Welcome to Extra Healthy Ish. Yes you have tuned into the daily podcast and Body and Soul. This, of course is the big sister one, too Healthy Ish. I'm your host, Felicity Harley. To celebrate summer, we're dropping our top episodes from the year now. This one was live in April and it is with fitness mogul and pt Emily Sky where she opened up for the very first time about what it's like having adult ADHD, from feeling like an outcast and struggling with her own mental health for decades to finally well seeing the light when she got her ADHD diagnosis. She shares on this episode how she's learning to navigate her mental health today. Emily, thank you for joining us on.

Welcome to Extra Healthy Ish. Yes you have tuned into the daily podcast and Body and Soul. This, of course is the big sister one, too Healthy Ish. I'm your host, Felicity Harley. To celebrate summer, we're dropping our top episodes from the year now. This one was live in April and it is with fitness mogul and pt Emily Sky where she opened up for the very first time about what it's like having adult ADHD, from feeling like an outcast and struggling with her own mental health for decades to finally well seeing the light when she got her ADHD diagnosis. She shares on this episode how she's learning to navigate her mental health today. Emily, thank you for joining us on.

Extra Healthy Is today. Thanks for having me.

Extra Healthy Is today. Thanks for having me.

Now, I do have to ask before we kick off with your ADHD story, how do you or how are you staying extra healthy Ish in your daily life.

Now, I do have to ask before we kick off with your ADHD story, how do you or how are you staying extra healthy Ish in your daily life.

I stay healthy with my food, so I eat a lot of nutritious food. I try to cram as many nutrients into a meal as possible. I obviously stay active. If I don't, I definitely feel it mentally. I do breathwork, meditations, even a little bit of hypnosis, sleep because I'm really prioritizing sleep now, which is something I've struggled with for a long time, but finally it's on track.

I stay healthy with my food, so I eat a lot of nutritious food. I try to cram as many nutrients into a meal as possible. I obviously stay active. If I don't, I definitely feel it mentally. I do breathwork, meditations, even a little bit of hypnosis, sleep because I'm really prioritizing sleep now, which is something I've struggled with for a long time, but finally it's on track.

So they're the main things.

So they're the main things.

Let's just talk about your sleep for a minute, because I feel like that is well. It's a I feel like a lot of people are focusing on it because, as we know, it is probably the most important thing when it comes to health and wellbeing. Do you have like a bedtime ritual or are you what are you doing to help your sleep well?

Let's just talk about your sleep for a minute, because I feel like that is well. It's a I feel like a lot of people are focusing on it because, as we know, it is probably the most important thing when it comes to health and wellbeing. Do you have like a bedtime ritual or are you what are you doing to help your sleep well?

Lately? I have been. I've been doing a few different things.

Lately? I have been. I've been doing a few different things.

I have my little night stack of things that I take like melotone and zinc and a couple of other other things. But I don't want to focus on that. I do I wind down before bed. I have this thing on my phone where you turn it red, and now I can actually show you that these the guys can't be it.

I have my little night stack of things that I take like melotone and zinc and a couple of other other things. But I don't want to focus on that. I do I wind down before bed. I have this thing on my phone where you turn it red, and now I can actually show you that these the guys can't be it.

I can.

I can.

I can work. Oh, it turns your phone red.

I can work. Oh, it turns your phone red.

So it's like, yeah, so I did that. At night. I don't have any bright lights.

So it's like, yeah, so I did that. At night. I don't have any bright lights.

I get off anything like the computers, the phone, all that stuff.

I get off anything like the computers, the phone, all that stuff.

I do have the TV, that's okay.

I do have the TV, that's okay.

I do watch an episode of something to unwind and distract myself from whatever's happened in the day. And then I when I go to bed, I've got a I've got a thing for my mattress and it's called a Circadian pod and you light it on the mattress and it makes the temperature of the bed consistent.

I do watch an episode of something to unwind and distract myself from whatever's happened in the day. And then I when I go to bed, I've got a I've got a thing for my mattress and it's called a Circadian pod and you light it on the mattress and it makes the temperature of the bed consistent.

Throughout the night.

Throughout the night.

