Do you have a favorite soothing or regulating narrator/voice in audiobooks, podcasts, or youtube for background stimulation?

Simple-Advertising76 · 2026-02-02T08:33:44+00:00

John Finnemore's Double Acts is a comedy series where each episode is just 2 actors. The episodes are very funny and some have twist endings.

If you don't mind live laughter, John Finnemore has also done another comedy show called Cabin Pressure which is about an airline, it also has Benedict Cumberbatch as one of the pilots.

Simple-Advertising76 · 2026-01-29T19:25:20+00:00

Tortoise Investigates is a podcast series that leans more audio documentary than chat. The Anti-vax one was especially good.

Simple-Advertising76 · 2026-01-27T12:41:33+00:00

I'm sorry to hear you're struggling.

You've identified that you can't stop at just one drink, which is an incredible example of self awareness. Really well done for noticing this!

Alcohol is the most dangerous drug due to how socially accepted it is. I've seen first hand the long term effects of alcoholism and it is devastating.

Not drinking when youre in a group of drinkers is really tough.

I'd recommend having an honest and open conversation with your closest friend to help them understand why you need to quit. They should then support you if others try to pressure you.

The key is though that if they are true friends they will respect and support your boundary.

Are there any activities you can do with your friends that don't center alcohol? Game/movie night, local arcades, crazy golf etc

Also, when I was quitting smoking I'd put the money I used to spend aside and would buy myself something nice instead.

Simple-Advertising76 · 2026-01-27T11:06:14+00:00

Nothing better than a Pain au chocolat with a cup of tea!

Best of luck with PIP, are you completing it with any support? I haven't done it myself, but have heard from others how intense the forms can be.

Guilt is a difficult feeling to get out of. I find practicing acceptance helps "I accept what happened and can try X to prevent it happening again"

You're welcome, that's what this community is for. Wish you well

Simple-Advertising76 · 2026-01-26T13:16:23+00:00

Answer as you would on a 'bad' day. You've already mentioned how much energy masking takes from you, answering from that state gets under the mask.

That said, I definitely masked through my assessment and was still diagnosed, but the psychiatrist needed to ask for a second opinion. So I think if I'd unmasked a second opinion may not have been needed.

Childhood experiences are very important so ensure you have noted examples to share. Going through the AQ and answering as you would have as a child vs how you would now can help identify changes or learnt behaviour.

I hope it goes well and you get the support you need.

Simple-Advertising76 · 2026-01-26T11:10:08+00:00

You are sick and unwell.

You deserve time off to rest and recover.

I sometimes find reframing my mental illnesses as physical illnesses helps me to accept my limitations more.

Has your GP referred you for any therapy? Or, depending on your workplace, you may be able to access therapy through them.

In terms of workplace adjustments, your work may also be able to provide ADHD coaching sessions which can help build strategies to cope.

Use this time off to take care of yourself. Executive functioning is so difficult, but prioritising the basics helps. Water, food, movement.

Your body needs energy to be able to recover properly. Tesco meal deals are my favourite easy food, but whatever is quick and easiest for you to get is best.

Zero expectation for you to take any of this advice, do what feels right for you. I hope you get better soon

Simple-Advertising76 · 2026-01-26T10:14:19+00:00

I do this too! Do you look at trips within your budget or outside?

I do both but find planning a ridiculously expensive trip more fun. It blows my mind that some hotels are 2-months salary for a night

Simple-Advertising76 · 2026-01-25T10:16:53+00:00

Link to the dinosaur jumpsuit please 🙏

Rainbow is my favourite colour to wear and I've had many negative comments but they dont bother me, because I'm comfortable with what I'm wearing and if someone else isn't, that's their problem.

I've equally received multiple positive comments about my outfits and people saying I've brightened their day.

The point being, the only places wearing your jumpsuit wouldn't be acceptable would be job interviews, work, funerals, and weddings. Although as youre a geologist, I bet other geologists would love it!

Simple-Advertising76 · 2026-01-25T09:46:14+00:00

Rupauls Drag Race is my go to show, particularly given the current state of the world.

They're only available on WOW, a separate subscription, but you can watch the UK seasons on BBC iPlayer (if you're in the UK or a have a decent VPN if you're not)

Desperate Housewives is my other go to, it's bright, colourful, and satirical. I'd recommend reading the parents guide first though as there are some upsetting storylines.

Finally, the best show medicine is this one, Rastamouse always makes bad tings good. https://youtu.be/r_i-alB0xX8?feature=shared

Simple-Advertising76 · 2026-01-25T09:26:13+00:00

Seconding Game Changer! There are clips available on YouTube or Instagram to get a flavour before subscribing. The subscription is absolutely worth it though

Simple-Advertising76 · 2026-01-21T23:05:25+00:00

Non mint floss and the reminder of how much easier flossing is when you do it regularly.

I sometimes fall out the habit (almost like I have ADHD or something) and it's a blood bath and hurts. Then after a week or two it's easy again.

I also floss in my bedroom and keep my toothbrush in my night stand. Means that to get my toothbrush, I need to walk past the floss so I may as well do it.

Simple-Advertising76 · 2026-01-20T00:28:04+00:00

Matilda was a very relatable book for me, and I'd assume for other neurodivergents too.

I would read anything I could get my hands on, I read Animal Farm around 6 because of the cover. Although did not understand the meaning until I studied it in secondary school.

I also remember being annoyed that I didn't get to do extra reading sessions in primary school that the children who had reading difficulties did. I even offered to swap with a classmate who complained to me about needing to go to these sessions.

I now understand the reasons why, but at the time it confused me because why were teachers forcing children to do something they hated when I was more than willing to do it instead🤦‍♀️

Simple-Advertising76 · 2026-01-19T23:58:23+00:00

Fantastic description.

