ADHD and Fibromyalgia


Shared Threads Between ADHD and Fibromyalgia

1. Nervous System Sensitivity


Both ADHD and Fibromyalgia involve a heightened sensitivity in the nervous system.

  • ADHD: the brain processes stimuli differently—often too much, too fast
  • Fibromyalgia: the body amplifies pain signals (called central sensitization)

In both, the system isn’t broken—it’s over-responsive.


2. Neurotransmitter Imbalances


Both conditions are linked to irregular levels of key brain chemicals:

  • Dopamine ? motivation, focus, reward
  • Serotonin ? mood, pain regulation
  • Norepinephrine ? alertness, stress response

This overlap explains why people may experience both focus challenges and chronic pain or fatigue.


3. Brain Fog & Cognitive Strain


Many describe:

  • Forgetfulness
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Mental fatigue

In ADHD it’s often called distractibility; in fibromyalgia, it’s commonly known as “fibro fog.”
But the lived experience can feel very similar—like trying to think through mist.


4. Sleep Disturbances

Sleep is often disrupted in both:

  • ADHD: difficulty settling the mind
  • Fibromyalgia: non-restorative sleep (you sleep, but don’t feel rested)

This creates a loop ? poor sleep ? worse symptoms ? more poor sleep


5. Emotional Regulation & Stress Sensitivity

Both conditions can heighten emotional responses:

  • ADHD ? emotional impulsivity, overwhelm
  • Fibromyalgia ? stress can trigger pain flares

The body and mind are deeply connected here—stress is not just emotional, it becomes physical.


6. Co-occurrence (They Often Show Up Together)

There’s growing awareness that people with ADHD are more likely to also experience fibromyalgia (and vice versa).

Why? Likely due to shared underlying patterns:

  • Nervous system dysregulation
  • Trauma or chronic stress history
  • Genetic predispositions

A Gentle Way to See It

Rather than viewing either condition as a “fault,” many now see them as different ways of processing the world—with heightened awareness, sensitivity, and responsiveness.

That sensitivity can be exhausting…
but it can also carry deep intuition, empathy, and perception when supported well.


Support Approaches That Often Help Both

  • Nervous system regulation (breathing, gentle movement, meditation)
  • Consistent sleep rhythms
  • Anti-inflammatory nutrition
  • Mind-body practices (like EFT, yoga, somatic work)
  • Structured but flexible routines

The Role of Trauma & Life Experience

Many people with ADHD and Fibromyalgia share a history of prolonged stress or emotional strain.

Not always dramatic trauma—but:

  • long-term pressure
  • feeling unseen or misunderstood
  • constantly adapting to fit in

Over time, the body learns to stay “on alert.”
That alertness can later show up as:

  • racing thoughts (ADHD)
  • amplified pain signals (fibromyalgia)

The body remembers… even when the mind has moved on.


The “Push–Crash” Cycle

This is a big one—and often misunderstood.

Many people experience:

  • bursts of energy, creativity, or hyper focus
  • followed by deep fatigue or pain flares

This isn’t inconsistency—it’s a nervous system rhythm.

The challenge is learning:

  • when to ride the wave
  • and when to gently step back before the crash

That awareness becomes a form of self-leadership.


Sensory Overload Isn’t Just Mental

With ADHD, sensory overload is often talked about in terms of noise or distraction.
With fibromyalgia, it can show up as:

  • light sensitivity
  • sound sensitivity
  • touch sensitivity (even clothing can feel uncomfortable)

It’s the same root:
the system is taking in more than it can comfortably process.


The Diagnosis Gap (Especially for Women)

Many women are:

  • diagnosed late with ADHD
  • or never diagnosed at all

Instead, they may first receive labels like:

  • anxiety
  • depression
  • chronic fatigue
  • fibromyalgia

Only later does the fuller picture emerge.

This can lead to years of:

  • self-doubt
  • pushing harder to “cope”
  • feeling something is off but not knowing what

The Body Isn’t Fighting You

This is perhaps the most important shift.

Instead of seeing symptoms as something to fight…
you can begin to see them as messages:

  • Pain ? “something needs tending”
  • Fatigue ? “you’ve gone beyond your reserves”
  • Distraction ? “your mind needs a different rhythm”

When listened to, the body often softens.


Regulation Over Control

Traditional approaches often focus on “managing” or “fixing.”

But what tends to help both conditions most is:

  • calming the nervous system
  • creating safety in the body
  • allowing rhythms instead of forcing structure

Simple things can be powerful:

  • slow breathing
  • gentle movement (not pushing)
  • reducing overstimulation
  • giving yourself permission to pause

A Perspective That May Resonate With You

There is often a deep, intuitive, perceptive nature in people with these experiences.

