ADHD ft. Kelly Brändli
ADHD Relationship Coach ❤️ Specialised in helping singles and couples impacted by ADHD improve their relationships.
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Welcome back to the So Frickin’ Healthy podcast! In our latest episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Kelly Brändli, an ADHD coach who wears many hats—relationship coach, mother, and partner to a late-diagnosed gentleman.
If you're someone who's living with ADHD or knows someone who is, this episode is your ticket to understanding and thriving with this often misunderstood condition.
Let's dive into the highlights and juicy tidbits from our talk!
Understanding the ADHD Relationship Cycle
One of the standout moments from our chat with Kelly was when she introduced us to something called the SRR cycle—Symptom, Response, Response. Imagine having a regular conversation that suddenly spirals into a full-blown argument. Sound familiar?
Kelly shared how she and her partner navigate these tricky waters with techniques like using a funny "pink snowman" as a code word to pause and reset.
Bridging the Gap: Psychoeducation and Partner Understanding
Another gem from our conversation was the importance of "psychoeducation." Many couples struggle because there's a lack of shared understanding about ADHD.
Kelly emphasized that everyone in the relationship needs to get educated about ADHD. It's not just about pointing fingers; it's a team effort to manage the "elephant in the room"—be it one partner or both having ADHD traits.
Practical Tips: The Power of Routines, Rituals, and Rewards
Kelly gave a shout-out to her tried-and-true "three R's": Routines, Rituals, and Rewards.
Whether it's having a bedtime story ritual or rewarding yourself with a fun activity BEFORE a not-so-fun task, these little routines can make a world of difference. And if you, like Megan, find sticking to routines a bit of a snoozefest, try switching it up to keep it exciting!
Listener Q&A: Real Talk from Real People
We also tackled listener questions, touching on topics like lack of access to ADHD medication—hot off the press with some intriguing insights into supply issues.
Plus, we talked about the unique challenges women face with ADHD during their menstrual cycles. Spoiler alert: Hormones play a big role, and adjusting medication might be the key.
The 10-Minute Family Challenge
Kelly left us with a homework assignment—a 10-minute challenge. Spend 10 minutes a day for one week asking family members about their experiences living together.
This isn't about fixing problems; it's about gaining a deeper understanding of each other and fostering a healthier environment for everyone.
Join the Conversation
We want to hear from you! If you decide to take on the 10-minute challenge, share your experience with us on social media or through our website. Whether it was a smashing success or a hilarious disaster, we’re all ears.
As Kelly reminds us, finding your tribe and understanding each other is key to thriving together with ADHD. Tune in to the So Frickin’ Healthy podcast for more conversations like this.
You never know what enlightening or entertaining moments we’ll uncover next time. Happy listening and learning! --- We hope this has piqued your curiosity and offered a pinch of insight into living a life so frickin' healthy with ADHD. Catch you on the next episode!
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Introduction
Hi, folks! Meet Kelly Brändli, our delightful guest on today's episode. She's here to help us explore ADHD medication, dispel myths, and look at treatment options beyond the usual stimulants. Kelly's vast experience as an ADHD coach and her personal background make her a valuable guide through this puzzling topic.
Understanding ADHD Medication
Danna and Kelly kick off the conversation by breaking down the types of ADHD medication. Stimulants like Ritalin and Adderall are common choices, but there are many options because everyone processes them differently. Did you know metabolism can affect how ADHD meds work for each person? It's fascinating!
Stimulants vs Non-Stimulants
Kelly explains the two main types of medications: stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants might remind you of street drugs, but they actually have a calming effect on people with ADHD, helping balance dopamine levels in the brain. Non-stimulants, on the other hand, work on different brain chemicals, which can be better for emotional regulation.
Personal Experiences with Medication
Our hosts, along with Kelly, share personal stories about finding the right meds. It's a trial-and-error process that requires patience. Megan, for instance, found that stimulants affected her personality, so she switched her approach over time. Danna discusses her journey with different self-medication methods, like using marijuana, which works uniquely for her ADHD.
