Written by: Dr. Lauren McClenney-Rosenstein, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
More often than not, BIPOC women find themselves navigating the complexities of ADHD without adequate awareness, education, or acknowledgment within their communities. The intersectionality of being a woman of color with ADHD adds layers of challenges that often go undiscussed. In this article, I share a snapshot of my journey as a Black woman with ADHD, diagnosed almost two decades ago, and how entrepreneurship became the catalyst for understanding and addressing the concept of ADHD paralysis.
The hidden struggle
Living with ADHD as a woman of color comes with its own set of unique challenges. In many cases, the lack of awareness and education within BIPOC communities perpetuates a cycle of misunderstanding and denial regarding neurodiversity. It took almost two decades for me to acknowledge and treat my neurodiverse brain actively. It wasn't until I immersed myself in the world of entrepreneurship that I began to unravel the layers of ADHD and its impact on my life.
Discovering ADHD paralysis
ADHD paralysis, a term less commonly discussed, became a pivotal realization in my journey. As a mother, wife, and business owner, the demands on my plate were immense. However, it was the consistent pushing of limits without an understanding of ADHD paralysis that led to burnout and frustration. Recognizing the different types of ADHD paralysis – mental, task, and choice paralysis – provided a framework for understanding and addressing these challenges.
Types of ADHD paralysis
Mental paralysis:
Mental paralysis in ADHD refers to a foggy or overwhelmed state of the mind. For BIPOC women, the external pressures of societal expectations, racial biases, and cultural nuances can compound this experience. Understanding this aspect of ADHD paralysis allowed me to identify when my mind was overloaded and in need of a reset.
Task paralysis:
Task paralysis involves the inability to initiate or complete tasks. For BIPOC women juggling multiple roles and responsibilities, this can be particularly challenging. Recognizing task paralysis enabled me to break down tasks into more manageable parts, preventing feeling overwhelmed. AI tools helped me time block and organize my daily, weekly, and monthly tasks.
Choice paralysis:
Choice paralysis, or "analysis paralysis," occurs when decision-making is overwhelming. BIPOC women often face unique challenges in decision-making, influenced by cultural expectations and societal pressures. Identifying choice paralysis empowered me to streamline decision-making processes and reduce the mental burden associated with choices.
Empowerment through understanding
Knowing and identifying the different forms of ADHD paralysis has been transformative. It allowed me to understand my responses to external stimuli and proactively address and navigate these challenges. As an educational therapist and Holistic life coach, I emphasize the importance of self-education on neurodiversity. It's a continuous journey of self-discovery, shedding light on how ADHD paralysis may influence daily living.
Strategies for empowerment
Self-discovery:
Embark on a journey of self-discovery to understand how ADHD paralysis manifests in your life. Reflect on personal experiences, identify patterns, and seek professional guidance.
Education:
Educate yourself on the different types of ADHD paralysis. Knowing the nuances of mental, task, and choice paralysis equips you with the tools to navigate challenges effectively.
Mindfulness and shifts:
Practice mindfulness to recognize when ADHD paralysis is occurring. Use this awareness to initiate shifts, changes, or redirections in your activities to re-focus and re-energize.
The intersection of being a woman of color with ADHD brings forth a unique set of challenges, often exacerbated by the lack of awareness within BIPOC communities. Understanding and addressing ADHD paralysis is a crucial step toward empowerment. By unraveling the layers of mental, task, and choice paralysis, BIPOC women can navigate the intricacies of their neurodiverse brains and thrive in various aspects of life. The journey of self-discovery and education is ongoing, leading to a more informed and empowered existence.
CTA: If you’re interested in learning more, tune into my weekly podcast, The Resilience Unlimited Show.
Dr. Lauren McClenney-Rosenstein, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Dr. Lauren, founder of Resilience Unlimited, is a seasoned educator, life coach, and entrepreneur, bringing unparalleled expertise to the organization. As a black woman with ADHD, she profoundly understands diverse challenges, covering trauma healing, education, parenting, and more. With over twelve years of experience internationally and domestically, Dr. Lauren prioritizes transformative journeys for families and women of color, emphasizing growth over survival. Committed to personal transformation, she guides clients with a compassionate, non-judgmental approach tailored to their unique needs. Embark on your journey to success with Dr. Lauren as your empowering guide at Resilience Unlimited.
