safe person. It’s hard. And then to be so sensitive (rsd).

[@barbanderson4745]

Hahahaha I can completely relate to the "what was I just saying?". But for real, the working memory issues are so real for me. Thank you for sharing your experiences.

[@findingaway5512]

Never be less Cas! I love the person you are!!! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@bellaluce7088]

Yes to this one million times! You rock AS-IS, Cas!!!!! 🤩

[@jeanniebeans]

I love how they are showing the issues right on the podcast!

[@violetschuster197]

Thank you thank you thank you!!! This podcast was so amazingly awesome! I cried. I laughed. Especially when Tracy was making a point of connection and then lost her thought!!! LOL. That’s me all the time. I can relate to everything you were both talking about. I’ve never officially been diagnosed but it’s crystal clear I have ADHD. When my oldest son was diagnosed about thirty years ago, I remember sitting there thinking “ wait a minute, I am and have and struggle with all of the problems the child psychologist was mentioning!” So very glad I watched this podcast Cas. I’ve watched you for years now and follow your KZbin channel. Keep doing what you’re doing and just be you. If people find you a bit much sometimes, maybe they need the meds and not you! LOL. 😎🤗👍🏻

[@BruceDavis-cq6nw]

I have cried out to the Lord….”I’m a B- in a TYPE A WORLD!” Love hearing from you Cass, Love Barb D ❤

[@tinahyatt1722]

I love Tracy and listen to her podcast regularly. I had asked about it at my provider and then ran across her podcast and there was an episode where she describes what adhd looks like in women. No wonder my physicians missed it. Thank you, Cas, for always advocating for us adhd'ers. Two of my favorite ladies in one episode

[@trishferrer8209]

I was diagnosed with ADHD at age 40, too. I am 64 now, and it does not get better w/age. I had gone to see a therapist, because, at age 40, I thought there must be something horribly wrong w/me, and I needed to get to the bottom of it, and DO something... anything! Never did ADHD enter my mind, because we (the general public) were told that only boys have this, and they grow out of it by the age 18. NO ONE mentioned anything about ADHD in adulthood! I am SO thankful for you two young ladies, and now I'm going to listen to the rest of the podcast (video). I'm only 11 minutes into it, and had to comment already. Lol

[@sherilgreen7495]

At the age of 85 I stumbled on a Utube channel called "How to ADHD. She was reading her followers description of their symptoms. They were describing me. It explains a great deal. When I mentioned my belief that I had ADHD I got the preliminary dementia test. After 3 such tests I was sent to a neurologist who sent me to a psychologist who gave me the full dimentia test. She concluded that I didn't have dementia but she didn't think l had ADHD either. Just some kind of anxiety. The neurologist prescribed an anti anxiety drug. Turned me into a zombie. Needless to say I didn't take it for long. I have the inattentive, impulsive kind. Have confirmation from a retired nurse who is the mother of a woman who had ADHD and is on medication and from my next door neighbor who told me he knew I had it when we first met. I didn't know it I had it yet. Been scatterbrained all my life. But I love learning so I did pretty well in school. However I have always had trouble making friends. The friends l have are few but are very good friends. Love Cass. Am a bee with butterfly tendencies. Will be looking for your podcasts.

[@hellomrsjacobsen]

It's kind of a mean joke to literally have a squirrel in the background distracting ADHD folks coming here to watch this podcast 😅

[@emilyboggess4426]

😂

[@sg3252]

Cass, look and see if you can get your daughter a neuropsychological evaluation done by a neuropsychologist. They will be able to properly diagnose your daughter. O had one done for my daughter and found out that not only did she have ADHD, but she also had two learning differences/disabilities. The neuropsych evaluations take several hours, but I think they are so helpful because they test for so many things.