So ideally eighteen degrees selsius is like the perfect temperature apparently, and I've been doing that. That's been helping heat.

So ideally eighteen degrees selsius is like the perfect temperature apparently, and I've been doing that. That's been helping heat.

But there's a lot of things about these things. This is not a paid plug.

But there's a lot of things about these things. This is not a paid plug.

I have heard that they're actually quite good.

I have heard that they're actually quite good.

Yeah, I've had it for a couple of months and I want to run for a while, and finally got one and I do a sleep meditation slash hypnosis type of thing. There's a couple of different ones I listened to at first, because I'm not the person that sits there and meditates. It's very difficult for me. So this is new and it's been helping me amazingly. At first, I sit there thinking this, this is not gonna work. Like this woman she's basically whispering to me. I was like, come on, So I thought, no, you've got to believe it's going to work. M like, be invested in this thing because you.

Yeah, I've had it for a couple of months and I want to run for a while, and finally got one and I do a sleep meditation slash hypnosis type of thing. There's a couple of different ones I listened to at first, because I'm not the person that sits there and meditates. It's very difficult for me. So this is new and it's been helping me amazingly. At first, I sit there thinking this, this is not gonna work. Like this woman she's basically whispering to me. I was like, come on, So I thought, no, you've got to believe it's going to work. M like, be invested in this thing because you.

Need the help.

Need the help.

So I did, and I stuck with her and I don't remember the rest of it because.

So I did, and I stuck with her and I don't remember the rest of it because.

I fell asleep. It's working. Oh I like that.

I fell asleep. It's working. Oh I like that.

Oh well, yeah, and I'm not getting up multiple times a night.

Oh well, yeah, and I'm not getting up multiple times a night.

And I'll fill you in on something.

And I'll fill you in on something.

Actually, prior to getting my diagnosis with ADHD, I was getting night terrors like kids get I'd wake up, I'd have the worst dream, like the world is ending or my kids are running away and I'm trying to save them and I can't find them, just really horrible panic dream. I'd wake up having what felt like a heart attack.

Actually, prior to getting my diagnosis with ADHD, I was getting night terrors like kids get I'd wake up, I'd have the worst dream, like the world is ending or my kids are running away and I'm trying to save them and I can't find them, just really horrible panic dream. I'd wake up having what felt like a heart attack.

I'd be in a.

I'd be in a.

Sweat and I'd jump up and be like and panting. Right, So I'm stressed in my sleep, which is horrible, so important, and I'm having these horrible nightmares and which is actually translating into the physical, you know, and I'm physically feeling it. And I'd have this like doom feeling of I don't know how to explain it, like feeling really depressed, yeah, and worrying about things like irrational things like something happening to me and my kids being left or getting sick or something happening to the kids, just really horrible thoughts, and that's one of the reasons why I wanted to go and find out what was upened. That's when I got the diagnosis with ADHD. So anyway, back to the sleep my routine, I can very much go on a tangent here and that. Yeah, the hypnosis has definitely helped. And I'm not waking up for the night now with those terrors. I'm actually falling asleep and having a peaceful sleep and then waking up feeling refreshed, whereas before I'd wake up feeling exhausted.

Sweat and I'd jump up and be like and panting. Right, So I'm stressed in my sleep, which is horrible, so important, and I'm having these horrible nightmares and which is actually translating into the physical, you know, and I'm physically feeling it. And I'd have this like doom feeling of I don't know how to explain it, like feeling really depressed, yeah, and worrying about things like irrational things like something happening to me and my kids being left or getting sick or something happening to the kids, just really horrible thoughts, and that's one of the reasons why I wanted to go and find out what was upened. That's when I got the diagnosis with ADHD. So anyway, back to the sleep my routine, I can very much go on a tangent here and that. Yeah, the hypnosis has definitely helped. And I'm not waking up for the night now with those terrors. I'm actually falling asleep and having a peaceful sleep and then waking up feeling refreshed, whereas before I'd wake up feeling exhausted.

I feel like a new woman in that respect.

I feel like a new woman in that respect.

Oh, the difference it makes, honestly, Yeah, at least is everything.

Oh, the difference it makes, honestly, Yeah, at least is everything.

