Is it ADHD or life? - A couples perspective!

Is it ADHD or Life? - Medication Titration Part 2 (4 weeks of ADHD meds)

Send us Fan Mail This week on Is it ADHD or Life? – A Couple’s Perspective, we’re back with Medication Titration Part 2 — four weeks into ADHD meds, and it’s safe to say it’s been… a lot. Big note (and we mean it): this episode is based on personal experience only, with no medical knowledge whatsoever. Adam takes over this week (because apparently he’s a natural) and we catch up on what the last couple of weeks have actually been like on medication — not just for him, but for Donna and the whole family. We get into the titration process through NHS Right to Choose, the waiting, the limbo, the lack of contact, and that moment you realise you’re going to have to chase it yourself. Adam talks through what 50mg of Elvanse felt like, what happened when tablets ran low, and how differently we both experienced the same situation. We talk crashing, mood swings, irritability, and what Adam’s learned so far. We also chat about family life changes, being more present, and whether Adam’s lost that sense of urgency. Donna drops a truthbomb and Donna admits she prefers “new Adam” - but we’re also making plans so the same mess doesn’t happen again. Then we get onto the brand new “something something”: a top-up of 5mg Amfexa. The changes were great… but sleep took an absolute battering. Donna answers 5 quick-fire questions, we get into emotions, whether she hated old Adam (which definitely leads to in-car arguments), and Adam’s latest hyperfocus: David Ramsay, plus fully fan-boying Darren Connell. We also introduce a new segment with the very catchy title: “what Adam has learned this week about ADHD on Facebook”. Expect showers, handwriting, and the important question of the week: What way do you face in the shower? Let us know in the comments. This week we cover: NHS Right to Choose: delays, limbo, and chasing your own care Elvanse at 50mg: effects, distractions, and the crash Running low on meds and how that impacts mood and family life Mood swings, irritability, and being more present at home Amfexa 5mg top-up: benefits vs sleep chaos Donna’s quick-fire Qs (and the relationship truth bombs) Hyperfocus obsessions, Facebook ADHD advice, and shower debates A surprise Good, Bad & Ugly from Adam (on the spot and real) Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/oHzNI9yl9nU Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46i0iGiwmgvFrlOzoW2SnS More on our website: https://www.adhdorlife.com Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adhdrelationshipsunfiltered Follow us: Instagram: @adhdorlifepod TikTok: @adhdorlifepod Twitter/X: @adhdorlifepod YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ADHDorLifepod #ADHD #AdultADHD #ADHDUK #ADHDMedication #Titration #Elvanse #Amfexa #RightToChoose #NHS #Neurodiversity #Neurodivergent #ADHDPodcast #ADHDRelationships #EmotionalRegulation #ExecutiveDysfunction #ADHDFamilyLife #ADHDCommunity #GoodBadUgly #FiveMinuteMoans New episodes every Friday. Have a Good, Bad or Funny story, or a question for us? Send it to adhdorlife@gmail.com. Watch and subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ADHDorLifePod Find us on Instagram and TikTok: @adhdorlifepod Visit our website: https://www.adhdorlife.com

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Is it ADHD or Life? – Special Guest Paul Nightingale | All Things AuDHD (ADHD + Autism), Masking, Burnout & Diagnosis

Send us Fan Mail This week on Is it ADHD or Life? – A Couple’s Perspective, we’re joined by special guest Paul Nightingale — an AuDHD content creator and events host who (in his own words) is completely “riddled”. Expect a funny, honest, and properly relatable chat about ADHD, autism, and real neurodivergent life. If you’ve ever felt like you’re smashing it on the outside but burnt out on the inside, this one’s for you. In this episode, we talk about: Paul’s life before diagnosis: comedy, events, being “on”, and the hidden burnout Depression vs ADHD (and how hard it can be to separate the two) “ADHD wasn’t a thing back then” and what we used to think ADHD actually was Why diagnosis can make your whole life suddenly make sense Being hyperactive in your brain even when you look calm on the outside Does ADHD get worse with age, or do you just have more to juggle? Family, childhood symptoms, and getting into trouble for asking “why?” The contradictions of ADHD and autism traits (and why it can feel confusing) Taking what you’ve learned into the workplace Masking, feeling like you’re “crazy”, and the emotional impact of not knowing Diagnosis feelings: relief, sadness, grief, anger, guilt, and imposter syndrome Relationships, emotions, learning curves, patience, and changing the narrative Mental health medication, OCD, psychology, and breaking stereotypes (no, not everyone likes trains) Online pressure to be “officially diagnosed” and why it matters to people Right to Choose, aftercare, lack of support, and broken systems Shared care agreements and supporting injustice (Paul’s sense of justice is next level) At one point Adam and Paul both get distracted at the same time, and Donna has to keep the whole thing on track like a neurotypical air traffic controller. We finish with Paul’s Good, Bad & Ugly — and it’s a belter. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KvzSy3oPBDc Find Paul online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulhosts/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@paulnightingadhd Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adhdrelationshipsunfiltered Follow us: Instagram: @adhdorlifepod TikTok: @adhdorlifepod Twitter/X: @adhdorlifepod YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ADHDorLifepod #ADHD #AuDHD #Autism #Neurodivergent #Neurodiversity #AdultADHD #ADHDUK #LateDiagnosis #ADHDPodcast #NeurodivergentPodcast #ADHDAndAutism #Masking #Burnout #ImposterSyndrome #Depression #MentalHealth #RightToChoose #DiagnosisJourney #PostDiagnosis #ADHDRelationships #EmotionalRegulation #ExecutiveDysfunction #ADHDCommunity #AutisticAdults #AudhdLife #CouplesPodcast #FunnyAndHonest #GoodBadUgly New episodes every Friday. Have a Good, Bad or Funny story, or a question for us? Send it to adhdorlife@gmail.com. Watch and subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ADHDorLifePod Find us on Instagram and TikTok: @adhdorlifepod Visit our website: https://www.adhdorlife.com