[@wongmusicmakers]

Wow. I just signed up for Cas’ Clutterbug Course and then I listened to this… I relate! No wonder I haven’t been able to keep the fort at home. Driven is a form of hyper-activity. Wow! Feeling like I could be so much more. I’m there!!! Very educational and impactful info. 🙏

[@smellthelemons]

I was officially diagnosed with ADHD at 29. An entire lifetime of being told "you have anxiety and depression" plus having had tried 5+ antidepressants, nothing ever seemed to help. I am a physician assistant working in orthopedic surgery and I LOVE my work. I feel my ADHD has helped greatly in my ability to be a good provider, in that I focus extremely well when I see my 20 patients a day, but when I sit down to do the documentation? It is like pulling teeth to complete. Last year, after hitting one of the lowest parts of my life, I finally started ADHD meds and it has been life changing. I had never been so calm in my life. The quiet in my brain was almost overwhelming because I had never experience this. I cried that first day just from the surprise of how I felt. For me, the struggle with school never started until I started my master's program and I would have to have headphones and staring into the wall to do tests. I still to this day never "relax". I am always doing something and feel guilty when I am not doing my list of tasks I think I should be doing. Also, the weird sensitivities to clothes, touch, texture. Thank you for this podcast!!!

[@dianasimplifies]

I haven't been diagnosed but I diagnosed myself (LOL) and mine didn't start til after I received my bachelors. I would have never gotten that degree with ADHD. So glad it waited! I def know it's related to hormones. I can't sit still and like you I feel like I always need to be doing something. I used to be an avid reader. Once I hit about 25 years old, it was a struggle to get into any books. 😮

[@lauralaforge558]

​@@dianasimplifiesif you didn't have ADHD as a child, you don't have ADHD as an adult. You could have something else.

[@dianasimplifies]

@@lauralaforge558 that's actually not true. Hormonal changes can set it off. I could have had it but it wasn't showing up as a child as hyperactive.

[@lauralaforge558]

@@dianasimplifies it's in the diagnostic criteria. you are kind of changing your story though. My ADHD wasn't diagnosed because I did well in school and maybe bc I am female. But looking back, it's so clearly evident.

[@dianasimplifies]

@@lauralaforge558 all I know is Cas had a show on a few months ago that resonated with me and the lightbulb went on. I don't think anyone could convince me I don't have it at this point but you can obviously think whatever you want about the situation. It also runs in my family which I understand is a big thing. I've only started listening and studying up on it within the last year so I don't know all the "rules" and the correct things to say or not say. Anyway it doesn't matter. I have no interest in taking meds at this point. I've learned hacks along the way to deal with all the issues it was causing me. Have a great day.

[@melissasue3328]

this is so relatable. i just want to burst into tears

[@nightpanther1527]

A few months ago I started suspecting I have ADHD and I shared that with a coworker. I told him I checked a list of symptoms and I had 90% of them. A few days later I saw him again and he goes: I told my wife you think you have ADHD and she said you don't. His wife is a baker and has no medical training whatsoever and I've never met her in my life 😂😂😂

[@jessicaleighdargaclark4536]

Cass! Turn on music and dance around the house while you get dressed and get ready for the day!! Or maybe yoga or tai chi?

[@Kay-Living-my-Way]

I really liked this podcast. In fact, I watched it twice. Your comment that you could not have ADHD because you were successful really hit me. A person in my life has a serious mental illness and was told they could not be suicidal because they were too happy. Both statements are so untrue! I want to investigate this information more. I am 71, but have had several of these symptoms all my life. I have been shy and do not like being in groups, but I also have an MBA, worked and raised a family. After I interact with other, my mind always goes over what I did and said as to what was wrong or should not have done..

[@mariarooney6262]

I’m turning 70 this month and thought about adhd, but never had it diagnosed only anxiety and depression. After listening to this, I know for sure I am ADHD and have always wondered. In looking at my family, it’s everywhere and lives have been destroyed because of it on one end and perfection on the other. I can relate 100% to Tracy. Hanks for this podcast. I will continue listening and will get Tracy’s book. Yes, of course, it’s all individual. We are originals. Thank you so much for this information that will contribute to my lifelong health.❤️ ps why do we have to be labeled? Can we realize what’s being a label, do what others are saying it is, do it and not broadcast it, because of others judging us. Pride goes before a fall and j have been prideful in my life, realizing it too late. I was trained to be “perfect”, probably to make up for my mothers not knowing she had ADHD, never heard of that 100 years ago.

