ADHD and Emotional Intelligence

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Thriving with ADHD, we're joined by Stefanie Solomon, PA-C, CAQ-PSY, to explore the connection between ADHD and emotional intelligence. We discuss why people with ADHD may experience emotions more intensely, find it difficult to regulate their reactions, or struggle to identify and express what they're feeling. We also look at how these experiences can influence communication, relationships, and everyday interactions.Together, we explore several important topics, including:What emotional intelligence means and how it relates to ADHD.Why recognising and regulating emotions can be challenging.Understanding emotional intensity, impulsive reactions, and social cues.How ADHD can influence relationships, communication, and conflict.The difference between experiencing empathy and expressing it in the moment.How to repair relationships and navigate difficult emotional situations.Recognising emotional intensity as a potential strength in creativity, relationships, and personal values.Most importantly, this conversation offers a compassionate perspective on emotional intelligence and ADHD, highlighting the importance of self-awareness, understanding, and practical strategies. Whether you have ADHD, support someone who does, or simply want to better understand the connection between emotions and the brain, this episode offers valuable insights to help you build stronger relationships and thrive.Thank you for listening to Thriving with ADHD. This show is produced by Animo Sano Psychiatry. For more information about our clinic, please visit animosanopsychiatry.com. Animo Sano Psychiatry is constantly looking for the talent in behavioral health. If you are a psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or mental health therapist, we'd love to hear from you. Visit our Careers pages to learn more about the available positions. https://animosanopsychiatry.com/careers/ 

Send us Fan MailADHD can affect our relationship with money in ways we don't always recognise, from impulsive spending and time blindness to financial stress and the feast-or-famine cycle. And earning more doesn't necessarily make money management easier.In this episode of Thriving with ADHD, host Nada Pupovac welcomes Maren Londahl-Smidt, LCSW, therapist, international speaker, and Profit for Keeps® Certified Coach, to explore why managing money can be particularly challenging for people with ADHD and how to make it more manageable.Discover practical strategies for building ADHD-friendly financial habits, recognising your strengths, and approaching your finances with less shame and more curiosity.Connect with Maren:InstagramFacebookFacebook – Profit for Keeps for TherapistsLinkedInIdea Chaser on SubstackThank you for listening to Thriving with ADHD. This show is produced by Animo Sano Psychiatry. For more information about our clinic, please visit animosanopsychiatry.com. Animo Sano Psychiatry is constantly looking for the talent in behavioral health. If you are a psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or mental health therapist, we'd love to hear from you. Visit our Careers pages to learn more about the available positions. https://animosanopsychiatry.com/careers/ 

Send us Fan MailMotherhood comes with an enormous mental load but what happens when ADHD is part of the picture?In this episode of Thriving with ADHD, Nada talks with Maddison Henley, PA-C, CAQ-PSY, about why motherhood can make previously manageable ADHD symptoms feel much harder to cope with. They explore why some women only recognize their ADHD after becoming mothers, the role of sleep deprivation, sensory overload and changing routines, and how to distinguish ADHD from the everyday overwhelm of parenting.Maddison also discusses how pregnancy, postpartum changes and hormonal shifts can affect ADHD symptoms, the impact of undiagnosed ADHD on self-esteem and relationships, and the treatment and practical strategies that can make everyday life more manageable.Most importantly, this episode offers an important reminder for mothers with ADHD: struggling with executive functioning is not a measure of how much you love your children or how good of a mom you are. If life feels harder than it seems to for everyone else, you don't have to simply try harder or criticize yourself more. Understanding what's behind those challenges can be the first step toward getting the right support.Thank you for listening to Thriving with ADHD. This show is produced by Animo Sano Psychiatry. For more information about our clinic, please visit animosanopsychiatry.com. Animo Sano Psychiatry is constantly looking for the talent in behavioral health. If you are a psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or mental health therapist, we'd love to hear from you. Visit our Careers pages to learn more about the available positions. https://animosanopsychiatry.com/careers/ 

Send us Fan MailWhy do I keep starting over? If you've ever felt like you're constantly rebuilding routines, restarting healthy habits, or struggling to stay consistent, you're not alone.In this episode of Thriving with ADHD, host Nada Pupovac is joined by Breanna Perry, LMSW, therapist at Animo Sano Psychiatry, to explore the ADHD reset cycle—why it happens, how shame and perfectionism keep us stuck, and how to create routines that work with your ADHD brain instead of against it.Together, they discuss practical strategies for building sustainable habits, finding intrinsic motivation, and replacing self-criticism with self-compassion.In this episode, you'll learn:Why people with ADHD often feel like they're constantly starting overHow to tell whether a routine needs adjusting or you've simply fallen out of itWhy guilt and shame can make it harder to get back on trackThe difference between perfection and progressHow to create ADHD-friendly routines that are easier to maintainSimple ways to make everyday tasks more motivating and rewardingWhether you've restarted your exercise routine, planner, self-care habits, or household systems dozens of times, this episode offers encouragement and practical tools to help you move forward—one small step at a time.Thank you for listening to Thriving with ADHD. This show is produced by Animo Sano Psychiatry. For more information about our clinic, please visit animosanopsychiatry.com. Animo Sano Psychiatry is constantly looking for the talent in behavioral health. If you are a psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or mental health therapist, we'd love to hear from you. Visit our Careers pages to learn more about the available positions. https://animosanopsychiatry.com/careers/ 

