ADHD Burnout - or is it that your DONE People Pleasing?

Have you ever wondered if you're really burnt out… or if you’re just done people pleasing?

In this episode, I’m sharing something I wish more ADHD women (including me) heard sooner: sometimes we’re not exhausted from doing too much—we’re exhausted from being too much for everyone else. From performing. From holding it all together. From being the “pleasant” one, even when we’re falling apart inside.

I open up about my own story—how I went from being a colicky baby to the “perfect child,” and how that shaped my tendency to mask, fawn, and make myself smaller to stay safe. I also walk you through the difference between true burnout and the nervous system fatigue that comes from chronic people pleasing and masking.

If you’ve been resting but still feel drained… if you’re overwhelmed but can’t point to why… or if you’re longing to be more real in your life but you’re afraid of what might happen—I made this episode for you.

You’ll learn:

• Why ADHD women are especially vulnerable to fawning and masking
• What signs point to people-pleasing fatigue (not just burnout)
• How to start unmasking in small, powerful ways
• What it actually means to feel safe enough to be yourself

—CHAPTERS—
00:00 Introduction: Understanding Exhaustion
00:52 The Burden of Masking and People Pleasing
02:24 Personal Experiences and Reflections
03:46 The Cost of Chronic Masking
08:54 Embracing Authenticity and Setting Boundaries
14:57 Practical Steps to Unmasking
18:18 Conclusion and Resources

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💌 Want to go deeper?
I created The Self-Loved ADHD Woman Way: How to Stop Playing Small as a journal-book experience to help you reconnect with the version of you that doesn’t have to over-perform to be worthy. It’s part book, part ritual, and 100% soul-nourishing.
🌹 Grab your copy here: https://jenbarnes.org/stop-playing-small/

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YouTube: @Jenbarnes
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DISCLAIMER:
This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, health, or medical advice. I am not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. This podcast is not intended to replace professional medical advice or psychotherapy.

If you are experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, please contact emergency services in your area. If you’re in the USA, dial 988 for the Suicide and Crisis line or 911 for a medical emergency.