Oh, I'm with you, one hundred percent with you. Anyway, let's move it on to your journey and coming out and having the courage and thank you and well done on coming out and telling everyone about your ADHD diagnosis. But let's go back to when you were growing up. What was life like for you? How did you feel so called different?

Oh, I'm with you, one hundred percent with you. Anyway, let's move it on to your journey and coming out and having the courage and thank you and well done on coming out and telling everyone about your ADHD diagnosis. But let's go back to when you were growing up. What was life like for you? How did you feel so called different?

Yeah?

Yeah?

I always I felt like I didn't belong anywhere.

I always I felt like I didn't belong anywhere.

I was bullied at school as well.

I was bullied at school as well.

I was incredibly shy and from a young age I became very aware of what other people thought of me, and then I became desperate to fit in as well, right, because back then I wanted to fit in, whereas now I know it's all about belonging and finding your people, but I just wanted to have that feeling of belonging and feeling worthy because I felt abnormal. Getting teased obviously didn't help.

I was incredibly shy and from a young age I became very aware of what other people thought of me, and then I became desperate to fit in as well, right, because back then I wanted to fit in, whereas now I know it's all about belonging and finding your people, but I just wanted to have that feeling of belonging and feeling worthy because I felt abnormal. Getting teased obviously didn't help.

My father left.

My father left.

When I was young as well, so I came from a broken family and just never had confidence worthiness.

When I was young as well, so I came from a broken family and just never had confidence worthiness.

I had no I just never believed in myself. I didn't think much of.

I had no I just never believed in myself. I didn't think much of.

Myself at all, and it's a horrible feeling, especially as a young kids. And I ended up getting diagnosed with depression I think at age twelve or thirteen, very young, which is very antidepressants.

Myself at all, and it's a horrible feeling, especially as a young kids. And I ended up getting diagnosed with depression I think at age twelve or thirteen, very young, which is very antidepressants.

Yeah, very young, and.

Yeah, very young, and.

I saw different psychologists and counselors and doctors about different symptoms I was having.

I saw different psychologists and counselors and doctors about different symptoms I was having.

I hated school. Obviously, I'm getting bullied, so I don't want to go there. I also had.

I hated school. Obviously, I'm getting bullied, so I don't want to go there. I also had.

Learning difficulties and I couldn't focus on anything. I had trouble understanding things and being interested in topics that I just wasn't interested in, which is another ADHD thing. However, things I was interested in. I was very interested in and yeah, I just didn't feel normal and I wanted to be like the other kids. So I ended up developing those masking skills, which took me into my adult life. A lot of people now are like, what really like? I had no idea, and yeah, I picked up all these things now to mask what prompted you to start asking questions around neurodiversity, thinking that, hang on, this might be me, my brain might be wired differently to a lot of other people. I kind of used to joke about having ADHD for years, and I know it's not something you're supposed to joke about, but it was. I used to make fun of myself a lot. And I guess I had some friends that were ADHD, some male friends, and I'd say I probably am too, hah kind of thing, but never really because I didn't have any doctors or any professionals say anything. I just thought, I'm just using that as an excuse, right, And I want to make it clear ADHD isn't a negative thing. It's an amazing thing. It's a super power, but it has to be managed well. I just have to get that in there, because a lot of people misunderstand and it's not, you know, a disability or you're not able to live like a normal life or an amazing life. We do have something that other people may not have when used properly and managed. I like that, but yeah, may get me back on tractfulixity.

Learning difficulties and I couldn't focus on anything. I had trouble understanding things and being interested in topics that I just wasn't interested in, which is another ADHD thing. However, things I was interested in. I was very interested in and yeah, I just didn't feel normal and I wanted to be like the other kids. So I ended up developing those masking skills, which took me into my adult life. A lot of people now are like, what really like? I had no idea, and yeah, I picked up all these things now to mask what prompted you to start asking questions around neurodiversity, thinking that, hang on, this might be me, my brain might be wired differently to a lot of other people. I kind of used to joke about having ADHD for years, and I know it's not something you're supposed to joke about, but it was. I used to make fun of myself a lot. And I guess I had some friends that were ADHD, some male friends, and I'd say I probably am too, hah kind of thing, but never really because I didn't have any doctors or any professionals say anything. I just thought, I'm just using that as an excuse, right, And I want to make it clear ADHD isn't a negative thing. It's an amazing thing. It's a super power, but it has to be managed well. I just have to get that in there, because a lot of people misunderstand and it's not, you know, a disability or you're not able to live like a normal life or an amazing life. We do have something that other people may not have when used properly and managed. I like that, but yeah, may get me back on tractfulixity.