[@LulaMae21]

I was the inattentive dreamer whose mind always wandered off very quickly, but I made excellent grades most of the time so I guess no one suspected a problem. I haven't been diagnosed but a checklist of inattentive ADHD in women reads like an autobiography lol.

[@dianasimplifies]

Same! Straight A student!

[@dotcassilles1488]

I feel like this story is mine. I was the quiet, shy, "good girl" because I loved reading and learning. I love stories and using my imagination, doing crafty projects like beading, crochet, longstitch, diamond paintings, etc At school I always had a book to read. In high school some of my teachers would give me a list of questions to answer or projects to research and I would go to the library and work by myself. If I finished the work I could read or do homework from the other subjects. I didn't fit in with the girls who were my classmates, I was a "tomboy" and not interested in makeup or the latest fashion trends. Most of the boys were my mates. I played rugby league with the boys (no girls team so I joined the boys team) and ended up joining the Australian army cadet corps for a couple of years. Then at 14 I joined a volunteer emergency service to help my community, out of school hours. I had all the qualifications and many years of experience as I volunteered for more than half my life so far. I worked in many jobs and loved my last job working at a childcare with children 6 weeks to 5 years old. I studied university by distance learning and almost finished my Bachelor of Environmental science with a major in environmental rehabilitation. If im interested I'm all in to get it done, if I'm not interested then I'm not going to get it done or not as quickly.

[@sarahgc434]

Cass! Me too! I have heard so many of the same things! “Do you ever shut up?””You are so annoying?” “Why are you so weird?”” What are you even saying?””Calm down. Sit down. Shut up.””You are so extra.””Go away,no one likes you, you’re so annoying.” ❤

[@carolinebronkhorst582]

That frog thing! Everyone tells you to eat the frog. But the dopamine building activities make so much more sense for me!

[@sarahnunne8923]

I’ve been so tired about hearing about ADHD and was resistant to this (I’ve hacked myself to death this past year), but I needed a body double that wouldn’t distract my cleaning. I laughed out loud so many times and felt so validated listening to this. I’m almost done with a masters in special education and have done so much with my inattentive ADHD. But I still feel like I’m failing others and myself. Thank you for the reminder that this is a symptom. I can’t wait to learn more from Tracy. Also Cass thank you for your guidance on body doubling, and on your “make it pretty” brain breaks. In one day I emptied and reorganized my spare bedroom/office, and most of the extra is already in the basement instead of the living room!

[@hcmangs3634]

So validating and supportive!! Father who got PhD in psychology intensely told me at age 36 that I don’t had adhd, after struggling with all those same things whole life , seeing countless psychologists, self help, high anxiety and could not understand until I saw a dr Oz episode and I checked every single box of the entire checklist, then looked back at a aptitude test I took at 24 that I scored off charts in ideagrapgoria & the test instructor noted I may have add & to look into it, even with all that my dad (actually both parents) were insistent, caught me on it. They gaslit me to nth degree (realized father is also a narc, so explains a lot).

[@lisavanderhoof]

I'm with Cass on the exercise. I'm not a morning person and don't have energy until the afternoon and I can't exercise in the morning to save my life. I've found exercise at night works for me though. It helps so I'm not anxious when I try to go to sleep because I'm more awake at night and can't shut off my brain.

[@dianasimplifies]

I prefer to exercise later in the day too.

