S1 E19 Why December Breaks ADHD Women & Why We Don't Talk About It

December hits ADHD women differently and no one talks about it. One minute you’re thriving on holiday dopamine and twinkle lights, and the next you’re in the bathroom with a six-pack of Reese’s trees wondering why your nervous system has abandoned you for the holidays. In this episode, Jess and Jeannine break down the real ADHD holiday arc: overstimulation, disappearing routines, perfectionism pressure, emotional labor, family triggers, and the “why am I suddenly seven years old?” regression that shows up every year. We also talk about DESR, unapologetically, hitting emotional capacity, and how to build a December that actually fits your brain without shame, without perfection, and without the meltdown hangover. If you’ve ever cried in the Target parking lot during the holidays, you’re in the right place. 00:00 – The ADHD Holiday High The early-December dopamine surge, over-decorating, organizing, and the festive identity ADHD women know too well. 00:47 – The Holiday Crash No One Talks About Two days before Christmas: bathroom Reese’s trees, sugar crashes, and the emotional flip that hits out of nowhere. 01:27 – Who We Are: Late-Diagnosed, Overwhelmed, Still Here Jess & Jeannine introduce the episode: emotional whiplash, Target-parking-lot tears, and the ADHD reality of holiday season. 02:43 – Why December Breaks ADHD Brains Overstimulation, emotional overload, disappearing routines, and why December hits different for ADHD women. 05:19 – Family Triggers & Old Roles Rebooting Why holiday gatherings send ADHD women straight back into childhood dynamics, old labels, and old wounds. 07:08 – Perfectionism, Emotional Labor & the Mental Load The invisible work behind “perfect holidays,” unrealistic expectations, and why ADHD women hit emotional capacity fast. 09:29 – What Actually Helps ADHD Women in December Regulation basics, lowering standards, cutting the list in half, redefining traditions, and building a holiday that fits your capacity. 20:13 – “That’s Not Normal”: ADHD Holiday Edition Wrapping-paper crises, 2 a.m. cleaning, Clydesdale commercials, Reese’s trees in the bathroom — and why your holiday chaos is valid. 23:35 – Closing: Take What Fits, Leave the Rest A grounding reminder: nothing about your December makes you weak, and you're not the only one feeling angry on the inside.

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