ADHD and Burnout in Women: Why does it happen? Finding Support Through Counselling
There’s a lot going on, right? You’ve got kids, jobs, pets, maybe ageing parents. School notes, study, expectations. You feel like you should be able to do it all but the reality is you’re completely exhausted and depressed about why you can never GET. YOURSELF. TOGETHER.
Life can often feel like a juggling act, but for women with ADHD, the balls in the air might feel heavier, more chaotic, and constantly at risk of dropping. When you add societal pressures, family responsibilities, and workplace demands, the risk of burnout becomes all too real.
If this resonates with you, know that you’re not alone—and that there are ways to navigate these challenges and find some balance and joy along the way. Let’s explore the link between ADHD and burnout in women, why it happens, and how counselling can help you reclaim your one precious life.
What is Burnout, and Why Are Women with ADHD More Prone to It?
Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. It often stems from the pressure to meet high expectations without adequate support or rest.
For women with ADHD, several factors can contribute to burnout:
Emotional Regulation Challenges: ADHD often involves difficulty managing emotions, leading to frequent overwhelm or frustration.
Executive Functioning Struggles: Tasks like time management, organization, and prioritization can feel daunting, especially in high-pressure environments.
Masking ADHD: Many women work hard to “mask” their ADHD symptoms to fit societal norms, which can be mentally and emotionally exhausting.
Perfectionism and People-Pleasing: Women with ADHD often internalize the need to overcompensate for their perceived shortcomings, pushing themselves to exhaustion.
Lack of Understanding: ADHD in women is frequently underdiagnosed or misunderstood, leading to inadequate support and self-blame.
Signs of Burnout in Women with ADHD
Burnout doesn’t happen overnight. It’s often the result of chronic stress and unmet needs. Common signs include:
Persistent exhaustion, even after resting. You may also have trouble sleeping, even though you feel exhausted.
Increased difficulty focusing or staying organized.
Feeling emotionally numb or overly sensitive.
Losing interest in hobbies or activities you once enjoyed.
Physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, or stomach issues.
Feeling overwhelmed by small, everyday tasks.
How Counselling Can Help
If you’re feeling the weight of burnout, counselling can provide a safe, supportive space to help you regain control and find relief. Here’s how:
1. Understanding Your ADHD
Counselling can help you gain a deeper understanding of how ADHD affects your daily life, emotions, and stress levels. By identifying specific challenges, you can develop strategies tailored to your unique needs. We take small steps to help you take the pressure off and lean into healing at your pace.
2. Learning Practical Coping Strategies
Counselling can teach you evidence-based techniques to manage stress, improve organization, and set realistic goals. These might include:
Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
Creating routines that work for your brain, not against it.
Learning mindfulness and grounding techniques to reduce overwhelm.
Recognising patterns of behaviour that are already working positively for you, and translating your strengths into solutions for other areas of your life.
3. Addressing Perfectionism and Self-Compassion
Counselling provides a space to explore and challenge perfectionistic tendencies, helping you replace self-criticism with self-compassion. This shift can reduce feelings of inadequacy and boost your confidence.
4. Reconnecting with Your Values
Many women with ADHD feel disconnected from what truly matters because they’re too busy keeping up with expectations. Counselling can help you reconnect with your core values and align your life with what brings you joy and fulfillment.
5. Creating Sustainable Boundaries
Burnout often stems from overcommitting and putting others’ needs above your own. Counselling can help you learn to set and maintain boundaries that protect your energy and mental health.
Taking the First Step Toward Balance and Joy
Living with ADHD doesn’t mean you’re destined for burnout. With the right tools, strategies, and support, you can create a life that feels balanced, joyful, and authentically you.
At Life Unfolded Counselling, I specialize in supporting women with ADHD and burnout to navigate life’s challenges and find a sense of calm and purpose. Together, we’ll create a personalized plan to help you manage your stress, achieve your goals, and build the life you deserve.
🌟 Ready to take the first step?
📅 Book a session with me today - just hit the button below
Your journey to balance starts here. 💚
