EP 266 Navigating Life with Adult ADHD-Trauma, Triumph & Post-Traumatic Growth With Lou O'Connell

Live & Lead With Heart

In this episode, we welcome Lou O'Connell, a HeartMath practitioner and author, who shares her profound journey with adult ADHD and the impact of bereavement on her life. Lou opens up about her childhood experiences, including the loss of her brother at a young age and the passing of her mother when she was just 13. She also discusses the heart-wrenching loss of a partner due to an undiagnosed heart condition while serving in the British army. Through her story, Lou emphasizes the importance of being heart-centered and heart-focused, highlighting how these experiences have shaped her path towards healing and understanding. Join us for an inspiring conversation about resilience, grief, and finding one’s true self amidst life's challenges.

[00:02:41] Bereavement and personal growth.

[00:06:38] Post-traumatic growth concept.

[00:10:25] Late diagnosed ADHD journey.

[00:14:36] Self-compassion and ADHD diagnosis.

[00:20:23] Identity shifts and personal growth.

[00:22:09] Distraction techniques and healing journey.

[00:25:56] Trusting your body’s guidance.

[00:30:25] Women, ADHD, and entrepreneurship.

[00:33:15] Rooted in Worth course.

[00:40:10] Emotional regulation and ADHD.

[00:44:09] Self-care and heart coherence.

[00:46:35] Heart-centered living and regulation.

[00:49:44] Women's guide to ADHD.

About Lou: Lou O'Connell MBE, otherwise known as the Mental Wealth Mentor, is a decorated veteran with over 28 years' service in the British Army and received an MBE for her work with bereaved military families. As a qualified mental health professional, Lou supports diverse clients, including LGBTQ+ members, bereaved individuals and students with mental health conditions, empowering them to thrive and navigate life's challenges with resilience and creativity. Much to her initial surprise, Lou received a diagnosis of ADHD at the age of 45, leading her down a rabbit hole of research. Initially to find ways of helping herself, however, the more she learnt, the more she found she was helping others going through late diagnosis. This led to her completing additional training in ADHD coaching and offering her coaching services within this field.

Connect with Lou:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lou.oconnell

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lou-o-connell-mbe-b50b5057/

To purchase Lou's Book-

Amazon UK https://amzn.eu/d/cDxGWWQ

Amazon US https://a.co/d/1XPULCf

Amazon Canada https://a.co/d/b3eJJSR

"It is the book I wish I'd had at the start of my journey towards a late diagnosis of ADHD. In the book, people will learn to:

• Explore the intricacies of ADHD, from diagnosis to coping mechanisms.
• Learn about the challenges in accessing a diagnosis and advocating for yourself within the healthcare system.
• Discover how female hormones affect ADHD symptoms and what helps mitigate these effects.
• Get practical tools and hacks for better memory and time management.
• Learn tips and techniques for emotional regulation and managing Rejection Sensitive Dysphora (RSD).
• Identify burnout in yourself and discover tips to avoid it by recognising and working with your strengths.
• Understand the challenges ADHD poses in relationships and find strategies to improve communication and reduce impulsivity.
• Learn about support systems at work and in higher education, including reasonable adjustments and government schemes.

My hope in writing the book is that people feel empowered and equipped to manage your ADHD in a way that works for them. By the end of the book, they'll have practical strategies to enhance focus, productivity, and overall quality of life."

To connect with Dr. Alex visit www.emergenthumans.co or email [e-mail]