I know it's all good not I love that. I think that's a it's a fantastic reminder for everyone that it can be your superpower and you just have to manage it in a different way. How do you describe it for yourself.

I know it's all good not I love that. I think that's a it's a fantastic reminder for everyone that it can be your superpower and you just have to manage it in a different way. How do you describe it for yourself.

Well, I think there's a bit of a misunderstanding. People think it's a lack of focus, which it can be. It's actually too many neurons firing at once and you can't cut out the background noise, which I forget how to explain it because I always forget words. But when I was doing my research, you're not able to You can't focus on what you should be focusing on in this moment because there's so much other background noise happening and distraction. And even if I'm to read something that doesn't interest me right like some I don't know, some book or whatever, I have to read it over and over and over, and I still don't. I can't let it think in because my brain keeps wandering off. But if you find something I'm interested in, I'm obsessed with it. I get that the hyper focus hyper fixation thing happening. So yeah, it can be too much focus on the wrong thing. Yeah, and it's hard to like have it.

Well, I think there's a bit of a misunderstanding. People think it's a lack of focus, which it can be. It's actually too many neurons firing at once and you can't cut out the background noise, which I forget how to explain it because I always forget words. But when I was doing my research, you're not able to You can't focus on what you should be focusing on in this moment because there's so much other background noise happening and distraction. And even if I'm to read something that doesn't interest me right like some I don't know, some book or whatever, I have to read it over and over and over, and I still don't. I can't let it think in because my brain keeps wandering off. But if you find something I'm interested in, I'm obsessed with it. I get that the hyper focus hyper fixation thing happening. So yeah, it can be too much focus on the wrong thing. Yeah, and it's hard to like have it.

Spread out equally on the right things. I don't know if that makes sense. Yeah.

Spread out equally on the right things. I don't know if that makes sense. Yeah.

And you know what, your you can't harm that your career.

And you know what, your you can't harm that your career.

Is evident of you being hyper focused on it and making you know, in building this amazing inspiring fitness empire because you're hyper focused, and that is the secret to your success, your superpower exactly. And back in the day when I was building the business years ago and building my online profile, I was so obsessed that I would be up till four am working on it, and I'd have people around me saying.

Is evident of you being hyper focused on it and making you know, in building this amazing inspiring fitness empire because you're hyper focused, and that is the secret to your success, your superpower exactly. And back in the day when I was building the business years ago and building my online profile, I was so obsessed that I would be up till four am working on it, and I'd have people around me saying.

You're obsessive, and like stop it and stop going to get you anywhere, And I said, this will I'm going to do something with this. It's for a reason, you just wait. But I was definitely, I guess, unhealthily doing it. But because I worked differently.

You're obsessive, and like stop it and stop going to get you anywhere, And I said, this will I'm going to do something with this. It's for a reason, you just wait. But I was definitely, I guess, unhealthily doing it. But because I worked differently.

It was good for me.

It was good for me.

You know, obviously worked out well, so here, I am and I have a great career.

You know, obviously worked out well, so here, I am and I have a great career.

We're back after this shortbreak with more from Emily. Tell me about when you actually saw the psychiatrist. What actually prompted you to see them at that time? You know, why hadn't you done this before, or what kind of got you to see them.

We're back after this shortbreak with more from Emily. Tell me about when you actually saw the psychiatrist. What actually prompted you to see them at that time? You know, why hadn't you done this before, or what kind of got you to see them.

I'm thirty nine and my mum went through menopause quite early, so I've had it on my mind that I might be because of different symptoms I've been getting, like the night sweats and the extreme emotions where I'd start bawling my eyes out for no apparent reason. Yet it's feeling different. And what's ironic is and a lot of people might not know this. When you're perry menopause or your ADHD syms are amplified, and it's because estrogen has a lot to do with dopamine and dopamine release.

