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Okay so ADD/ADHD and Black women. These are things that I’ve learned via my own research and from my shrink. I’m sharing what has helped me and if it helps you too, that would be great. Otherwise I’m not a doctor, so pls take with a grain of salt and always do your own googles 
Black girls and women are overwhelmingly under diagnosed for mental health issues, with ADHD being a big one. from my understanding its because it manifests in us differently than it does in males. Them displaying the ‘stereotypical’ hyperactive behaviors vs our inattentive ones.
so for girls, it tends to look like being absentminded, anxious, moody, goofy like Clueless behavior. Not the general disruptive type behaviors.
My brothers were diagnosed as children but even my (2 licensed shrink) parents missed it me because the behaviors were so different
My brothers were diagnosed as children but even my (2 licensed shrink) parents missed it me because the behaviors were so different
this article was good at explaining that https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-in-girls-women/
I didnt know what it was. Eventually I chalked it up to being overwhelmed in general and smoking a lot of weed 
after 1 shrink session where I was talking about my habits, things I do to keep myself on track she flatout asked if I had been tested because it sounded like ADHD
after 1 shrink session where I was talking about my habits, things I do to keep myself on track she flatout asked if I had been tested because it sounded like ADHD
So I started to research it and was floored that the diagnosis resonated so much with me.
This article was it. Dragged me and validated me. https://www.refinery29.com/en-gb/black-women-adhd-diagnosis-uk
This article was it. Dragged me and validated me. https://www.refinery29.com/en-gb/black-women-adhd-diagnosis-uk
I’m hyper aware of my behaviors. My mother thinks its because I’m single and have lived alone for 95% of my adult life so I kind of have to be.
me: forgetfulness, financial anxiety, unexplained changes in mood, but also generally overprepared and very dependent on routine
me: forgetfulness, financial anxiety, unexplained changes in mood, but also generally overprepared and very dependent on routine
So for what has helped me.
#1 being routine. I have to write things down, I need to be on a schedule. Otherwise I get overwhelmed and forget things which is no bueno because I have a lot of responsibilities. I make lists, I set many alarms, thats how I keep myself accountable
#1 being routine. I have to write things down, I need to be on a schedule. Otherwise I get overwhelmed and forget things which is no bueno because I have a lot of responsibilities. I make lists, I set many alarms, thats how I keep myself accountable
this was that looks like. every Sunday I make this. I plan out my meals, snacks, errands, chores and bills. That way things don’t sneak up on me, I know what needs to be done and I know that I have all week to do it so I’m not as anxious. Checking things off makes me feel great.
now for other forms of management. again, do what works for you, I am not against western medicine in totality, I simply choose to manage my ADD naturally because its been working for me.
I study herbs, I love both culinary and medicinal herbs so of course thats the first place I turned, to the earth.
I chose to use both supplements and incorporate fresh and dried in the easiest way to ingest them, in my food.
I chose to use both supplements and incorporate fresh and dried in the easiest way to ingest them, in my food.
Supplements I take daily: B12, Vitamin D and St Johns Wort. Great for stabilizing mood, anxiety, boosting energy and restlessness.
Herbs I take either by cooking with them or making them into teas: lemon balm, chamomile, holy basil, rosemary, passionflower, ginseng
Herbs I take either by cooking with them or making them into teas: lemon balm, chamomile, holy basil, rosemary, passionflower, ginseng
I limit my coffee and black tea intake, I don’t drink it after noon because stimulant and it makes me restless later in the day.
Reefer. For some weed makes them paranoid/anxious but I don’t deal with that thankfully. I prefer Sativa heavy hybrids. I can’t do any kind of downer.
Reefer. For some weed makes them paranoid/anxious but I don’t deal with that thankfully. I prefer Sativa heavy hybrids. I can’t do any kind of downer.
Also CBD. As a regular smoker since 14, I was not convinced that CBD would do anything for me and I was wrong. I smoke so I prefer the flower to the gummies. I smoke it alone, mixed with thc or mixed with herbs like lavender. I love that I get the calm without the high if needed.
Thread was kind of long but I hope it helped. Learning more about ADD/ADHD has helped me gain control of my life. I’m more productive and peaceful, not nearly as anxious as I was before I became intentional about it.