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when success on the outside hides a very different reality on the inside?In this powerful episode of Thriving with ADHD, host Nada Pupovac speaks with Jason McDaid, fire engineer, speaker, and founder of The 78% Club. Jason shares his deeply personal journey of living with undiagnosed ADHD, battling imposter syndrome, and carrying what he calls Hidden Cognitive Strain—the invisible mental and emotional effort required to keep performing while quietly struggling beneath the surface.Together, they explore the connection between ADHD and self-doubt, the impact of late diagnosis, perfectionism, professional identity, and the importance of reaching out for support.This conversation is honest, vulnerable, and ultimately hopeful for anyone who has ever felt like they were secretly failing despite appearing successful.⚠️ Content Note: This episode contains discussion of depression, burnout, suicidal ideation, and mental health struggles. Listener discretion is advised.Learn more about Jason and The 78% Club at 78percentclub.com.Thank you for listening to Thriving with ADHD. This show is produced by Animo Sano Psychiatry. For more information about our clinic, please visit animosanopsychiatry.com. Animo Sano Psychiatry is constantly looking for the talent in behavioral health. If you are a psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or mental health therapist, we'd love to hear from you. Visit our Careers pages to learn more about the available positions. https://animosanopsychiatry.com/careers/ 

Send us Fan MailMany adults struggle to understand whether their symptoms point to ADHD, anxiety, or a combination of both. Difficulty focusing, racing thoughts, restlessness, overwhelm, and trouble getting things done can all show up in both conditions which is why distinguishing between them is not always straightforward.In this episode of Thriving with ADHD, Nada sits down with Carolyn 'Callie' Kundert, PA-C at Animo Sano Psychiatry to unpack the complex relationship between ADHD and anxiety. Together, they explore why anxiety is often diagnosed first, how ADHD can sometimes be overlooked or masked, and how clinicians work to tell the difference between the two conditions.Callie also explains: Common symptoms shared by ADHD and anxiety  Why untreated ADHD can contribute to anxiety over time  How ADHD and anxiety can interact and reinforce each other  What clinicians look for during assessment  Differences in treatment approaches for ADHD, anxiety, or both conditions together  Why getting evaluated by a trained professional matters This episode offers practical insight, validation, and hope for anyone trying to better understand their mental health and the way their brain works.Whether you’ve been diagnosed, are exploring your symptoms, or simply want to learn more, this conversation helps clarify one of the most common areas of confusion in adult mental health.For more information about Animo Sano Psychiatry, visit our website.Thank you for listening to Thriving with ADHD. This show is produced by Animo Sano Psychiatry. For more information about our clinic, please visit animosanopsychiatry.com. Animo Sano Psychiatry is constantly looking for the talent in behavioral health. If you are a psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or mental health therapist, we'd love to hear from you. Visit our Careers pages to learn more about the available positions. https://animosanopsychiatry.com/careers/ 

Send us Fan MailIn today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, distracted, or burned out. But how do you know when it might be ADHD rather than just everyday life?In this episode of Thriving with ADHD, host Nada Pupovac is joined by Dr. Jennifer Dall, a Grief-Informed Neurodivergence Specialist and founder of ADHD Holistically. Together, they explore how to distinguish between normal life stress and ADHD, and why so many people — especially women — go years without recognizing the signs.Dr. Jennifer shares both her professional expertise and personal experience of being diagnosed with ADHD in her 50s, offering a compassionate and practical perspective on understanding your brain, recognizing patterns, and managing daily life with more ease.You’ll learn: How to tell the difference between ADHD and everyday overwhelm  Common behaviors that are often misunderstood or mislabelled  Why patterns and consistency matter  Practical tools and mindset shifts to reduce overwhelm  What to do if you think you might have ADHD This episode is for anyone who has ever wondered: Is it ADHD… or is it just life?Dr. Jennifer Dall's website and social media links:Website: https://adhdholistically.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhd.holisticallyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/ADHDHolistically/100077667853992/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-dall-ed-d-226857317/Thank you for listening to Thriving with ADHD. This show is produced by Animo Sano Psychiatry. For more information about our clinic, please visit animosanopsychiatry.com. Animo Sano Psychiatry is constantly looking for the talent in behavioral health. If you are a psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or mental health therapist, we'd love to hear from you. Visit our Careers pages to learn more about the available positions. https://animosanopsychiatry.com/careers/ 