I'm thirty nine and my mum went through menopause quite early, so I've had it on my mind that I might be because of different symptoms I've been getting, like the night sweats and the extreme emotions where I'd start bawling my eyes out for no apparent reason. Yet it's feeling different. And what's ironic is and a lot of people might not know this. When you're perry menopause or your ADHD syms are amplified, and it's because estrogen has a lot to do with dopamine and dopamine release.

I don't know if I'm saying this correctly. Hopefully your work.

I don't know if I'm saying this correctly. Hopefully your work.

And when so when you go through perimenopause and menopause, eat easter and lowers, which makes sense because I'm getting more symptoms of ADHD and I didn't know I had it before. Now I know, I look back and go, yeah, definitely was that, and they were they were being amplified by the hormonal changes.

And when so when you go through perimenopause and menopause, eat easter and lowers, which makes sense because I'm getting more symptoms of ADHD and I didn't know I had it before. Now I know, I look back and go, yeah, definitely was that, and they were they were being amplified by the hormonal changes.

So yeah, before before you get your.

So yeah, before before you get your.

Your period as well, the symptoms do increase, which is another thing to be aware of, and it also helps knowing that it's happening. I'm actually like four days out and how from my cycle, and I'm definitely feeling those feelings, you know, and they're definitely amplified. But I can go, oh, it's okay, because this is what happens. It's all right, take a deep breath that I've held myself. So that's what prompted me, the changes that I'm going through with my hormones and the stage of life that I'm in and getting so many extreme symptoms that I couldn't manage. I was at one stage, you wanting to put myself into some sort of mental institute because I felt like I was crazy. I don't know what for lack of a better description, I don't know what other word to use, but I felt like I was going crazy and.

Your period as well, the symptoms do increase, which is another thing to be aware of, and it also helps knowing that it's happening. I'm actually like four days out and how from my cycle, and I'm definitely feeling those feelings, you know, and they're definitely amplified. But I can go, oh, it's okay, because this is what happens. It's all right, take a deep breath that I've held myself. So that's what prompted me, the changes that I'm going through with my hormones and the stage of life that I'm in and getting so many extreme symptoms that I couldn't manage. I was at one stage, you wanting to put myself into some sort of mental institute because I felt like I was crazy. I don't know what for lack of a better description, I don't know what other word to use, but I felt like I was going crazy and.

I couldn't control it.

I couldn't control it.

I'd be trying to look after my kids and I'd be balling my eyes out and I don't know what for, And then I'd feel incompetent and I'd feel shame around it. I feel like I was a shitty parent. So I thought, I need to do something about this, and I think that's important. Don't just sit with those feelings and let yourself drown. Actually go and help yourself because there is help out there, and it might not be ADHD, it might be depression or anxiety or something else, but go and seek that help and see a professional. So that's why I when I got I got on a wait list, I got a cancelation.

I'd be trying to look after my kids and I'd be balling my eyes out and I don't know what for, And then I'd feel incompetent and I'd feel shame around it. I feel like I was a shitty parent. So I thought, I need to do something about this, and I think that's important. Don't just sit with those feelings and let yourself drown. Actually go and help yourself because there is help out there, and it might not be ADHD, it might be depression or anxiety or something else, but go and seek that help and see a professional. So that's why I when I got I got on a wait list, I got a cancelation.

I was able to get in.

I was able to get in.

Like fast to see the psychiatrist, and I had declan my fiance with me, which I think is really helpful too, because when you have people around you who don't understand you, it's really hard to help yourself and get that support, which is something that ADHD people deal with a lot people not understanding them. They function differently. And he did a ninety minute intensive whole history sitting on me, like going back to my childhood and the way that I behave and live my life. And he also explained to Declan how not to trigger me and different ways to act around me because there's a situation that I told a story about how I had this meltdown and it was like I was a two year old having a tantrum. But it's those overwhelming feelings that I couldn't process properly in that moment, and he was triggering me without knowing it.

