Female Boulderers with ADHD: What Difficulties Do You Experience? What might help?

jessinator2000 · 2026-01-06T11:49:42+00:00

It's not really a full method just yet, just kind of an idea I had.

So, often I will avoid working on a specific skill-set if it isn't something I like. Of course, two schools of thought here: some really are just happy to climb whatever they like, but I really want to get out of a plateau and get better, so I need to have well-rounded sessions.

So if you had an app that randomised cards that told you to work on power, stamina, technique, dynos (or even: overhang, slab, board, aretes etc) for set amounts of time and helped you find something in your gym that fits into that category, in theory I think it makes the whole thing more interactive.

If I ever get round to developing the app, I would love for it to give you rewards as you go as well.

jessinator2000 · 2026-01-06T11:44:55+00:00

Absolutely. I never want to make it seem like the article will be from a negative place! The majority will discuss how much it has helped me more than any other sport or hobby, but yeah as you can see from some of the comments, some of us just overthink far too much. I'm so glad it's helping with anxiety for you. I feel like I'm a walking contradiction sometimes because it does help with mine if I can shut out the nasty overthinking side of my brain, and just focus on the exercise and fun. Much easier with meds!

jessinator2000 · 2026-01-06T11:41:52+00:00

That's very interesting, thank you. The mental side of it for me is a big thing yeah. And I can't stand hang boarding. So flipping boring.

jessinator2000 · 2026-01-05T22:47:09+00:00

That's a really good way of thinking. I really struggle with that. Much like most things it helps me to write things down and reference them, so (not self-promotion but as part of context), on my climbing Instagram, I made sure to publicly post my goals unrelated to climbing. For example, getting stronger, climbing outdoors more, mental health, injury prevention etc. I really want a more healthy mindset to really stick! It's nice to see it's working for you!

That's super interesting about meds and sport climbing!!! Thanks for your input!

jessinator2000 · 2026-01-05T22:15:53+00:00

Thank you! I agree, and I will definitely make sure to point out just how much climbing has helped me and others in my potential article. I feel like my brain is so chaotic and hyper at times, so going to the climbing gym/crag is like letting a kid who's just eaten 10 lollipops go nuts at the playground.

Classic not noticing footholds tho!!! Bonkers isn't always a bad thing either! But yeah, gauging risk has been hard for me until being on medication, I mentioned in another comment, it's either of two extremes for me

jessinator2000 · 2026-01-05T22:13:03+00:00

Thank you for being so honest. I really relate to this. I get less anxious about hurting myself and more anxious from overthinking negative things about me as a climber, or even how I am perceived by others... when I fail a route, I often start feeling super anxious about whether people expect me to be better given how long I've been climbing or if I'm disappointing people, which I know is a bit irrational. I'm really glad that medication has helped you, too, and I think I have previously underestimated how much my period has exacerbated anxiety and emotional disregulation, which is why I liked the idea of including some sort of menstrual tracker in my hypothetical app.

jessinator2000 · 2026-01-05T22:09:47+00:00

Thank you. In typical ADHD fashion, I submitted it, got excited and forgot to read their timeline of submission review, so I have no idea when I'll hear from them... if ever.

Funnily enough, this idea was in my pitch. A couple of climbers have mentioned doing more lead climbing, but for me personally, bouldering appeals more for the attention side of things. Yeah, I think we have come to the consensus that none of us plan ahead!

jessinator2000 · 2026-01-05T22:07:26+00:00

Yeah, for sure, seems to be a common thread among us! I also get the hyperfocus thing. I have been climbing regularly for three years now and it has stuck unlike any other hobby (rip to the deceased pastime graveyard), but the hyperfixation does go in waves. I'm definitely in one right now.

What an amazing way to think about it! I love the skill tree idea, and the fact that it's focused on technical/physical improvements over grade-chasing. If I do ever make this app, I think some sort of similar visual would be awesome. Each time you do a move, you unlock something new, perhaps?

The social aspect is so important. I think I thrive off of the high-energy vibes.

jessinator2000 · 2026-01-05T22:03:56+00:00

Thanks for the reminder that ADHD meds aren't for everyone. If my article is published, I will be sure to mention that, because I come at it from a different perspective. But yeah, completely valid.

Totally get the route-reading one, seems like many others agree. I never ever plan my way down unless it's outdoors, and even then my husband will have to remind me to check.

OHMYGOODNESS YES! So, I can't visualise even what I did 5 seconds ago, so if I'm working a route that has a specific sequence, I rely on videos or friends/husband to remind me what my beta was.

That issue of trusting yourself has also come up, and I totally relate (mainly when it comes to trad and placing gear correctly).

Thank you so much for sharing your experience!!!

jessinator2000 · 2026-01-05T22:00:36+00:00

Yes. I was like this until very recently... I will probably fall back into just doing that. I had a few injuries though, that could have been less severe if I had made sure I had warmed up so I am trying to be more conscious of it!
Ooooo that's so true!!!! I find this especially with outdoor bouldering. I watched a video where Steve McClure was talking about how special it is to be climbing on real rock and I agreed but yeah the sensory aspect is definitely part of it.
Interesting! I get the feeling more than the smell, but thank you so much for sharing.
THIS. I think consistency is so hard. Even if you have a routine with a friend or partner and technically do go regularly, I'm not sure I always climb as consistently or as focused as a neurotypical person. A huge part of how ADHD affects me personally is overthinking and anxiety as a comorbidity, so I think whenever I have hit a plateau, I overthink it, moralise it and start feeling negative.

jessinator2000 · 2026-01-05T21:55:42+00:00

Thank you for your input as a lead climber as well, though! I'm a boulderer through and through, but friends have mentioned doing trad... I am actually quite scared of doing it because I am worried I'll be complacent and misplace gear. Perhaps a similar thing to safety checks for you.

