How I Cope with Grief and ADHD: Emotional Insights on Bereavement and Neurodivergence

This conversation is a powerful reminder of the strength found in vulnerability and the importance of community during the grieving process. In this week's episode of the ADHD Women's Wellbeing Podcast, Kate is joined by Alex Spencer for a deeply moving conversation regarding her experience of grief and ADHD, following the death of her beloved son, Declan, in 2023. Alex is a holistic therapist, bereavement coach-in-training, and host of The Functioning Griefster podcast. Alex was diagnosed with ADHD later in life, after years of being labelled “ditzy,” “stupid,” or “the class clown” at school due to undiagnosed ADHD and dyslexia. Alex now uses her lived experience to speak openly about neurodiversity, grief, and resilience and has channelled her energy into creating a safe space for honest conversations about loss, mental health, and carrying on while still carrying grief. This conversation is a powerful reminder of the strength found in vulnerability and the importance of community during the grieving process. In this episode, we explore:

Alex's experience of ADHD, including misunderstanding as a child

How being Declan's Mum changed Alex's mindset and understanding of neurodivergence

Why Alex never related to her ADHD diagnosis until one TV programme changed everything

How being Declan's Mum supported Alex's ADHD without her even knowing it at the time

Alex's fierce sense of right and wrong and her love for Declan drove her to advocate for his needs

The impact of grief and losing Declan on Alex's day-to-day life, ADHD and career

How Alex is finding her place in the world again and using her voice to make Declan proud

The role of RSD in ADHD and the desire to help others instead of self

More information regarding Alex's podcast,

Why creative outlets like Alex's podcast, The Functioning Griefster, can be so powerful when navigating loss and ADHD

Timestamps:

00:01 - Introduction to ADHD Women's Wellbeing

01:46 - Navigating Grief and ADHD

12:15 - The Impact of Acceptance on ADHD and Parenting

18:25 - The Impact of Advocacy and Exhaustion

21:59 - Personal Reflections on Navigating Grief and ADHD

29:40 - Finding Purpose Again During Grief

39:59 - Regaining Structure in Grief

45:23 - Exploring Grief and Connection

The ADHD Women's Wellbeing Live Event Recording is here! My first-ever ADHD Women's Wellbeing Live event sold out, and now the full experience is available to you wherever you are, whenever it feels right. Alongside three neuro-affirming experts, we spent four hours exploring the questions that matter most to late-diagnosed women. Get lifetime access here! Inside the ADHD Women's Wellbeing Live Recording, you'll find:

Kate Moryoussef on post-diagnosis growth and her gentle framework for what comes next

Dr Hannah Cullen on the neuroscience of ADHD and why your brain works the way it does

Hannah Miller on reconnecting with purpose through a neurodivergent lens

Adele Wimsett myth-busting on hormones, HRT, progesterone and perimenopause

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