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ADHD Masking: The Cost of Looking ‘Normal’
For many people with ADHD, the challenge isn’t just managing symptoms; it’s hiding them. ADHD masking involves consciously or unconsciously suppressing traits and struggles to appear “normal,” capable, or organized. From rehearsing conversations to over-preparing and hiding restlessness, masking can make someone look perfectly fine on the outside while leaving them mentally and emotionally exhausted. What Does ADHD Masking Look Like? ADHD masking can take many forms, includi

Gretchen Pound, PhD
Aug 272 min read


The Exhaustion of Pretending You’re “On Top of It”
For many adults with ADHD, looking like you have everything under control can be exhausting. You may seem organized and responsible while relying on reminders, alarms, lists, and last-minute bursts of energy to keep up. ADHD can also make planning, organizing, starting tasks, managing time, and remembering things more difficult. You might handle complex work well but struggle with simple tasks. It’s not laziness or a lack of care. Everyday responsibilities may require more ef

Gretchen Pound, PhD
Aug 203 min read


February Newsletter: Understanding Emotional Regulation and Stress in ADHD
February is often associated with heightened emotions, busy schedules, and increased academic or social demands. For individuals with ADHD, these pressures can feel especially intense. Two important concepts that help explain these experiences are stress tolerance and emotional regulation . While closely connected, they describe different challenges—and understanding the difference can make a meaningful impact. Stress Tolerance: Capacity Under Pressure Stress tolerance refer

Gretchen Pound, PhD
Feb 92 min read


Nervous System Reset: How to Downshift from Burnout Mode (Holiday Edition)
Understanding ADHD stress cycles + simple regulation tools that actually work The holidays may be marketed as “the most wonderful time of the year,” but for ADHD brains, they often bring more stimulation, more pressure, more decisions, and more emotional load . It’s the perfect recipe for slipping into burnout mode—fast. Here’s how ADHD stress patterns collide with holiday demands, and what you can do to reset your nervous system before (or after) the crash. Why ADHD Brains B

Gretchen Pound, PhD
Dec 10, 20252 min read
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