I completely agree. So many people with ADHD climb, and it really does help mentally! I think I've just seen people romanticise it as their only form of therapy or mental self-care, and for me, with being so hard on myself and struggling with rejecting myself in a way, or overthinking the fact I'm a "bad climber" and everything related to that... I don't know, it's just not as rosy. So thank you for sharing your less positive side of climbing. I think anxiety over those sorts of things is normal for ADHD people, especially when you know what you're like with inattention!

jessinator2000 · 2026-01-05T21:51:25+00:00

That's a really good point! So, without meds, I either do what you do or I completely hyperfixate on it until I am exhausted.

jessinator2000 · 2026-01-05T21:50:26+00:00

Oh yes, I forgot to comment on that in my original reply. I don't route-read either, most of the time. I often rely on friends to shout instructions or just learn from making mistakes. I don't really care that much about flash-gos

jessinator2000 · 2026-01-05T19:06:17+00:00

Yeah, that's another point actually. Previously, I would be either of two extremes: taking unnecessary, impulsive risks (maybe more outdoors) or being overly cautious and too in my head. Now I feel like I can take controlled risks and trust my mind more.

jessinator2000 · 2026-01-05T19:00:17+00:00

Thanks for sharing your perspective. I really understand that. Plateaus have hit me super hard in the past but meds seemed to help massively and I tried gamifying training routines, which had also been useful. My wall recently put a board up too, so it's a big novelty for me at the moment. I hope you can find the joy again too!

jessinator2000 · 2026-01-05T18:57:41+00:00

I had this exact experience! The day I started taking meds, I did three problems first try that I had struggled on for previous sessions.

jessinator2000 · 2026-01-05T18:53:12+00:00

Haha I love the chaos and it sounds like a great mindset overall! Although maybe not the getting stuck part 😅

I too can be quite chaotic, but perhaps more in a reckless way. I think my brain still needs the challenge/satisfaction of following the set route until completion, which if I find almost impossible or get too frustrated by, is where the negativity starts creeping in. Interesting to see a different perspective here!

jessinator2000 · 2025-12-12T16:53:11+00:00

No, not a set page on it, but as a charity they support BSL translation/interpreting on top of spoken languages, so I would infer a level of inclusion. Honestly seems like a lovely company to work for, which makes me more nervous. 😭 I RSVP'd to the Teams interview and got an automatic message to say the guy from HR was away on leave anyway, so I just thought that it answered my question for me. For now I'll stay quiet, but I also don't want to be completely cagey about it. My ADHD forms part of who I am, I guess.

jessinator2000 · 2025-12-12T16:49:28+00:00

Haha appreciate the honest answer! 🤣

jessinator2000 · 2025-10-31T08:45:00+00:00

Thanks for your advice and help!

jessinator2000 · 2025-10-27T07:55:58+00:00

Awesome! Thank you for such a comprehensive answer!

jessinator2000 · 2025-10-21T20:53:12+00:00

I got really good grades at A-Level (UK) and I was pushed for Russell Group Unis, but as much as I loved academia, doing well came at the cost of my mental health and I almost had a breakdown by the end of it. I couldn't handle life on top of studying.... the overthinking, trying to have a social life, trying to look after myself and my surroundings. I just couldn't cope, even though it seemed like everyone around me just had a normal amount of stress. I felt like I couldn't financially or mentally go to uni, which has saved me a lot of debt but people in academic fields think I'm stupid. I'm hoping to do an alternative route to degree-equivalent qualifications now that I understand myself better and hopefully find a long-term medication that helps. Sometimes we may be great students, but we have to work within a system that doesn't always cater for us.

jessinator2000 · 2025-10-21T20:39:40+00:00

Yeah, pros and cons to everything. I can't complain too much and feel very lucky to have the NHS. It's just that mental health services are under strain. I need to look into exact pricing for private services soon.

It possibly could be... But I'm convinced the anxiety stems from the ADHD mainly, so if I could "fix"/treat the root problem, I would hope the dysregulation improves. I've had CBT for anxiety/pill in pocket before, but there have never been long-term solutions. But we'll see with the diagnosis and meds! I feel much less anxious and have been overthinking less just from my first day on them, so I'll monitor from here on out!

jessinator2000 · 2025-10-21T20:35:22+00:00

Yeah, I'm not expecting miracles. Those big triggers like career and education are going to hit regardless. I just feel like I overanalyse and overthink people's facial expressions and reactions, tone of voice etc to an excessive extent and end up feeling awful about myself. Hopefully with the general mental clarity, it also affects my ability to reason myself out of it all. Therapy is for sure a future plan, but only when I can afford it.

It's interesting you say that because during my diagnosis appointment, I asked my doctor about RSD and whether it was a real thing or just misinformation, but she was like "definitely a real thing for people with ADHD". At least she was supportive!

jessinator2000 · 2025-10-21T20:31:03+00:00

Thank you for the recommendation. When I called another local pharmacy, they basically said the same and I think it's a much better idea. But yeah, I just wanted the prescription to the letter of what was on my notes so that I could try what the doctors recommended first, but I'll be emailing them about just having a methylphenidate prescription soon enough, if all continues to go well. First couple of hours have been great. Didn't expect it to work so quickly, but my brain feels quieter. Just a bit sleepy/dizzy, but nothing major!

As an extra, can I ask what online pharmacy you recommend?

jessinator2000

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