I've Got All My Sisters With Me! | Why Community is Vital from Women with ADHD

Hey there, my lovely! Today, I want to talk about a topic that's very close to my heart—kinda like the whole reason why I do what I do— and that’s community.

And not just any community (although that’s great too!), but I want to let you in on why women with ADHD benefit MASSIVELY from being in community with other women with ADHD. From just feeling solidarity with other women who think like you to gaining new tools, I want to share with you the top 6 reasons why women with ADHD benefit from being in a lady squad.

That Feeling Like Someone Finally Gets You!

It’s way too freaking common for women to get diagnosed with ADHD later in life (check out my past blog on why), and if that’s you, you likely have chalked up most of your symptoms to your “quirky personality” all the while wondering why the fuck your brain can’t just work like everyone else’s??

Well, guess what? You’re not alone, babe. And if I could just wrap you up in a great big hug right now, I would!!

Life is a wild ride, and for those of us who are neuro-spicy, it seems like our roller coasters have a few unique twists and turns. Being in community with other women with ADHD gives you a place to see that there are others just like you dealing with the same shit and celebrating the big and small wins with you.

Knowing that there are other badasses who "get" you, who understand the good, the hard and the messes that can be in your mind, it is like unwrapping the best present ever. I promise if you haven’t experienced it before, you’re going to sigh a massive sigh of relief to know that you can share your experiences, laugh about your quirks, and gain and give support through it all.

You Do You, Boo

As a woman with ADHD, your brain is full of incredible thoughts and ideas! We don’t think like everyone else, and we don’t act like everyone else. THESE are our EPIC powers!! 

But sometimes, it can be hard for us to fit into those conventional molds society expects us to be in. That whole “not fitting the mold” thing feels like a trophy on our best days, but on our worst days, it can get BEYOND frustraing.

But here's the thing, lovely—in a community of women with ADHD, you can be your unapologetic, authentic, audacious, bold self all the freaking time. You can celebrate your quirks and talents without judgment. It's a space where you can proudly let your freak flag fly and not worry about trying to be someone you're not.

Knowledge is Power!

No matter when you got diagnosed, whether it was in childhood or later in life, like me, all of us have spent our lives coming up with coping tools to help us navigate this world. And maybe your new ADHD besties have some super rad hacks that you’ve been missing all this time. In an ADHD community, you can share tips, strategies and tools for tackling those ADHD challenges like the bad bitch that you are!

Whether it's dealing with time management, organizing your workspace, or learning how to surfe those waves of emotions with more ease, being part of a community provides you with a wealth of knowledge. You can pick up fantastic life hacks and maybe even share a few of your own to help your fellow ADHD goddesses.

Support When You Need It Most

Life can throw some gnarly curve-balls our way, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed by aaaaaallllllll the things—work, relationships, mental health, and daily life. But when you have a community of women with ADHD by your side, you've got a support system that's as strong as a power ballad.

Did you overshare at book club, and you’ve been mulling it over for about 48 hours since?

Did you say some pretty hurtful things in an argument with your partner, and even though you’ve apologized, you know some lasting damage was done?

Did you miss a deadline at work because you procrastinated for so long and just were not able to pull it off in time when all was said and done?

Your ADHD sisters have been there and are there to offer a shoulder to lean on, an empathetic ear, or just a virtual hug when you need it most.

Celebrate Your Wins!

Even though you are an undeniable genius, it's easy to forget to celebrate your victories. But in a community of ADHD women, sharing wins and hearing others’ wins are like collecting coins on Super Mario Bros.

Whether you nailed that project at work (and your unique perspective brought in the icing on the cake), successfully cooked a three-course meal without setting off the smoke alarm, or simply managed to make it through a challenging day, your people are there to cheer you on.

And while you hopefully have other people in your life you can share your wins with, women in your ADHD community will celebrate with you twice as hard, truly knowing the unique obstacles you overcame along the way.

Growth and Advocacy

Holy shit, am I thankful that so much of the stigma is lifting around women and ADHD. People are more open than ever to talk about neurodiversity. 

Those of us who are willing to speak up about ADHD, neurodiversity, and mental health challenges we may have because of not being diagnosed with ADHD until later in life—we’re on the cutting edge of the freaking blade and we still have a loooooonnng way to go.

Community makes it easier to raise our voices, educate others about ADHD, and advocate for a culture of acceptance and empathy. We can show the world that ADHD isn't a limitation— it's a unique perspective of the world that makes us who we are.

Join the Lady Squad

If this blog has been speaking to you, there are lots of ways for you to get plugged into my community, because I’m leading the fucking charge for women (entrepreneurs) with ADHD.

First off, hop on my email list by filling out the Contact Form on my website. Then, make sure you follow me on IG at @karrieoutloud for serious education on ADHD (while keeping an effing sense of humor about it!)

You’ve got to check out the ADHD Entrepren(her) podcast here, and reach out if you’re interested in learning more about 1:1 coaching or being a part of a neuro-spicy mastermind. That’s all for now, my lovelies!