The Hidden Costs of People Pleasing: Why ADHD Women Struggle + How to Break Free | Meredith Carder

If you’ve ever found yourself saying “yes” when you desperately wanted to say “no,” you’re not alone—especially if you’re a woman living with ADHD. In this episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, I sit down with ADHD coach and author Meredith Carder to uncover why chronic people pleasing in ADHD women is so common, how it connects to masking, guilt, and burnout, and most importantly—how you can break free. You’ll hear practical tools, fresh perspectives, and science-backed insights that will make you feel seen, supported, and empowered.

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Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 

• Meredith Carder – [Author & ADHD Coach] https://www.instagram.com/hummingbird_adhd/ 
• Meredith’s community, The Hummingbird Hive https://meredith-rose-carder.mykajabi.com/group-membership 
• Meredith’s book It All Makes Sense Now https://amzn.to/45XHvTN 
• Research referenced: study on higher mortality risk in ADHD women
• Dr. Ann Louise Lockhart’s episode on parenting and emotional regulation (for further listening) https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/raising-kids-with-big-feelings/  
• Diet for ADHD: How Nutrition Shapes Focus, Mood, and Brain Health | Timothy Frie https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/diet-for-adhd/  
• Mouth Breathing, ADHD & the Cavity Conspiracy: What Your Dentist Isn’t Telling You | Dr. Staci Whitman https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/mouth-breathing-in-children/  
• ADHD Types and Hormones: The Unexpected Link You Need to Know | Ludovico Saint amour di Chanaz https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/adhd-types-and-hormones/  
• ADHD, Sleep & Hormones: Why Your Brain Won’t Shut Off at Night https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/adhd-sleep-hormones/  
• ADHD Burnout? Your Hormones Might Be Sabotaging You https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/adhd-burnout/  
• How Hormones and Menopause Affect ADHD: What No One’s Telling You https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/menopause-and-adhd/  
• ADHD Endometriosis Connection: What You Should Know If You’re Diagnosed with ADHD https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/adhd-endometriosis-connection/  
• Article: Exploring Natural Solutions for Adult ADHD — How To Find Relief https://drbrighten.com/natural-remedies-adhd/ 

Follow Meredith Carder:

Website https://meredithcarder.com/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hummingbird_adhd/

Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten:

Website: https://www.drbrighten.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten

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🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/

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