[@Mayfrancisxavier]

Hey Cass. This is the story of my life and I know that daily exercise is the key to my happiness. Once, I was at a proper weight for about a year and it felt great and I've been struggling every single day to get back into that routine. It's been over 20 years. For a while now I've been wondering how to incorporate everything I have learned about hoarding, minimalism, organisation etc. into having a healthy lifestyle, not just in decluttering my home but also my brain from putting off healthy eating and exercise. Tracey today has sparked a little lightbulb in the 25 min @ 70% heart rate idea but I feel that somehow Decluttering, Minimalism, Organisation, ADHD and Healthy Living/Weight Control are all one package that i need to sort out before I'll ever be able to commit to daily exercise to help with my ADHD, home and family.

[@angelas.goodman9891]

Thank you, Cass, again. Yes, friends are attracted at first, then they drop away, or I do. Relationships are so hard to maintain!

[@StarrREVA]

Back in the 90's, I was teaching Children's Ministry and took a class on working with children with ADHD. The interesting point I got from that, was that girls were often undiagnosed because they tended to learn coping skills to deal with it. It is great that more women are talking about ADHD and helping to bring it to the attention so that younger girls can get help earlier.

[@Ninishiningleaf]

The pattern of compounding dopamine until 2pm when there is a big boost of dopamine. This is the pattern of my whole life. The 2pm joy and feeling normal and the daily effort to get there.

[@lorimoulton17]

Dr.Amen said some of his entrepreneur patients take medication when they need to focus on tasks, but not when they want to be creative.

[@rxanmurray]

My Dr. Told me that I have made it this far in life without medication, we agreed. But I had no idea what I was saying. I’m reaching and listening more and more about ADHD, and now I can see I am not what I thought I was … normal😢. I struggle the older I get, my husband thinks my clutter is awe full and “ no one lives like this😢” .. I am not hoarding but I feel like it. I lack organizational skills, and can’t remember anything 5 mins after I’ve been told? I’m getting sick to my stomach the more I learn.🥺

[@DezRaii17]

I think this was the conversation Cas needed for exercise. It's been a consistent area that she's talked about in her episodes and now she has some light

[@Sincerely_SweetAesthete]

I just subscribed to her podcast, I almost have tears because while I was diagnosed over 10 years ago, still the things she was saying were so touching because it was like she was talking about my life. Thank you ladies! 🤗💗

[@JoanneWhitlock]

Brilliant, stopped the podcast to do an online test after meaning to do it for a couple of years. Lots of aha moments too. Interestingly I recorded my own podcast, after a year of procrastinating and beating myself up, the other day and said exactly what she said about potential and feeling like I’ve not come close to it. Not sure where I heard the idea but the way I got to starting and hitting record is I wrote down a question with my right hand (dominant) and replied writing in my left . Was almost child like in the answer and just said, too many steps and too complicated to start. So I made a super simple plan. Going to do the same now with exercise cause I’ve been talking (thinking ) myself out of that too. Wondering if music maybe be a part of the answer, hmmmmmmmmmm …… off to overthink things …… thanks both of you for the podcast. And yes, preordered the book.

[@denisetymensky8922]

This is such an eye opening video. Thank you! I am not diagnosed but was told unless I wanted medication I didn’t need testing. I tried lemon balm one day. I made 2 pints of lemon balm tea and after drinking the second one my mind was calm. I WAS SO SCARED! I didn’t know what it felt to not have a noise constant going brain. Give it a try. Might work for some?

[@sonjaclive9585]

Please please do a 10 day exercise with me video challenge! It would so fun to go through the morning suckiness with you!

[@daisygillespie2125]

I've learned a lot from this podcast. I'm on sertralen it helps but not very much. I'm trying to find a way to drive again. Dr said I'm anxious and some depression. I do try to exercise but I'm not good at it to do every day.

[@jovitahaynes7099]

Just wow! I’m definitely sharing this with one of my friends I grew up with. And let her know that this is us! Thank you for bringing hope to my life and will be looking into wholistic care first and then man made medicine last. I won an award in math class for being the head in the clouds . 😶‍🌫️ lol

[@andreaodell8769]

I walk on the treadmill while I watch you and Dawn and Dana! But in addition to ADHD, there’s arthritis, bursitis and osteopenia. I walk before work. It makes such a huge difference! I also take Paxil which helps me feel like myself. I have a very laid back husband. He thinks I’m the greatest housekeeper of all time. NOT! But thank you! Tracy is really right about excercise first thing!