Like fast to see the psychiatrist, and I had declan my fiance with me, which I think is really helpful too, because when you have people around you who don't understand you, it's really hard to help yourself and get that support, which is something that ADHD people deal with a lot people not understanding them. They function differently. And he did a ninety minute intensive whole history sitting on me, like going back to my childhood and the way that I behave and live my life. And he also explained to Declan how not to trigger me and different ways to act around me because there's a situation that I told a story about how I had this meltdown and it was like I was a two year old having a tantrum. But it's those overwhelming feelings that I couldn't process properly in that moment, and he was triggering me without knowing it.

So now he.

So now he.

Knows not to push my button. In other words, but yeah, he's been so much better.

Knows not to push my button. In other words, but yeah, he's been so much better.

What a that's been the best thing, good man to have by your side.

What a that's been the best thing, good man to have by your side.

Yes, yeah, So that's why it's so important that you're family people around you understand.

Yes, yeah, So that's why it's so important that you're family people around you understand.

Yeah, And I just want to go back to that time when you were sitting in the lounge room crying, thinking, oh, I'm crazy, what's wrong with me? And you know, whether whether you've got a whether in neurodiversion or you're not. Many women go through this, especially with young kids. I mean we've all been there. We've all sat there thinking what is wrong with me? You know, you've got whether you've got nappies piling up or washing or what like work or it's just it's so overwhelming, and it's so important just to speak to someone because many of us have been through that same situation.

Yeah, And I just want to go back to that time when you were sitting in the lounge room crying, thinking, oh, I'm crazy, what's wrong with me? And you know, whether whether you've got a whether in neurodiversion or you're not. Many women go through this, especially with young kids. I mean we've all been there. We've all sat there thinking what is wrong with me? You know, you've got whether you've got nappies piling up or washing or what like work or it's just it's so overwhelming, and it's so important just to speak to someone because many of us have been through that same situation.

Yes, absolutely, And it goes back to the whole like the gratitude thing right, like I've I've always said to myself, and you're not being grateful because I have such an amazing life now and I didn't always like I grew up without a father. We were in at one stage in housing commission. We didn't have things. You know, my mum's parents and she had heart problems, so she wasn't able to work a lot of the time. So I went from basically nothing into creating this life right for myself, which I'm so proud of myself for doing. And I've got so much I know I do. I'm so grateful. I don't like using the word lucky. I like using gratitude as the word grateful. But when you've got something that's not right mentally, you can't use gratitude to help yourself. It's not it doesn't do anything. So I started feeling ashamed of myself because I wasn't feeling grateful and I was struggling.

Yes, absolutely, And it goes back to the whole like the gratitude thing right, like I've I've always said to myself, and you're not being grateful because I have such an amazing life now and I didn't always like I grew up without a father. We were in at one stage in housing commission. We didn't have things. You know, my mum's parents and she had heart problems, so she wasn't able to work a lot of the time. So I went from basically nothing into creating this life right for myself, which I'm so proud of myself for doing. And I've got so much I know I do. I'm so grateful. I don't like using the word lucky. I like using gratitude as the word grateful. But when you've got something that's not right mentally, you can't use gratitude to help yourself. It's not it doesn't do anything. So I started feeling ashamed of myself because I wasn't feeling grateful and I was struggling.

I'm laughing to cover up.

I'm laughing to cover up.

How I completely I know what you're going through. I mean I can feel what you're going through.

How I completely I know what you're going through. I mean I can feel what you're going through.

Yeah, absolutely, I think we all go through these things, especially with the young kids.

Yeah, absolutely, I think we all go through these things, especially with the young kids.

And you know, when you've got adhd added to it, or neurodiversity, I should say, it.

And you know, when you've got adhd added to it, or neurodiversity, I should say, it.

Just makes things so much more difficult.

Just makes things so much more difficult.

And the shame is the worst part, feeling shamed of yourself and also feeling like.

And the shame is the worst part, feeling shamed of yourself and also feeling like.

It's just you. It's not just you, You're not alone.

It's just you. It's not just you, You're not alone.

