Ella McCrystal is a psychotherapist and trauma specialist who helps people understand how early life experiences shape the nervous system, self-worth, relationships, and the way we move through the world.

Together we explore the hidden link between ADHD, trauma, masking, rejection sensitivity (RSD), and why so many people with ADHD feel like they have to become someone else just to be accepted. We also discuss how trauma can make ADHD symptoms feel even more overwhelming, why masking is often a survival response, and what healing can actually look like.

If you've ever wondered who you really are beneath the mask, this episode is for you.

Chapters:

00:00 Trailer

01:16 How do you separate who you are from who you've had to become to survive?

04:02 The childhood experiences that teach people to mask

13:18 Why ADHD can make you more vulnerable to abuse

17:10 How trauma can intensify rejection sensitivity (RSD)

21:29 Why rejection hurts people with ADHD so deeply

23:49 How to calm your nervous system when RSD is triggered

30:07 Tiimo advert

31:26 Is masking actually a survival response?

36:01 What happens when you finally stop masking

37:55 Why masking leaves so many people feeling lonely

40:42 How to find your people and stop feeling alone

44:32 The one thing people with ADHD need to stop apologising for

47:53 The biggest lie people with ADHD have been taught about themselves

52:11 The message every person with ADHD needs to hear

54:05 A letter to my younger self

Visit Ella’s website 👉 https://ellamccrystal.com

Find Ella on Instagram 👉 https://www.instagram.com/ellamccrystal/

Get 30% off an annual Tiimo subscription 👉 https://www.tiimoapp.com/offers/adhdchatter

Buy Alex's book entitled 'Now It All Makes Sense' 👉 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Now-All-Makes-Sense-Diagnosis/dp/1399817817

Order Alex’s latest book about Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria 👉 https://linktr.ee/adhdchatter?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=9ffd8709-06df-444c-9936-c136fbd14d6e

Producer: Timon Woodward

Recorded by: Hamlin Studios

Trailer editor: Ryan Faber

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

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