South of Normal

#14: Why ADHD Feels So Hard During the Teen Years and What Actually Helps with Grace Pitts

South of Normal

Show Notes

High school can feel unbearable when you have ADHD. Everything is louder: rejection, friendships, self-image, and the constant pressure to fit in. In this episode, Grace Pitts shares what it really felt like to be a teen with ADHD, including rejection sensitivity, shame spirals, impulsive reactions, and the way one comment could derail her entire day. We talk about why ADHD teens often feel “too much,” how RSD can destroy friendships, and why punishment rarely creates change. Grace also explains what coaching gave her that therapy never did: simple tools that helped her rewire patterns, build emotional control, and finally feel like she is in control. This conversation is for teens who feel misunderstood and for parents who want to support their child with connection instead of constant correction.

Chapters (00:00) Introduction (01:19) What Was Hardest About High School With ADHD? (03:46) What Does RSD Feel Like in Real Life, and Why Is It So Intense? (10:20) Why Did You Switch Schools and Try Online School? (13:19) Who Are You Now Compared To Two Years Ago? (18:33) Why Did Coaching Work When Therapy Did Not? (22:03) What Do Parents Need To Know About ADHD Teens? (27:21) What Does Life Feel Like Now, and What Changed Most? (31:11) How Does Social Media Make Teen ADHD and Self Image Harder?

What is the hardest part of ADHD for teens right now? Teens share your experience. Parents share what you see your child struggle with most in the comments.

FREE RESOURCES ✨ ADHD Quiz: https://jherisouth.com/page/adhd-quiz RSD Webinar: https://jherisouth.com/page/adhd-emotions-webinar-opt-in More resources at https://jherisouth.com

GET SUPPORT ✨ ADHD Simplified Course (just $97!): https://jherisouth.com/page/adhd-simplifed FREE consult for ADHD coaching: https://jherisouth.as.me/schedule/f39adc54

FOLLOW ME ✨ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msjherisouth/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jherisouth TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@jherisouth8

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