Finding the Right Medication
Kelly emphasizes that the right medication shouldn't change who you are. It’s all about finding the right balance and getting the correct dosage. While 80% of people with ADHD respond well to stimulants, some might need to try non-stimulants.
Non-Medication Strategies for ADHD
ADHD isn’t just about meds! Kelly talks about other essential strategies:
- Sleep, Exercise, and Diet: These are crucial. Good sleep and regular exercise can do wonders, and a healthy diet ensures your brain gets the nutrients it needs.
- Routines and Rituals: Simple habits like bedtime routines and limiting screen time can help manage symptoms.
- Supplements: While research is still mixed, some find supplements like magnesium and omega-3s helpful.
The Importance of Sleep
Good sleep is often the key to managing ADHD symptoms. Whether it’s sticking to a sleep schedule or using supplements like magnesium, getting quality sleep is essential for mental health.
Conclusion and Next Steps
As we wrap up this fascinating episode, Megan, Danna, and Kelly promise another follow-up filled with tips, tricks, and relationship hacks. They invite listeners to send in questions for their next chat with Kelly. We hope you've learned something new and feel seen, just like Megan did.
Stay tuned for more frickin’ awesome conversations on the So Frickin' Healthy podcast! Feel free to drop your thoughts or questions in the comments below, or reach out via social media or email. Until next time, get some great sleep and take care of yourselves!
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We're excited to dive deep into a topic that affects many of us more than we might realize: ADHD testing and diagnosis. We're joined by Kelly Brändli, an experienced ADHD coach and relationship coach, who shares her insights and personal experiences on this subject. Let's unpack the complexities of ADHD to understand why so many people are either misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed and how this might be impacting you.
Understanding the Basics
ADHD symptoms often mirror normal human traits, making diagnosis particularly tricky. The key to differentiating ADHD from everyday behaviors is looking at the frequency and impact of symptoms such as forgetfulness, fidgeting, and hyperactivity. According to Kelly, having five or more specific traits related to focus and hyperactivity is a criterion for diagnosis, but more importantly, these symptoms must significantly impact one's life over time and in multiple areas.
The Emotional Impact of Diagnosis
Getting an ADHD diagnosis can be an emotional rollercoaster. For some, it's a relief—providing a clear explanation for lifelong struggles. For others, it raises feelings of frustration and regret, as people reflect on past relationships or careers that may have been affected by undiagnosed ADHD. As Kelly, Danna, and Megan discussed, understanding ADHD is essential to navigating these emotions and moving forward.
Real-Life Experiences
Kelly shared her personal journey with ADHD, both as a coach and a family member. From early signs in her son to revelations about her partner, her experiences highlight how ADHD can manifest differently in everyone. This variation underscores the importance of comprehensive testing and expert evaluations. In her case, these diagnoses have led to life-changing improvements for her son and profound realizations within her family.
Advancements in ADHD Diagnosis
Recent advancements in neuroscience are offering new insights into ADHD. Brain scans are increasingly being used as part of the assessment, providing a visual representation of how ADHD brains function differently. These scans have led to the identification of different subtypes of ADHD, potentially paving the way for more tailored and effective treatments.
Taking Steps Towards Diagnosis and Support
If you suspect you have ADHD, Kelly emphasizes the importance of seeking assessment and beginning to work with a coach or therapist, even before receiving a formal diagnosis. Joining a waitlist for professional evaluation and completing self-assessments online are proactive steps you can take today. Treatment often includes medication, along with coaching and lifestyle changes that can significantly improve daily functioning.
Conclusion
Understanding ADHD is a journey that can be both enlightening and transformative. Whether you're living with ADHD or supporting someone who is, knowledge and empathy are powerful tools. We hope this post offers valuable insights and encourages you to take charge of your mental health journey. Stay tuned to So Frickin' Healthy for more episodes with Kelly as we explore ADHD treatment, especially the role of medications, in our upcoming discussions.
As you reflect on your own experiences or those of loved ones, remember that you're not alone in this journey. Anyone interested in further resources can reach out to ADHD coaches, like Kelly Brändli or explore useful online resources, like those mentioned in the podcast, to begin finding support today.