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Is it ADHD or Do I just need a deadline? - ADHD or Life? A couple`s perspective.

Send us Fan Mail Is it ADHD or Do I just need a deadline? New episode out now on ADHD or Life – A Couple’s Perspective 🎙️ and this week we’re getting straight into it… deadlines. The kind that magically turn you into a productive genius at the very last second, but also shave years off your life. Is it procrastination, poor planning, laziness… or the ADHD brain doing what it does best? This week Adam shares his personal deadline chaos from the last two weeks (including learning magic tricks in the van and learning new balloon models in a toilet, which feels like the most ADHD sentence ever). We talk about why this happens, the adrenaline/dopamine connection, and whether you always “get away with it”… or whether it just looks like you do from the outside. We get into ADHD motivators, importance vs stimulation, and whether challenge is genuinely motivating or just the only thing that makes your brain switch on. Because it’s not like you’re ignoring the problem… you’re thinking about it constantly. Donna also rage baits the ADHD community (you’re welcome), and we talk pressure, finances, and the chaos of being a poor financial planner. We also look at Donna’s “neuro-normal” brain leaving things till the last minute too — is that laziness, or has she caught ADHD? We talk different levels, Adam being a hypocrite, and whether this argument could lead to divorce (joking… kind of). We need your help settling an argument in this episode, so please comment what you think. Is communication key? Is it just the rush? And what does it do to relationships, the whole family, and even the podcast when planning only happens when the clock is screaming? We talk guilt spirals, irresponsibility vs paralysis, when it’s most likely ADHD, and we share some strategies including made-up deadlines, accountability, body doubling (including an embarrassing body doubling story), and yes… gamification (ick). We also cover Adam’s deadline that nearly ended in a house fire, getting lucky with deadlines, and what happens when deadlines go properly wrong. Five minute moans: - Adam leaving stuff about - Donna opening letters We finish with your good, bad and ugly stories (email more to adhdorlife@gmail.com) and we talk about the serious side of living life permanently one deadline away from disaster. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NxmaWdr3D4o Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46i0iGiwmgvFrlOzoW2SnS More on our website: https://www.adhdorlife.com Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adhdrelationshipsunfiltered Follow us: Instagram: @adhdorlifepod TikTok: @adhdorlifepod Twitter/X: @adhdorlifepod YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ADHDorLifepod ADHD #Deadlines #Procrastination #ADHDProcrastination #AdultADHD #ADHDUK #ADHDPodcast #Neurodiversity #Neurodivergent #ExecutiveDysfunction #ADHDMotivation #Dopamine #Adrenaline #TaskInitiation #TimeBlindness #ADHDAndAnxiety #GuiltSpiral #Paralysis #BodyDoubling #Accountability #Gamification #ADHDRelationships #NeurodiverseCouples #CouplesPodcast #RealLifeADHD #MentalLoad #FamilyLife #ADHDCopingStrategies #ADHDCommunity Tune in every week for more conversations and revelations! Send your good, bad and funny stories to adhdorlife@gmail.com. Like and Subscribe to see our faces here: http://www.youtube.com/@ADHDorLifepod Follow us on Tik Tok for extra snippits and more: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhdorlifepod Follow us on Instagram for up to date info: https://www.instagram.com/adhdorlifepod/

