8 Little Tips to Help You Break Free from ADHD Shame & Stigma
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You know that voice in your head that whispers "everyone else has it figured out" while you're standing in some big box store with your keys in one hand, searching for a shopping list you can't find, wondering how you ended up in the home dècor aisle when you came for toilet paper? We're talking about ADHD shame—where it comes from, why it sticks around, and how to finally tell that voice to shut up.
- Get the full list of sources and even more content from this episode’s blog post.
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Who Should Listen
This episode is for anyone with ADHD who's tired of feeling like a "failed adult," sick of apologizing for existing, or fed up with that internal critic that never seems to take a day off. If you've ever been called "too much," "not enough," or "lazy," we see you—and we're here to help you fight back.
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What You Get In This Episode
- The "shame smoothie" breakdown – How childhood experiences, societal myths, and internalized ableism blend into one toxic mess
- Where ADHD stigma really comes from – Why people still think it's "just a childhood disorder" or an excuse for bad behavior
- How shame shows up in your daily life – From procrastination cycles to over-apologizing to comparing yourself to neurotypical parents
- 7 practical strategies to fight shame – Including how to separate ADHD science from morality and why "shamelessness" might be your superpower
- Your ADHD strengths reminder – Because creativity, hyperfocus, and persistence are actual superpowers
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Bios
Caitlin is joined by special guest Ariella Monti, novelist and friend, filling in for Jenny. Together they're tackling the heavy stuff—ADHD shame and stigma—with the same humor and honesty you'd expect from your most understanding mom friends. They're not therapists, just two women sharing what they've learned through research, experience, and plenty of "oh crap, me too" moments.
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Sources
- All sources and more content in this episode’s blog post
- Get 20% off Ariella Monti's fantasy romance novel "Roots and Ink" with promo code CKANDGK at AriellaMonti.com
- ADDitude Mag
- Our ADHD Playlist on Spotify
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CK & GK
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View our website at ckandgkpodcast.com. Find us on social media @ckandgkpodcast on
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Chapters
1. Introduction to ADHD Shame (00:00:00)
2. Understanding Shame and Stigma (00:05:09)
3. Childhood Experiences and ADHD (00:09:18)
4. Societal Myths and Misconceptions (00:12:30)
5. How Shame Manifests in Daily Life (00:16:50)
6. Seven Strategies to Fight ADHD Shame (00:21:56)
7. Finding Your People and Conclusion (00:33:39)
169 episodes