[@helenaquin1797]

I have RLS and chronic pain issues, especially upper thoracic pain. I walk with my pups for about an hour, an hour and ten, and I can then go hours without needing to constantly rub my back to settle the pain. It's also a big mood booster. I can see Cas' bubbly nature effervescing into the stratosphere if she were to exercise, ha~!🙏

[@summerbaby4600]

My son is that student sitting in the back of the classroom. He is sitting and quiet. But just can’t focus and remember. He struggles big time😢

[@AutumnMoonArt]

People loving that you’re so exciting is a cultural thing. I’m not very OTT but I can be blunt or talk a lot or loose my filter in excitement. In the U.K, OTT people are less favoured than in USA. So I tend to repel people and it’s made for a very lonely life now in my 50s. On a positive note - I see my adhd as my superpower. My ability to juggle so many responsibilities & my creativity knows no bounds.

[@IamTheMom]

I love this episode so much! I was diagnosed with adhd at 38 and it explains a lot! I struggled in school until high school when I could chose music as a major then I was suddenly a genius 😂 I also have this thing that women either love me of hate me, idk why but maybe some ca’nt handle the ”too much” thing about me. I now work at a adhd clinic and I totally found the right place for me. The patients love that I can relate to them, especially the mothers since I am a single mom of four and still manage to keep them all alive and keep a job. Is it easy to organise all my kids stuff? No but I have worked out a way to make it work and I share that with our patients and they love it! I also think my youngest son has adhd. He struggles in school and feels like he is dumb, but he can read and study about whatever he is interested in at the time and he is brilliant! He is so smart, he is just not made for the square school system we have. ❤ Sending lots of love to all adhd women and children out there ♥️♥️♥️🌸

[@blanca2301]

I was diagnosed 2 years ago. I have the combo type. I was always very hyper, loved talking (and fast), was told I had a reading disability, couldn’t focus on boring things. Now it all makes sense! Btw, my desk was in the hall as well! LOL

[@Living_skelly]

I've been drug addiction since 14, and I'm 37 now, but I've always been able to deal with everyday life, and without IT, I couldn't get out of my head. I don't use it now, but I've been living my dream life. But having the hardest time with doing a little bit of everything until about a month ago when I find your youtub Channel and it taught me a lot thank you so much I would love to get to know you guys and figure out more things about this😢😊❤

[@Living_skelly]

I wish I was told about this when I was younger. My life could have been better..😢

[@jackvotes24]

I am there with you Case on exercise. It actually makes me ill.

[@lindamcadarra402]

Wow! She’s gonna change more lives! How about both of you!!! Are gonna change more lives !!!❤❤❤ Come on, you get through to us more than she ever could ❤

[@theclutterbee-itchwitch]

I went for a diagnosis, I had to have a phone call with a mental health nurse who was suppose to fill in the forms. She stated you don't have ADHD because you haven't been in prison and it'll be a waste of time filling in these lengthy forms. Not only have I scored high on 5 different adhd diagnosis things online I filled in a psychologists form for Autism and I scored 215 out of it. I think it was around 240/250. I never considered I had autism, I filled it in after my sister sent it to me. I'm 47 next month.

[@lindaaphillippi7015]

I love this woman’s hair and her overall style!❤

[@tamraaustin3894]

That breaks my ❤ for you Cass! You are amazzzzzing! As a fellow ADHDer I love being around others with ADHD! We are fun, quirky, interesting and funny!

[@staff2thecats]

Fantastic interview. I will definitely be following Tracy now, too. Your interviews are always the best. It was actually your interview with Dr. Heather Brannon that gave me my ah ha moment and changed my life. Thank you.

