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Ep 103: The ADHD Burnout Cycle - And How to Break Free

Author
Mande John
Published
Thu 04 Sep 2025
Episode Link
None

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Burnout with ADHD doesn't build up slowly. It comes from living in extremes. One day you're hyperfocused and working nonstop, the next you're scrolling Netflix and can't get off the couch. That cycle is exhausting - and it's not your fault.

Research shows that up to 70-80% of ADHD adults report frequent burnout symptoms. If you recognize this pattern, you're not alone, and there's a way out.

In this episode, you'll discover:

  • Why ADHD brains burn out differently than neurotypical brains
  • The science behind executive function depletion and the "smaller battery" effect
  • How masking and trying to appear "normal" drains your energy
  • The dopamine rollercoaster: why hyperfocus leads to crashes
  • Warning signs to watch for before you hit the wall
  • Practical recovery strategies you can implement today
  • How to build sustainable energy without the guilt

Key takeaway: Rest isn't the opposite of productivity - it's the fuel for it. Without recovery, the cycle just keeps repeating.

Free Resource: 

Download your ADHD Burnout Recovery Worksheet at www.learntothrivewithadhd.com/burnout

Send your questions: 

I'd love to hear from you! Share your ADHD challenges at https://www.speakpipe.com/learntothrivewithadhd and I may feature your question in a future episode.

Remember: You're not lazy. You're not broken. You're exhausted. And exhaustion requires care, not shame.

Click here for full show notes

CLICK HERE for more resources. We're on this journey together!

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