Is it ADHD or Life? – Medication Catchup

Send us Fan Mail Is it ADHD or Life? – Medication Catchup New episode out now on ADHD or Life – A Couple’s Perspective 🎙️ and this one is a proper personal deep dive into Adam’s first two weeks on ADHD medication. Real-life updates, side effects, wins, worries, and all the stuff you don’t always hear people say out loud. This week we start by disagreeing on whether this episode should be called “part deux”, then we catch up on half term, the stresses that come with it, and how medication has changed things (or not). We talk about the new Elvis movie (don’t recommend), and we also went to London to watch a TV recording where medication definitely helped. Is Adam just… chill now? Then there’s Adam’s life-or-death toothache before we get into the main event: medication. Adam has been taking Elvanse for about two and a half weeks and we go through what week one really felt like, including blood pressure being high at first, the new found energy, and the reality that it’s not a magic pill. It’s had such an effect that Adam is now behind on Emmerdale, which is saying something. We talk dry mouth, fear of the crash, and then week two: does your body get used to it, or does Adam just always want more? Was more too much? We cover teeth grinding, heaviness, sleep issues, the best time to take it, lack of appetite, protein, and the weird moment of realising Easter eggs have gone flat. We also get into the bigger questions: does Adam have his spark back, and do Adam and Donna have their spark back? We talk negative feedback, fear, emotions, protein shakes, and whether you should depend on a tablet. Is the old Adam back? And is it normal to love something for ages, overdo it, then never go near it again? Five minute moans: - Donna’s driving - Adam’s total disregard of nappies We finish with listeners’ good, bad and ugly stories about medication. Please keep sending yours to adhdorlife@gmail.com Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/iwAKx3QFz1g Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46i0iGiwmgvFrlOzoW2SnS More on our website: https://www.adhdorlife.com Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adhdrelationshipsunfiltered Follow us: Instagram: @adhdorlifepod TikTok: @adhdorlifepod Twitter/X: @adhdorlifepod YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ADHDorLifepod ADHD #ADHDMedication #Elvanse #Vyvanse #AdultADHD #ADHDUK #ADHDPodcast #Neurodiversity #Neurodivergent #ADHDJourney #Titration #MedicationJourney #ADHDSideEffects #DryMouth #TeethGrinding #SleepAndADHD #ADHDAppetite #ProteinForADHD #EmotionalRegulation #RSD #ADHDRelationships #NeurodiverseCouples #CouplesPodcast #RealLifeADHD #MentalHealth #ADHDCopingStrategies #ADHDCommunity #ADHDSupport Tune in every week for more conversations and revelations! Send your good, bad and ugly stories to adhdorlife@gmail.com. Like and Subscribe to see our faces here: http://www.youtube.com/@ADHDorLifepod Follow us on Tik Tok for extra snippits and more: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhdorlifepod Follow us on Instagram for up to date info: https://www.instagram.com/adhdorlifepod/

Is it ADHD or Life? with Special Guest Lauren O'Carroll

Send us Fan Mail New episode out now on ADHD or Life – A Couple’s Perspective 🎙️ and this week we’re joined by ADHD parenting coach Lauren O’Carroll. Lauren supports parents navigating neurodivergent family life, helping families understand ADHD, manage the day-to-day challenges, and build homes that actually work for ADHD brains (not the imaginary “perfect” ones we all think we should have). We start by getting to know Lauren and her journey into ADHD parenting coaching, then we dig into the common parenting challenges that show up when ADHD is in the mix. Lauren shares practical strategies that actually help, especially for parents who have ADHD themselves, and we talk honestly about what to do when you’re overwhelmed in the thick of parenting and everything feels like too much. We also learn a new term, mirror neurons, and yes… there’s a code word situation involving “BANANAS”. We finish with Lauren’s good, bad and ugly of ADHD parenting. You can find Lauren here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/positivelyparentingtogether/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@positivelyparentingloz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurenParentCoach LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/positivelyparenting/ #ADHD #ADHDParenting #ParentingWithADHD #NeurodivergentFamilies #Neurodiversity #Neurodivergent #ADHDUK #AdultADHD #ADHDPodcast #ADHDCoach #ParentingSupport #OverwhelmedParents #ExecutiveDysfunction #EmotionalRegulation #RSD #FamilyLife #ParentingStrategies #GentleParenting #NeurodivergentKids #ADHDKids #ADHDFamily #RealLifeADHD #CouplesPodcast #MentalLoad #Burnout #parentingtips Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46i0iGiwmgvFrlOzoW2SnS Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/efQsF7PfMJw More on our website: https://www.adhdorlife.com Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adhdrelationshipsunfiltered Tune in every week for more conversations and revelations! Send your good, bad and ugly stories to adhdorlife@gmail.com. Like and Subscribe to see our faces here: http://www.youtube.com/@ADHDorLifepod Follow us on Tik Tok for extra snippits and more: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhdorlifepod Follow us on Instagram for up to date info: https://www.instagram.com/adhdorlifepod/