Send us Fan MailWhen most people think about ADHD, they imagine missed deadlines, disorganization, or academic struggles. But many adults with ADHD are highly accomplished - building businesses, leading teams, and performing at high levels while quietly struggling behind the scenes.In this episode of Thriving With ADHD, host Nada Pupovac is joined by Maren Londahl-Smidt, LCSW, a therapist and coach who works with entrepreneurs, professionals, and high-performing adults navigating ADHD.Together they explore the “successful but struggling” paradox - why many high achievers with ADHD go undiagnosed for years and how masking, perfectionism, and hyperfocus can both support and strain performance.Maren shares insights from her clinical work and lived experience with ADHD, along with practical strategies to help high achievers move from hustle and burnout toward sustainable success.In this episode, we discuss:Why high achievers often receive ADHD diagnoses later in lifeThe hidden emotional cost of masking ADHD symptomsHyperfocus: when it’s a superpower and when it leads to burnoutADHD, perfectionism, and imposter syndromeCoping patterns like overwork, people-pleasing, and adrenaline dependenceHow to build sustainable routines and protect mental healthPractical tools for executive function and productivityIf you’re a high performer who feels like you’re constantly working twice as hard to keep everything together, this episode will resonate.Thank you for listening to Thriving with ADHD. This show is produced by Animo Sano Psychiatry. For more information about our clinic, please visit animosanopsychiatry.com. Animo Sano Psychiatry is constantly looking for the talent in behavioral health. If you are a psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or mental health therapist, we'd love to hear from you. Visit our Careers pages to learn more about the available positions. https://animosanopsychiatry.com/careers/ 

Send us Fan MailIn this February episode of Thriving With ADHD, we’re going back to basics - unpacking what ADHD really is, how it’s diagnosed, what’s happening in the ADHD brain, and what actually helps.Joining Nada is Whitney Kost, PA-C, physician assistant at Animo Sano Psychiatry, who brings clinical insight and practical experience from working closely with adults navigating ADHD and other mental health challenges.Together, they explore:• What ADHD diagnostic criteria actually involve• The difference between ADD and ADHD• Types of ADHD and how they show up in daily life• Symptom overlap with anxiety, depression, and mood disorders• Common everyday struggles adults report• What’s happening neurologically in the ADHD brain• Treatment options - medication, therapy, coaching, and lifestyle supports• Persistent myths and misconceptions about ADHDWhether you’re newly diagnosed, supporting someone with ADHD, or simply looking for a clearer understanding, this episode offers grounded, reassuring education without overwhelm.Thriving With ADHD is brought to you by Animo Sano Psychiatry, a behavioral health practice with a specialist ADHD clinic based in North Carolina.Thank you for listening to Thriving with ADHD. This show is produced by Animo Sano Psychiatry. For more information about our clinic, please visit animosanopsychiatry.com. Animo Sano Psychiatry is constantly looking for the talent in behavioral health. If you are a psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or mental health therapist, we'd love to hear from you. Visit our Careers pages to learn more about the available positions. https://animosanopsychiatry.com/careers/ 

Send us Fan MailMedication, Therapy, or Both? Understanding ADHD Treatment Options for KidsBreaking down misconceptions and supporting confident, informed decisionsWhen a child is diagnosed with ADHD, one of the first, and often most overwhelming, questions parents face is: What is the right treatment? Medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both?In this episode of Thriving with ADHD, host Nada Pupovac is joined by Dr. Karen Melendez, Clinical Advisor and Supervising Physician at Animo Sano Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinic, to gently and clearly unpack the realities of ADHD treatment for children.Together, they explore:How stimulant medication actually works in the ADHD brainCommon fears around medication, including addiction, growth, and side effectsWhen psychotherapy alone may not be enoughWhat a balanced, multimodal treatment approach looks like in real lifeHow structure, school support, sleep, nutrition, and family dynamics all play a roleWhy untreated ADHD can carry greater long-term risks than many parents realizeDr. Melendez shares practical examples, clinical insights, and compassionate guidance to help parents move from fear and confusion to clarity and confidence.Whether you’re just beginning your ADHD journey with your child or looking to reassess your current approach, this episode offers reassurance, evidence-based information, and a reminder that you don’t have to navigate this alone.Thank you for listening to Thriving with ADHD. This show is produced by Animo Sano Psychiatry. For more information about our clinic, please visit animosanopsychiatry.com. Animo Sano Psychiatry is constantly looking for the talent in behavioral health. If you are a psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or mental health therapist, we'd love to hear from you. Visit our Careers pages to learn more about the available positions. https://animosanopsychiatry.com/careers/