They:

  • feel more
  • notice more
  • sense more

Without support, it overwhelms.
With support, it becomes:

  • insight
  • empathy
  • creative intelligence
  • wisdom in action

A Closing Reflection

What if this isn’t something to “overcome”…
but something to understand, support, and work with?

Not less of you…
but a gentler, more aligned way of being you.


Sara Troy

https://linktr.ee/saratroy

Voices of Growth and Success summit


Here, heartfelt voices from around the world come together—people who deeply care about humanity and are eager to share their wisdom, strength, and hope. This summit is a space where inspiration meets purpose, and where messages of inner and outer growth truly make a difference.

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The summit is completely free to join.

Just sign up with your name and email, and you’ll receive full access to the course content as soon as we go live.

We can’t wait to welcome you.

Your journey of growth and success begins the moment you say yes.

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Here, heartfelt voices from around the world come together — people who deeply care about humanity and wish to share their wisdom, strength, and hope. This summit is a space where inspiration meets purpose, and where messages of inner and outer growth can truly make a difference.

The summit is completely free to join.

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Meet our speakers and experts in their field. PLEASE be sure you signed up the course to get all the amazing videos!

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Romana Hasenöhrl

Bestselling author, founder of

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Marie Alessi

Grief Advocate, Bestselling Author and TEDxSpeaker, Global Ambassador of the Backyard Peace Project


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Aaron Huey

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Aaron Huey

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Jolanda Verweij

Specialist in crypto investment in a simple, safe, and empowering way.


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Nicole Laughton

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Hanna Denny Transformation coach, entrepreneur, and founder of The Gift from Grief.


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Sara Troy

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What Chinese sign are You?


CHECK OUT WHAT SIGN YOU ARE


First came the Rat in the sequence

Rat years: …1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020..2032…

10501876-chinese-horoscope-year-of-the-rat

First came the Rat, (1997) with its charm and innovative personality the rat uses it’s wit and intelligence and has been known to be crafty, forthright and an excellent businessman/woman, who is always alert to new opportunities.

The rat is much underestimated, due to the very fact that it is a rat. They are very intuitive gregarious and smart people who will use their charm and smarts to get them to the top. Never underestimate them, they do not miss a thing and remember a lot. Whereas the tiger, horse, and others are on the forefront, the rat does not mind taking the back stairs to get where they are going. They know they will get there and are not afraid to give someone else the limelight.

  • OX Year of Birth: 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
ox

Then came the Ox, 2009 prosperous through fortitude and hard work, the Ox is dependable, calm methodical and stubborn. Many Ox ‘s hold positions of power and their fairness holds them in good stead. They like order, respect, tradition, and are predictable and honest.

Alas in love the Ox does not quite know how to respond to romance but when they like you they will stand by you, loyally, but also may take a long time to commit, be patience they are solid people and worth waiting for. Although they have a lot of patience do not try it on to much, because when they lose it, it will be a terrifying experience. The rooster seems to understand the Ox best and the Goat and Tiger will not get along well at all. Give them time to their stuff; it is worth waiting for the results.

Tiger Year of Birth1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034

indo-chinese-tiger

Now comes the Tiger. (2010) Powerful, passionate, rebellious and unpredictable. The Tiger is our fearless fighter, and people hold them in awe. They love the limelight and their dynamic personality can open many doors. They live life as if it is their center stage, and people around them are there to enhance the play.

With their charisma, they get away with lots and can talk others into doing things for them just because they are tigers. They have a very human side showing love and affection for babies and animals. As a lover when they love they love 100% for that moment till their attention is directed elsewhere, to sustain their attention you must give them a lot of attention. They live purely on impulse and rebellion on tradition. Logic is not their thing. The song by Carle Simon, “you’re so vain you probably think this song is about you”. May have been written for the tiger. However, the tiger who can be warm loving and great with kids can also be a child themselves if they do not get their way. For all this, the tiger is a formidable foe and one to definitely have in your court.

RabbitYears of birth: 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023

images

The Rabbit (2011) is said to have a long life, the rabbit is gracious, kind, sensitive, and has good manners. They look for tranquillity but are also inclined to be moody. They appear indifferent and generally hold academic positions. Although they appear to be detached, they hold much criticism inside.

Good at business and smooth negotiations will ensure a good career. In love, their self-assurance requires them to marry for position and security but will give all they have to give in love. Reserved artistic and good at business, the rabbit with their smooth negotiations will ensure any career they choose. Liking harmony, the rabbit does not understand why people are so nasty to each other. Although do not mistake this, the rabbit will get the contract signed, but by courtesy, consideration, and patience, you will not even be aware of it until you have signed on the dotted line. This does not mean that they are deceitful, but rather that they are clever.