[@findingaway5512]

Fantastic interview! Are you going on her podcast too? I would love that!!!! Her listeners wiuld definitely benefit from your tips and organizing styles. A lot of organizers arent made for ADHD folks.

[@denisewagner9876]

Diagnosed at age 64, I had to give myself time to be angry and to grieve for my past self. Now, being on medication, working with a therapist, and listening to people like you have helped me to have a more positive outlook and work toward a more manageable life!

[@dawnjeffersramstad8401]

❤❤❤ Great interview! And it is so nice to know I have peeps.

[@LovesChild316]

Yep we are a tribe!

[@monicacreates]

My husband has ADHD and our seven children all have ADHD and/or autism and let me tell you, it is an interesting life... They are for sure not the same and each are working on figuring out how to handle life. My husband has the hardest time, probably because of growing up in caos with a mother with ADHD and his father leaving when he was an infant. My youngest had exactly the same experience as Tracy's son with medication, it has tought him how to be and what to do and now he doesn't use it anymore. I'm probably the one knowing most about ADHD in our family because of wanting to understand all these people! 😅

[@anstriagreenwood3365]

That's so gratifying to hear - that ADD stimulant medication is calming. My doc gave me Concerta. It made me drowsy and sedated, calm. She said it was a stimulant and wasn't supposed to work that way. Then she gave me Vyvanse - same thing. It was like taking Valium. So she upped the dose. I was even more drowsy and sleepy in the daytime but couldn't sleep at night until dawn. However I could focus on one thing at a time for the first time in a very long time. I don't like taking it at all, but it does calm crazy quilt of ideas and perceptions. With all the coping strategies I am learning on here I want to ask her to withdraw it. The higher the dose of stimulant, the sleepier I become and that's insane.

[@QUEENVALDJON]

This Was The Best for Us Female ADHD 💝🙋‍♀️💖💖❤️‍🩹💝💞👍👍🏽👍🏿👍🏻👍🏾👍🏽🙋🏽‍♀️🙋‍♀️

[@childensstorytime]

I have been diagnosed with Asperger’s but very attentive so higher level. Interest thrive in positive emotiom

[@bumblebee_ms]

Tracy Otsuka, you killed it. what an inspiration and a ball of laughs.

[@unboundbytiffany]

Hahah love it! I listen to tracey all the time, its awesome to see her in video! And you both together? Awesome! Nicely done lovelies.

[@jobarkow763]

I watched this episode about a month ago and speaking with a friend I started looking into if I have ADHD and the more I listen the more I learned that I do believe I have this - I went for a visit to my doctor who specialized is senior health (who is over 65 anyway) and I mentioned I thought I had ADHD and she basically snapped back at me that it has to be diagnosed before the age of 12 (which in my mind being female at age 67 they weren't diagnosing girls then) and that I only wanted "speed pills" (she said medical name for it) - that so many people come in saying they have ADHD just so they could get the meds - she recenly had an 80 year old come in for that reason - I explained to her that I didn't want the meds cuz I was finding ways to work around it - just to let her know what I had learned cuz I was so excited to find out why I was the way I was (I was also married to a narcissist which did't help any either) BUT when I was a kid I would "daydream" which is what the teachers would say, I was also distracted but when I needed to get something done I could concentrate big time - I was a solid "B" student - my mom would say to people that I could bring home a stack of books and study and study ...... but I was still a B student - that it was hard for me - but my brother had been a "D" student until the 4th grade when he was diagnosed w/dyslexia and all of a sudden he was straight A's and didn't hardly have to study - that was frustrating for my mom - my husband passed away in 2020 and I'm finally able to see what's been going on with me all my life - there are many other problems I'm working on including "time management" which is a biggie for me - I just subscribed to Dr's channel and will be listening to her podcasts for now - reading her book just doesn't fit in right now - but you have become my favorite channel about cluttering (and other things) I tried for 2 years to clean up and declutter (part of that was depression (which I have been diagnosed with a long time ago)) but the visible clutter in my house has been taken care of - next is drawers and such - and my energy level starts in afternoon also and runs thru the evening - but the more I learn the better I am so I wanted to personally thank you for all that you have done - not only for me but also for others

[@DezRaii17]

I love this ADHD section starting at around 24:10!!! Her brain was going so fast and the thoughts/words kept leaving. I feel so validated!!!

