ADHD & The Inner Critic — w/ Mark Bertin

Did you know managing ADHD isn’t about trying harder but about seeing what’s actually happening with more clarity and less judgment?

In this episode of the Attention Different Podcast, Stephen Tonti and Aaron Smith sit down with developmental pediatrician 𝐃𝐫. 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧 to talk about the realities of ADHD care, mindfulness, medication, and the inner critic. Dr. Bertin explains how mindfulness can help us notice our thoughts and habits without immediately judging them, especially when ADHD has left us carrying years of criticism and expectations about what we “should” be able to do.

They also take a closer look at ADHD medication and why finding the right treatment can require trial and error. Dr. Bertin shares why the goal isn’t to change who you are, but to find support that helps you feel like yourself while better directing your attention and actions.

✨Highlights✨

✔️ Why mindfulness isn’t about clearing your mind

✔️ How the inner critic becomes intertwined with ADHD

✔️ Why negativity bias can make difficult moments feel bigger

✔️ How mindfulness can support emotional regulation

✔️ The judgment and misinformation surrounding ADHD medication

✔️ Why finding the right medication can require trial and error

✔️ What effective ADHD medication management should actually look like

✔️ Practical ways to begin mindfulness when your brain won’t sit still 

“𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑐𝑎𝑛’𝑡 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑦 ℎ𝑎𝑏𝑖𝑡 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑡 𝑎𝑐𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤𝑙𝑒𝑑𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑡’𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒.”   — 𝐃𝐫. 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧

💬 What’s one ADHD “should” you’re trying to let go of? Let us know in the comments below. 👇 

Whether you’re navigating a new ADHD diagnosis, trying to figure out medication, struggling with your inner critic, or simply looking for a different way to relate to your ADHD brain, this conversation offers practical ideas for moving forward without constantly fighting yourself.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺:

• Hosts: Stephen Tonti, Aaron Smith & Devin Pitts-Rogers
• Producer: David Grabowski
• Editors: Ian Lopez & Luis Paulo de la Fuente
• Sound Mix & Theme Music: David Grabowski

𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 Mark Bertin:

• Website: developmentaldoctor.com/
• Facebook: Search Mark Bertin, M.D. Developmental Pediatrics
• Instagram: markbertinmd

We are Attention DIFFERENT not DEFICIT An advocacy and edutainment podcast centered on radical acceptance and neurodiveristy. Attention Different aims to de-stigmatize and build community by exploring the intricacies of living life and "adulting" with ADHD in the modern world. We periodically feature experts, special guests and influencers in the ADHD community.

If you enjoy the podcast please like, share, and subscribe!

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