  •  Dragon Years of Birth: 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
Dragon-Wallpaper-dragons-13975574-1280-1024

The Fiery Dragon (2012) a very lucky sign and one in which many children are born, (including one of my daughters). Magical and imaginative the dragon is full of vitality and strength. They have very high ideals and command high standards from others as well as themselves.

Do not challenge the dragon, you will find them very opposing and do not hurt the ones they love or anger them or you will sorely regret it. On the other hand, they do not like defeat and can be a sore loser. If they like you, you will forever have a protector and a friend, and as a lover they take the adulation for granted, knowing that they are well liked so therefore well loved. If they choose you for a mate, (and this sign is also quite happy to not to marry and just have good friends,) they will protect, lecture and support you forever. Dragons do not tolerate fools or deceitful people and their wrath can be very imposing. They are good with money, easy come easy go and prefer to live in a relaxed environment. Somewhat leaders by nature, they will only want the job if they are interested. Funny and liking a good time, a dragon is good at a party and is very adventuress.

  • Snake Years of Birth: …1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025…
images s

The forever-misunderstood Snake (2013) is a deep thinker, always looking for the meaning of life. Generally mystical with a lot of natural wisdom, the snake loves books, food, music and the fine things in life. Using their own judgment rather than others, they like their own advice.

Superstitious and a little intense they like to settle scores. The snakes wish to control their own lives through power and authority. They can be victims of their past and have a hard time moving on with life. Elegant, in speech, dress, and manners, but suspicious in nature, the snake distrusts anyone who breaks a promise. In love, their mystique and cool ambivalence draws lovers to them with ease, and will only marry someone who shares their ambition. Striving for the top the snake can talk themselves out of things because they are inclined to think it over and over again. They love the detail and wish for things to be in order before moving on with it. Although looked upon with fear, the snake invulnerable and is only dangerous when it is fearful. Wishing to just be understood and respected the snake is harmless. Unless—-

  • Horse Years of Birth: …1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026…
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Enter the Horse (2024) the best year in my mind, as I am a horse myself. Cheerful, popular, quick-witted and earthy. The horse falls in and out of love easily. However, they are perceptive, talkative and have an ability to handle a difficult situation well and with authority.

They are magnetic and commanding which can be presided as militant and aggressive at times although this is not so. Impetuous, energetic, and a flashy dresser. The horse although a non-conformist can be relied on to be accountable and honest. The horse will always be there for the underdog and has an ability to see both sides and council each of them well. Demanding a great deal from fellow workers they can and will just as eagerly work by your side as long as you know that they are the boss. Horses love freedom and pursue happiness at every corner. Being a person that feels their way around and who is constantly changing to the environment, they feel deeply and can be perceived as being moody, they are just adjustable people. They cannot keep regular hours and are best suited to flexible but demanding jobs, it is all or nothing. Very friendly and a true lover, do not let them down, they will forgive but never forget. They are protective of their loved ones and love with all their hearts, they like the home homey and love to run a little wild too. As friends, the horses will be by your side through anything, but if you betray them, you will be forgiven but forgotten too.

This is where the Goat comes in the sequence  

  • Year of Birth: 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
imagesgoy

The graceful Sheep/ Goat (2015) who is righteous, sincere and a sucker for sad stories. They are fashionable, artistic and creative but can be depressed and withdrawn. They are homebodies, liking children and needing to be needed.

Luck favours them and their peaceful nature draws people to them. Unfortunately, the sheep/goat instead of standing up for their rights is timid and is more inclined to sulk rather than demand. Straight to the point is not their way and they wish you to find out what is bothering them rather than they tell you. Martyrs and worriers they are pessimistic about life and are inclined to look to the worst rather than the best of things. Romantic by nature, they wished to be pursued and fought for, the sheep need to be in a respectful loving marriage to survive, secure in life love and mind. They have their favourites and if you’re not one of them do not take offence that is just the way it is. Neither forgiving nor forgetting is something they do easily, so don’t hurt them.

  • Year of Birth of the Monkey :  1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028…
monkey full face

The mischievous Monkey (2016) is innovative, improviser, and a motivator. The monkey is most like man himself. Whatever they choose to do the monkey will succeed, no challenge is to great a chore, and they have the ability to use their intelligence when it is most needed.

However, they do not respect others well as they have too much respect for themselves. Very competitive, confident and cocky the monkey has been known to use his cunning powers to get their way. They are very sociable and can hold positions of high power. Very self-absorbed the monkey is not a giver for giving sake, in love the monkey will be warm and spontaneous, but be prepared to work hard and always strive for better, love in its self is not enough, ambition is indeed the forever attraction. Whatever you do, never try to trick a monkey they will have the last word, and watch them carefully they are masters of trickery. Fun can be had with a monkey if you like a little mischief or mayhem.

