The Bully in Your Brain: How ADHDers Can Quiet Their Inner Critic

Get the FREE Perfectionism Course | ihaveadhd.com/...
This episode is personal for me. Over the past six months, I’ve explored the ADHDers' inner critic intensively, drawing insights from influential books like “Healing the Shame That Binds You,” “Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving,” and “Rethinking Adult ADHD.” While the inner critic isn’t a formal symptom of ADHD, it profoundly impacts those of us with the disorder.
In this episode, we start by examining how negative self-talk, often rooted in childhood criticism and toxic relationships, affects adults with ADHD. This inner critic can lead to self-hate and hypervigilance, causing toxic shame and hindering personal growth. I share my own struggles with shame rumination and the challenge of cultivating a positive inner voice, emphasizing the importance of self-compassion.
To combat negative self-talk, I suggest strategies like journaling, verbalizing criticisms, and using thought-stopping techniques. Recognizing and documenting positive aspects of life can foster a healthier self-perception. Additionally, support systems like trauma-informed therapy and specialized coaching programs play a vital role in managing the inner critic and associated shame.
Managing the inner critic is challenging but achievable with the right strategies and support systems.
Want my help? Join my coaching program FOCUSED to access an entire course on How to Quiet Your Inner Critic. You'll find ADHD-friendly process that works and a whole community of support! Go to ihaveadhd.com/... to join.
Also check out:
-Kristen's Website | ihaveadhd.com/...
-Kristen's Instagram | / i.have.adhd.podcast
-ADHD Symptoms Explained | ihaveadhd.com/...
-Subscribe to the I Have ADHD Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify | ihaveadhd.com/...
Here are the 2 studies I mention In the episode:
Peer Functioning in Children with ADHD
Peer victimization in children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

[@I.have.adhd.podcast]

WATCH MORE ➡ www.youtube.com/@I.have.adhd.podcast/videos

[@zigsrig]

Yup, this is my life. Constantly shaming myself, especially when I can't do everything perfectly. Ugh!

[@I.have.adhd.podcast]

I'm sorry - I know the feeling and it's not a good one!

[@nadezhdadolmatova8548]

As a huge fan of this podcast and FOCUSED member, I have to say that studio suits Kristen very well!! Congrats with the new level of the project!

[@I.have.adhd.podcast]

@@nadezhdadolmatova8548 awwww thank you so much ♥️ that means a lot to me!

[@melissaw42]

You put in a great deal of research into this topic. Thank you!

[@I.have.adhd.podcast]

Thank you!

[@ElectrikMe]

I have negative self-talk but I don't have ADHD, I have social anxiety and depression. Maybe it's an overlapping symptom? Great channel and content btw, subscribing!

[@I.have.adhd.podcast]

Hey! Yes I think this is an overlapping feature for those of us with ADHD, anxiety, depression, etc. Of course it's just anecdotal, but super common in my experience