[@nikkiguy87]

This whole podcast had me in tears. My whole life I was told I'm anxious and depressed, overthinking, and extra. This is exactly how I feel on the inside. The hardest part is the over emotional side and the way my partner feels regarding the way my brain works. He thinks I don't care or don't listen. I just can't focus or can't remember anything. It's a struggle. What's crazy is I am an ER RN and I get praise at work, but never at home. This gives me so much relief and inspiration. I seriously needed this in my life..🥲🥰

[@glendatroutman474]

Thank you both for this conversation. I have recently learned that I have ADHD when my 8 year old daughter was diagnosed. I'm still in the process of thinking about whether I need an official diagnosis for myself.

[@uberbonsmellowadventures8204]

You’re amazing, Cass! Your ADHD makes you one of the best KZbinrs and you’ve made decluttering and cleaning fun! (I’ve avoided house work until now and I’m older than you. It was all or nothing which was horrible). But exercise keeps me sane with my sedentary job. I shouldn’t say exercise. More like intensive physical play. Do something fun!! Do you like to dance badly in your house? Loud music and dance cleaning. Or the “just dance” video game (omg so fun). KZbin videos. You don’t need a gym. Or major equipment. I roller skate in the house (wear all the pads!), do handstands (this took years but the head rush is worth it) and hike when I have time. Ooh and my standing desk w a little stepper from Amazon w music for really boring computer stuff. Anything is better than nothing! I mean don’t do it Cass!! Don’t exercise, it’s horrible and you can’t do it! Love you from afar.

[@happyonthehomefront4317]

I love this! I’m always “extra,” and high achieving in my interests, very very driven, and have always had trouble sleeping, I don’t sit still or even sit down! I love everything! I’m very impulsive in certain areas, and always feel like I could be doing things better.

[@ArtistCreek]

Why do i suddenly feel heard.😊 I am incredibly sensitive and I like cass always was told i am too much, too loud, talk too much..so it caused me to shrink. I had a hard time making friends, I didnt want to. Who wants to make a friend and then be pushed away be told oh no you are just too much to handle. I STILL am like that. I have very few friends. Its a protective thing. I got thru nursing school by making a million notes, color coded, and drew pictures to study. And i did well.. It wasnt hard once i figured out the best way for me to learn. My hardest class was nutrition because its mostly memorization. Ive always had a terrible memory. Now add in menopause and my memory is GONE. 100X worse. I am having a real hard time managing now but i thought i had it figured out. I agree with the exercise. I hate exercissse but ive never regretted working out but i donr do it often. Im a night owl too. I start cleaning or laundry at 10pm! I easily stsy up til 3am just doing things normal people do at like 2pm. I need to find a dr like Tracy. I'm going to do it.

[@sonjawinkler6023]

❤❤❤❤ We love you Cas!❤❤❤❤ THANK YOU FOR THE 🤯 @ 24:44!

[@0nly0NE.]

There is not a single thing I enjoy doing in the morning that could motivate me to exercise. I hate mornings. And when I do exercise in the morning, I spend the next four hours struggling to stay awake and don't regain any energy until the afternoon. Exercising after lunch is so much better. Not having to wake up until after 10 am is even better than that.

[@ameleh61]

I exercise at night, on a rowing machine, and no other people on a screen. No thank you!! There's no shortage of things to watch and listen to, just make a deal with yourself, no binging without exercise or stretching.