There are many women who feel the same out there, and that's why I think it's so important we talk about it, but also seek that help, professional help. Go and see a psychiatrist or psychologist, talk to someone regularly. If you need to look at medication. There's different ways that you can deal with it as well that apart from medication, like your lifestyle and meditation and breathwork, getting outside, getting off social media and your phone that can be really triggering to the symptoms, and basically just living like a healthy lifestyle and not forgetting the things that actually make.

There are many women who feel the same out there, and that's why I think it's so important we talk about it, but also seek that help, professional help. Go and see a psychiatrist or psychologist, talk to someone regularly. If you need to look at medication. There's different ways that you can deal with it as well that apart from medication, like your lifestyle and meditation and breathwork, getting outside, getting off social media and your phone that can be really triggering to the symptoms, and basically just living like a healthy lifestyle and not forgetting the things that actually make.

You feel good. You know, you get you get caught up with life. Life is busy, especially as parents who and you have a.

You feel good. You know, you get you get caught up with life. Life is busy, especially as parents who and you have a.

Job, and you have the houseworked and you have everything you know piling up. It's hard to go I'm that to actually prioritize myself here because I need to, and I've been doing that now better than ever, and it's hard to get that feeling in my head of your being lazy because I associate me like chilling out with laziness. Yes, and it's not it's necessary.

Job, and you have the houseworked and you have everything you know piling up. It's hard to go I'm that to actually prioritize myself here because I need to, and I've been doing that now better than ever, and it's hard to get that feeling in my head of your being lazy because I associate me like chilling out with laziness. Yes, and it's not it's necessary.

Yeah, that's a hard mental shift, isn't it to make, especially you know when you've got that added layer of neurodiversity. Okay, I just need to stop and I need to rest.

Yeah, that's a hard mental shift, isn't it to make, especially you know when you've got that added layer of neurodiversity. Okay, I just need to stop and I need to rest.

How do you rest sleep? Because I can sleep well now.

How do you rest sleep? Because I can sleep well now.

I try to do nothing, and for me to do nothing and think nothing, it's very hard not to have so many things in my head going at once. So that's why I have to do meditation. I have to put something on so that I can focus on the words that the person's saying rather than all these other noise that's happening. And that's the reason why I've been able to get to sleep now, because I'm cutting out.

I try to do nothing, and for me to do nothing and think nothing, it's very hard not to have so many things in my head going at once. So that's why I have to do meditation. I have to put something on so that I can focus on the words that the person's saying rather than all these other noise that's happening. And that's the reason why I've been able to get to sleep now, because I'm cutting out.

All the busyness and focusing on just the voice. And then it's ironically I can fall asleep. Yeah.

All the busyness and focusing on just the voice. And then it's ironically I can fall asleep. Yeah.

How are you? Yes, how are they managing? What other strategy strategies have you put in place to manage it? Now that you have got the diagnosis.

How are you? Yes, how are they managing? What other strategy strategies have you put in place to manage it? Now that you have got the diagnosis.

I make sure that I let people.

I make sure that I let people.

Around me be aware of how I'm feeling, so I'm more vocal about things. I stop when I need to identify that I need to stop whatever it is right that I need to go.

Around me be aware of how I'm feeling, so I'm more vocal about things. I stop when I need to identify that I need to stop whatever it is right that I need to go.

Okay, off, get off my phone, get off.

Okay, off, get off my phone, get off.

The computer, and just like sit and do nothing, or get outside and get some fresh air or.

The computer, and just like sit and do nothing, or get outside and get some fresh air or.

A bit of sun and.

A bit of sun and.

Be therefore and put your feet in the sand. I'm lucky to live near the beach here and spend time with the kids, playing with them, but also be aware that the kids obviously are a lot too, and it's okay to want time away from them, so you can research if you can do it, even like ten minutes.

Be therefore and put your feet in the sand. I'm lucky to live near the beach here and spend time with the kids, playing with them, but also be aware that the kids obviously are a lot too, and it's okay to want time away from them, so you can research if you can do it, even like ten minutes.

So I'll say it a de kay.

So I'll say it a de kay.

You just need to watch them for a bit because I need my time out. So I'm more.

You just need to watch them for a bit because I need my time out. So I'm more.

I'm easier on myself now. I don't push myself as much. I don't expect too much from myself.