Rooster 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, and 2029.

3

Wake up to the Rooster. (2017) Has self-assurance and is old-fashioned. They are generally very attractive people, who are acute neat organized decisive upright alert and direct. They can also be argumentative and a little cruel to others, they love to lord over other with their imposing knowledge.

High perform ring roosters seek opportunities to excel at anything, and if you try to challenge their knowledge you are in for a long haul, roosters do their homework and know their stuff. Do not be around when a rooster is negative, they are egotistical opinioned and very abrasive, you will come out reeling from the experience. They are very good at handling money, accountants banking and finances. Roosters will follow orders to a T, and they are very good detailed people and, accountable with your interest at heart. All roosters are a perfectionist, with a sharp eye for details, but if they think that they are right about something, they may close their mind to any other input. They are excellent right-hand men but sway away from the front line, as they do not have the public personality or patience that is needed to be up front. Roosters love praise and are allergic to criticism; they make a good spouse and a good family person, just as long as they are the boss. For all that steadfastness, they are very vulnerable but will fight showing it.

  • Years of the Dog: …1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030…
kokomo

The likeable Dog (2018) (another of my children) is honest, intelligent and direct. They are the most loyal and trustworthy of creatures and have much passion for Just as and fair play. Dogs are friends to all people and are fair listeners meeting people halfway. Dogs will look out for everyone no matter what but is inclined to neglect their own self and leave themselves vulnerable.

The dog has a great understanding of humans and instinctively knows the right from wrong, who to believe and who to be wary of. When a dog loves, it is with all its heart and loyalty, this is often taken advantage of and the dog often gets hurt. Forgiveness is strong and even if they move on they will remember the once loved one fondly. Do not push the dog into a corner, they will instinctively come out fighting in any which way. In love, the dog likes to get to know their suitor slowly as trust is an issue, but once trust is in place, they will encourage growth in their loved ones and equilibrium in their lives. As it is with children the dog will act like a playful puppy when young, and will take the time to learn the ways of the world, but what is nice is that they will never lose their playfulness. All in all a dog is a very good person to have in your life in any way.

  • Years of the Pig: 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
imagespig

The steadfast Pig (2019) is, of all the signs, one of honesty and of real genuine person. The pig is the ultimate diplomat, balancing both sides and keeping the peace. The pig is those people that make everything happen with ease so as you do not notice it even happening, but notice if they are not there

They socialize very well and like to be in the company of up and coming people, though they prefer to watch from a distance. Excellent in the line of fundraising and social work, the pig does not mind being truly committed to the cause. The pig is a little too trusting and allows themselves to be exploited by others without knowing it. In love, the pig is devoted and does everything for their loved ones except perhaps discipline them well, as they do not like confrontation. The pig is unselfish and caring and is very good to have as a friend if their motives are not interfering or judgmental.


Having had experiences with all of the signs, I have to say there is a lot in it. We take on the characters of the animals and unknowingly become them. I also believe that the “True Colours”, Zodiac and ‘numerology” plays a big part in it too. The Chinese take this all very seriously. This year, FEBUARY 17th is Chinese New Year’s Eve, and it is welcomed with feasting and socialization. There are parades, and the Dragons and the Lions are performing for money, reflecting the old times when they used to give protection money to the gods for said protection. Not much has changed there, except that it is done far more aggressively now.

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Pertinent to our current times

Everybody has a story,

Ranging from sublime to gory!

Like the game, you pull a straw—

And luck depends on what you draw.

Sometimes it is most unfair—

Depending on geographically where

You were born! Your entire life

Could be very good, or full of strife!

That is why so many choose

Migration—when they’ve not much to lose!

Some countries are short of food and water…

Some cultures favor son, not daughter!

Punishment can be quite severe

For any girls who don’t adhere

To rules—laid down by fathers, mothers—

Sometimes meted out by brothers!

Our life depends on the stars alignment

For our birthplace, and our life assignment.

Those of us who’re geographically blessed

Can thank our stars for where we nest!

Daily poem from Ester Benjamin Shifren ?

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Merry Christmas Listeners


Thank you for walking with Self Discovery Wisdom throughout 2025. Your presence, your listening, and your support mean more than words can say.

This year has been rich with conversations that touched the heart, stirred the soul, and invited deeper awareness. Together, we explored spirituality in its many forms—grounded, practical, and lived. We spoke openly about self-dignity, healing, and reclaiming confidence. We honored the journey of aging vibrantly, not as something to fear, but as a stage of wisdom, vitality, and contribution. We also held space for deeply personal stories, including conversations around self-image, compassion, and the courage it takes to be seen as we are.

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