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"Is my brain actually broken, or is it just responding to something?" This question haunts millions of people trying to understand why they struggle with focus, emotional regulation, and executive function.
In this raw and revealing conversation, we dive into the complex overlap between trauma responses and ADHD symptoms—a confusing territory where even mental health professionals sometimes struggle to make accurate diagnoses. Drawing from our personal experiences (including Lacey’s recent ADHD diagnosis at age 39), we unpack why symptoms like difficulty concentrating, emotional dysregulation, and sleep disturbances can stem from dramatically different origins but look nearly identical on the surface.
The key differences emerge when we examine triggers. Trauma-related symptoms typically arise in response to specific triggers or reminders of past experiences, while ADHD symptoms tend to be more pervasive regardless of environment. We share vulnerable moments from our lives—like failing classes despite being in honors programs, struggling with everyday tasks like grocery shopping, or being unable to cry for months after losing someone—to illustrate how these conditions manifest and often amplify each other.
Most powerfully, we discuss how both conditions create a sense of playing life on "hard mode" without knowing it, and how proper diagnosis and treatment finally provide some tools to navigate the challenges. Whether you're questioning your own diagnosis, supporting someone who struggles with these issues, or simply curious about the intersection of trauma and neurodevelopmental conditions, this episode offers clarity, validation, and hope for finding effective support.
Have you experienced symptoms that could be either trauma or ADHD? We'd love to hear your story and what's helped you distinguish between them in your own journey.

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