I'm easier on myself now. I don't push myself as much. I don't expect too much from myself.

I've stopped I've always said this, but I've really been trying to stop comparing to other people because we are all different, neurodivergent or not. We're different to everyone, so there's no point comparing, especially people online.

I've stopped I've always said this, but I've really been trying to stop comparing to other people because we are all different, neurodivergent or not. We're different to everyone, so there's no point comparing, especially people online.

I've said this for many years, but we look at people.

I've said this for many years, but we look at people.

On social media and like mums out there that have businesses that have like six kids, and they're killing it, or they appear to be, and you compare yourself, and I've done it many times.

On social media and like mums out there that have businesses that have like six kids, and they're killing it, or they appear to be, and you compare yourself, and I've done it many times.

I've gone, what's wrong with me? Why? Why am I such a terrible mother? Why can't I handle it? Don't do it because that's not real.

I've gone, what's wrong with me? Why? Why am I such a terrible mother? Why can't I handle it? Don't do it because that's not real.

But also some people manage better than others, and that's not our fault, you know. So focus on yourself, get help, talk to someone consistently, get outdoors more, get off the phone, get off the computer, meditation, breastwork.

But also some people manage better than others, and that's not our fault, you know. So focus on yourself, get help, talk to someone consistently, get outdoors more, get off the phone, get off the computer, meditation, breastwork.

Be active.

Be active.

Obviously, being active is one of the best things you can do, especially for ADHD. It was one of the things the psychiatrist said to me when he said to me, he's surprised that I didn't end up on the street as a drug addict, which was very confronting. He said, it's the the fact that I've stayed active and I only came into fitness in my early twenties. I wasn't into it when I was a kid. I was athlatic, but I didn't keep up with it. Thank goodness, I did, though, because that has helped me manage symptoms.

Obviously, being active is one of the best things you can do, especially for ADHD. It was one of the things the psychiatrist said to me when he said to me, he's surprised that I didn't end up on the street as a drug addict, which was very confronting. He said, it's the the fact that I've stayed active and I only came into fitness in my early twenties. I wasn't into it when I was a kid. I was athlatic, but I didn't keep up with it. Thank goodness, I did, though, because that has helped me manage symptoms.

It's the best thing you can do.

It's the best thing you can do.

Above all, We're well done, and Emi, thank you so much for coming out and sharing your story, and yeah, all the best with the next few years that follow.

Above all, We're well done, and Emi, thank you so much for coming out and sharing your story, and yeah, all the best with the next few years that follow.

Thank you.

Thank you.

And there's still only early in my journey too, so I've only known for like a couple of months, and I've got another pointment with a psychiatrist soon, so I've got another test to do, which is called a TOVA test. So it's all about investigating and becoming aware and then being able to help yourself and.

And there's still only early in my journey too, so I've only known for like a couple of months, and I've got another pointment with a psychiatrist soon, so I've got another test to do, which is called a TOVA test. So it's all about investigating and becoming aware and then being able to help yourself and.

To stay on top of the symptom.

To stay on top of the symptom.

Yeah, we're good luck with it and having me. We'll we'll have to have you back on very soon.

Yeah, we're good luck with it and having me. We'll we'll have to have you back on very soon.

Yes, we'll do an update. Yes, yes, let's do it.

Yes, we'll do an update. Yes, yes, let's do it.

Thanks for listening to this interview as part of our twenty twenty four summer series. There are plenty more awesome for your ears, both of Extra Healthyish and a little sister podcast, Healthish. If you did like this interview, take a moment, share it with a friend, Share the Healthish, love anything else. Head to body andsoul dot com dot you follow us on socials. Any feedback please dm me at Felicity Harley and until tomorrow, enjoy the summer sunshine and stay Extra Healthyish.

Thanks for listening to this interview as part of our twenty twenty four summer series. There are plenty more awesome for your ears, both of Extra Healthyish and a little sister podcast, Healthish. If you did like this interview, take a moment, share it with a friend, Share the Healthish, love anything else. Head to body andsoul dot com dot you follow us on socials. Any feedback please dm me at Felicity Harley and until tomorrow, enjoy the summer sunshine and stay Extra Healthyish.