ADHD in Women: The Hidden Struggle No One Talks About – And How Therapy Can Help
- Your Story Counselling
- May 12
- 4 min read
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is often seen as a childhood condition that mostly affects boys. But what about women? Many women with ADHD go undiagnosed for years—quietly struggling with overwhelm, anxiety, and self-doubt.
If this sounds like you, you’re not alone—and there is support.
Important Note
Please note that this article is not intended for diagnosing ADHD. Many women who experience symptoms similar to those of ADHD can benefit from therapeutic support, regardless of whether they have an official diagnosis. The advantages of obtaining an official diagnosis will be discussed in a future article.
Questions or Concerns?
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please reach out to our intake team at info@yourstorycounselling.com. We are here to help!
🌿 What Is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person focuses, manages time, organizes tasks, and regulates emotions. It’s not a matter of willpower or intelligence—ADHD is how the brain is wired.
There are three types of ADHD:
Inattentive type (easily distracted, forgetful, disorganized)
Hyperactive-impulsive type (restless, impulsive)
Combined type (a mix of both)
👩🧠 How ADHD Shows Up in Women
Women are often misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression before discovering they actually have ADHD. That’s because many women experience more internal symptoms that aren’t as obvious.
Common signs include:
Constant mental “fog” or daydreaming
Feeling overwhelmed by daily tasks
Struggles with time management and focus
Emotional sensitivity and mood swings
Chronic guilt or feeling like you're “never doing enough”
Overcompensating to look organized or in control
Sound familiar?
🧬 What Is Neurodivergence?
Neurodivergence is an umbrella term for brains that function differently from the “typical” (neurotypical) brain. This includes ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and more.
Being neurodivergent isn’t a flaw—it just means your brain processes information in a unique way.
💬 Destigmatizing Getting Help
Many women grow up believing they need to "just try harder" or "get it together." But the truth is—ADHD isn’t your fault, and struggling doesn't mean you're broken.
Therapy can help you:
Understand your brain and how it works
Let go of shame and self-judgment
Learn practical tools to manage your life
Build confidence and self-acceptance
Reaching out for support isn’t a weakness. It’s a bold, compassionate choice for your well-being.
🛠️ How Therapy Helps Women with ADHD
At Your Story Counselling, we work with women who are navigating ADHD and related challenges every day. Therapy can support you by:
Identifying ADHD symptoms and patterns
Reducing stress, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm
Creating ADHD-friendly routines that actually work
Healing from burnout and perfectionism
Improving relationships and communication
We believe therapy should feel like a safe, empowering space where you can be fully yourself—without masking, apologizing, or hiding.
💬 Start with a Free 15-Minute Consultation
If you think you might have ADHD—or just want help navigating the stress of daily life—we’re here for you.
🧠 You Deserve Support
ADHD in women is real, and it’s often misunderstood. But you don’t have to keep managing everything alone. Therapy can help you slow down, get clear, and feel more grounded.
Your brain is not broken—it's just wired differently. And that difference deserves understanding, support, and care.
Your Story Counselling Services is a multicultural, inclusive, BIPOC clinic that offers online services as well as in-person sessions in Vaughan and Markham.
Judy Lui and her team of clinicians and supervised therapist interns offer trauma-informed, clinical counselling in the form of art, play, and talk therapy. With an emphasis on social equity and justice,
Your Story offers counselling at a range of fee levels. Judy continues to see her clients, manages the clinic as Clinical Director, and mentors master ’s-level therapist interns.
Judy has been featured in the Toronto Star, where she discussed the impact of mental health struggles and the toll of COVID-19 on romantic relationships. She also co-authored a chapter in the first edition of An Intersectional Approach to Sex Therapy Centering the Lives of Indigenous, Racialized, and People of Color. She is a committee member with the Anti-Racism Advocacy Group at the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, where she helps organize community events and panels on racial trauma and advocacy.
Judy is also one of three 2024 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards Micro-Business Finalists and will represent the Central Canadian Region (Ontario & Montreal) for this honour.
If you have additional questions regarding the contents of this article please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to answer you.
Should you have questions or inquiries regarding counselling and the process of counselling, please visit our FAQ page. contact us to ask questions, or learn more about our team of therapists before signing up for a free 15 minute consultation.
Terms and Conditions of Use:
The information provided in this article is intended to be general knowledge and does not constitute as professional advice or treatment. This information is not intended for the use of diagnosis or treatment. Please do not share or distribute this article without the proper referencing or written/verbal consent of Judy Lui. Additional information can be found at www.yourstorycounselling.com or requested via info@yourstorycounselling.com
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