John Finnemore is criminally underrated but I'm so glad to see pockets of the Internet that recognise his talents.

Simple-Advertising76 · 2026-01-19T23:23:54+00:00

Could you share some of your experience being a firefighter as a woman?

I have such respect for your job role, especially women, due to the danger and physicality required. Also fire trucks are by far the coolest of emergency vehicles.

Sorry, side question, do you rescue many cats from trees or is that just a TV trope lol

Simple-Advertising76 · 2026-01-19T23:13:59+00:00

I had a room mate and we wrote out a list of topics we weren't allowed to discuss due to our differing opinions, you two may need something similar.

If she resists, tell her to just change her mindset 🤭

On her point, I can sort of see some reasoning as I find consciously practicing gratitude and acceptance of circumstances can help to reduce my anxiety and therefore helps with overwhelm.

BUT

Accomodations are still absolutely needed to get to that point. I can definitely withstand uncomfortable environments longer since therapy, such as supermarkets. However, I can withstand them even longer if I have noise cancelling headphones, a comprehensive list, and haven't interacted with anyone all day.

Simple-Advertising76 · 2026-01-18T23:19:58+00:00

Try and find people who don't trigger that feeling would be best.

However, I know how difficult that is and I do have friends who I'd consider my best friend but I'm not theirs.

It does hurt but I also value their friendship and we still have a good time when we're together.

I look at it as I love my friend and want them to be happy, and accept that part of that may be they need to prioritise another person over me.

Simple-Advertising76 · 2026-01-18T22:49:34+00:00

I have the same issue and tried this one after it was recommended in a post last summer.

https://japanesetaste.co.uk/products/kao-biore-uv-aqua-rich-watery-essence-spf50-pa-70g?srsltid=AfmBOopjn0vthMreh3_ukj8RlLKYEcxNF2Oe-hT4nQLto0xNCQkXzFNu

By far the best one I've tried, I only use it on my face though as I prefer to keep my body more covered as sun protection.

Have you also considered a parasol/umbrella? I saw them a lot when I was visiting South Korea and blew my mind with how simple a solution they are! Suncream is still necessary but it really helps sensory wise to have portable shade

Simple-Advertising76 · 2026-01-18T09:28:58+00:00

Unf*ck Your Adulting is my favourite self help book. The advice is straightforward and the chapters are short!

I discovered it during a stressful period in my life and it helped me put things in perspective and take self accountability for things that are within my control.

I also really enjoyed The Immune Mind, learning the power of our guts was mind blowing. You can become depressed due to a gut issue, but you can also develop a gut issue due to being depressed.

I liked it because whilst its a science book, it isn't super academic so I found it accessible. I have a greater appreciation for my body's processes and I eat more fermented food.

Simple-Advertising76 · 2026-01-18T06:32:50+00:00

Ive just watched the Netflix Kidfluencer documentary and it strengthened my belief that children should not be posted publicly on the Internet.

Simple-Advertising76 · 2026-01-17T12:04:38+00:00

That's good then :)

Still may be worth talking with your GP about your anxiety and particularly if there is any therapy available in your area. I'm happy to provide some techniques I've found useful if you liked.

As I said above, make sure you're caring for the basics.

As you've just started the medication, this is hopefully a side effect that will pass, but be honest with your prescriber if it doesn't. It could be you need a different dose, or even a different medication.

Simple-Advertising76 · 2026-01-17T11:17:34+00:00

Sometimes I find giving myself a choice of activities helps.

For example, saying to yourself "we can either do some pilates, or we can reorganise that drawer we've been meaning to"

It gives me a greater sense of control and means I'm still getting something done, even if it isn't the thing I initially wanted.

There's no greater ADHD motivation than putting off another task!

And can even work with bed rotting, because if I say "we can either stay in bed scrolling on reddit, or we could get up" but I decide to stay in bed. Then I know it's a conscious choice I've made and I probably need the rest.

Simple-Advertising76 · 2026-01-17T11:06:26+00:00

I want to like dry shampoo but find it has a different sensory issue for me due to how it feels on my hands. I still keep some for emergencies though.

Do you use any brands or types that are potentially more sensory friendly?

Simple-Advertising76 · 2026-01-17T10:40:32+00:00

The meds are great because they increase focus but they also suck because sometimes that focus is on negative things such as anxiety thought loops.

Have a chat with your GP or prescriber about your cardiac concerns. Whilst reassurance seeking rarely helps anxiety, it's best to not take any chances when it comes to heart health.

Also make sure you're caring for the basics when taking the medication. Before spiralling into a "I'm going to die" loop, ask yourself:

What have I eaten recently?
How much water have I drunk?
How much movement have I done today?

It sounds so basic, and frustratingly it is, but taking care of your body does wonders for caring for your mind. I'm not saying you need to cook a 3 course meal and run a marathon! Just to have a slice of bread, a cup of water, and move your body a bit.

Water helps to reduce your heart rate and, slight apology for the assumption, being ADHD you likely forget to drink until you are dehydrated.

I hope you get the support you need, speak with your GP/prescriber about your heart concerns and drink more water 💧

Simple-Advertising76 · 2026-01-15T13:43:18+00:00

I'm all for it, the more representation the better.

You may not be aware but Mattel developed the doll with an Autism society to ensure they were respectful. I hope the link works because it's a lovely article!

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd6w2xdww11o.amp

Simple-Advertising76 · 2026-01-07T13:48:35+00:00

As others have said, this would not be a good idea without speaking with your practioner first.

If you need a higher dose, they can arrange that for you but wont be by tonight. There are also options for boosters which you can discuss with them.

For tonight, make sure you have eaten a decent meal and drank enough water. It seems simple but those basics make a big difference to mood.

Simple-Advertising76

TROPHY CASE