[@naturalhealingmoment]

Cassie this was awesome. I've always felt my brain is A.D.H.D. and I've been told, I am the smartest under achiever. I'm gonna get her book. Thank you both

[@naturalhealingmoment]

... Also , cassie , I understand how much you hate exercise period and this will sound a little woo woo to quote you . But I have learned through focusing an emotional release that I can free up the energy and get myself to love exercise. I've been doing so much clearing work and as I clear my AD HD seems to be more and more apparent. Although I call it O CD period LO. Well, I'm talk texting now. Because apparently I do 4 things at once all the time period But I just wanted you to know that as much as you used to hate house cleaning and now you love it and you're addicted to it, and it's made your life so much better, I think the exercise piece is just yet another portion of your reprogramming your brain and aligning yourself. With that better and better knew you period I just wanted you to know how much I would love to this podcast and how much I appreciate your work. It is truly helped me in many ways here. I am a healer, and yet I'm getting help and healing from a person who specializes in organizing period that's pretty awesome and very A. D. D thanks

[@tanjaaufdermaur9468]

You two really hit it off!!! 😄😄😄😄😄 I'm probably the other type HSP with lots of anxiety and other things (less action a lot of overthinking and feeling stuck). In the mornings I have several alarms to get me out of bet and moving and leaving the house on time. I don't lose things and usually I know my schedule. But on my way back home from work I remember things/steps I probably forgot and have to write notes to check on it for the next day (newish job). I'm easily overwhelmed with crowds and noises like going to the busy mall😱😨😰. I don't really need a shopping list with food sensitivities it's the staples and literally the same every time and I know what I have at home. For me Kundalini yoga (with yogi gems, i like her and it's really doable AND you can move your arms the next day!!!!😅😅😅 There are others!!!😱), you can do it on your bed in the morning. My days are a lot better "WHEN😂" I do it even just a short 10min session! It's essentially breath and movement. I started with vital or healing mushrooms (not the psychedelic) ones and I feel a lot better, especially lion's mane helps the brain and focus a lot. Yeah life is a journey we all try to figure out😅😅😅. And now I'm really motivated to finally read "scattered minds" by Gabor Maté.

[@purple289]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am not through [at 20:23] with this but had to stop a couple of times so far..@56 I am hearing what my life has been about... THANK YOU for this one BEST CHRISTMAS DAY EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!......back to listening - Just finished SO on her website and again Thank you CAS for being YOU!..Thank you both for helpng me truely SEE "MY_SELF" for hearing how you are and I remember I was that way I was the excited pumped up person who was happy and singing and dancing and and and but now I dont remember when that all changed. Today I will start to figure that out and maybe start to excersie in am too. Thank You Thank you and Happy Boxing Day, Cas!!!!

[@sellmav]

Making a 52 minute video for ADHD people…. Thanks a lot 😢

[@rosalux6616]

I love and appreciate this so much 💓 im constantly breaking out in song and dance 💃 randomly. I work so hard to mask it when not around loved ones. No wonder why I'm so exhausted. Love love love this so much thanks to both Cas and the guest ❤️ 💕 💙 💖 💗 ♥️ ❤️ 💕 💙 💖 💗

[@stephaniehunter0]

This is just wow! I am so informed and thankful for this conversation.

[@Medina323]

😥 I ve been dealing with this my entire life. I’m just knowing why 😢 this is so sad that we don’t really know our struggles

[@HitherandYarn]

I'll have to start watching Tracy. When I was young I had an excellent memory and got nearly straight A's except for math. I never studied and didn't know how to. But, I was "odd" and shunned by my peers. But somehow, I think I have ADHD, given the other symptoms. I have always been underemployed because I'm baffled by interpersonal relationships and can't get it together in other areas. I do have inattentiveness and my mind has always wandered, so even with a pretty good IQ, it's amazing I got through college. I was in a really bad car accident with brain damage and couldn't learn new things for about 8 years. Then, suddenly, the fog lifted and cleared. Since then, some aspects of what I think is ADHD have gotten worse, but I can learn new things now. Also, ADHDers are 4 times more likely to be obese.

[@canadiansolomom]

Cass! I will be your friend! I struggle with all of it too! (Alberta Strong!)