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Decoding ADHD: What It Really Means and How to Spot It
In a deep dive into the world of ADHD, Kelly Brändli, an experienced ADHD and relationship coach, unpacks the disorder's complexities, focusing on its manifestations in adults and women.
She clarifies the distinction between ADHD and its historical counterpart, ADD, explaining that modern terminology encompasses both inattentive and hyperactive presentations. This understanding is crucial for diagnosing and supporting those affected.
The episode paints a vivid picture of the symptoms often overshadowed by more well-known ADHD traits. Emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and rejection sensitivity dysphoria are discussed as critical aspects that shape the daily lives of individuals with ADHD. Kelly provides a comprehensive overview of the disorder's history, from its stigmatized past to a more nuanced contemporary understanding.
A significant portion of the conversation is dedicated to the challenges unique to women with ADHD. Due to societal norms and internalized symptoms, many women are diagnosed late, often during life stages like college, parenting, or menopause.
Kelly advocates for increased awareness and tailored support strategies, emphasizing that ADHD is a lifelong condition that extends beyond childhood. Through engaging dialogue, the episode encourages a shift in perception, urging listeners to appreciate the complexity and diversity of ADHD experiences.
For all listeners, remember to embrace your ADHD traits as superpowers, stay informed, and keep supporting each other. Funny, smart, So Frickin' Healthy!
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In an episode of the So Frickin’ Healthy podcast recorded in September 2022, hosts Megan J. McCrory and Danna Levy Hoffmann were joined by Kelly Brändli, a scientific dating and relationship coach and professional matchmaker. Kelly shared her profound insights into the intricacies of love, relationships, and the significance of self-awareness and emotional health in fostering long-term connections.
Meet Kelly Brandli: Scientific Dating and Relationship Coach
Kelly introduces herself and provides a brief overview of her journey. Originating from Vancouver, Canada, she recounts the romantic story that brought her to Switzerland, which although ended in tragedy, led her to find her true calling in relationship coaching.
The 96 Dates Experiment
One of the standout moments in the episode is Kelly's recounting of the 96 dates she undertook as part of her self-discovery process after a significant breakup. With a hint of humor and a lot of insights, she explains how this experiment wasn't just about finding "The One", but rather understanding herself and what she truly needed in a partner.
Attachment Styles and Dating
Kelly touches upon the topic of attachment styles - a concept that explains how individuals form emotional bonds and relationships. She highlights the importance of recognizing one's attachment style to avoid unhealthy patterns and to foster better relationship dynamics.
The Importance of Self-Discovery
In the episode, Kelly emphasizes the need for individuals to be at peace with themselves before seeking a partner.
"You need to become the one before you find the one"
she states, underlining the significance of self-love and emotional health.
Navigating Post-Divorce Relationships
Kelly also shares strategies for people who have experienced divorce or significant relationship breakups. She discusses the importance of letting go of past relationships and moving forward with greater self-awareness and emotional readiness.
The Harvard Study and Blue Zones
An intriguing discussion on the correlation between relationships and health ensues as Megan brings up the Harvard study and the Blue Zones research. These studies reveal that strong relationships and community ties are pivotal for long-term health and longevity.
The Role of Love Languages
A fascinating segment of the episode revolves around the concept of love languages. Kelly explains how understanding and communicating in each other's love languages can bridge gaps in relationships and create stronger bonds. The conversation is both enlightening and relatable, as Megan and Danna share personal anecdotes about their own relationships.
Emotional Baggage and Moving On
Kelly introduces her emotional baggage quiz, a tool she uses to help individuals assess and address the emotional baggage they carry from past relationships. The quiz is designed to help individuals clear their emotional slate before entering new relationships.
Funny, smart, So Frickin' Healthy. This podcast episode with Kelly Brandli offers invaluable lessons in love, relationships, and personal growth, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to improve their romantic life and emotional well-being.
Download your copy of Kelly’s free guide "How to Attract Emotionally Available Men" here.
Take the Love Languages Quiz here.
