"Have you ever gotten that feeling that you're always forgetting something? Like you're in a race but somehow always three steps behind? You put reminders, write lists, and do your best to keep on top of things, but somehow it feels like your brain is playing a game of hide-and-seek with your own thoughts. Now imagine having this feeling your whole life and being told it's just anxiety or that you need to 'try harder.' Welcome to the world of ADHD in women."

ADHD has long been framed as a restless little boy who can't keep still in class, disturbing the lesson and incurring punishments for blurting out answers. What about the shy girl gazing out the window, daydreaming, with difficulty completing work, and intimidated by tasks which come so easily to others? She probably has ADHD as well—except that nobody ever realises because she's learned to hide it.

ADHD has been put in a box for years: a hyper, young boy who can't sit still in school. This old stereotype has led to one of the largest mental health oversights—women with ADHD being misdiagnosed, most often with anxiety. Conversely, girls and women most often have the inattentive type of ADHD, which is manifest through daydreaming, forgetfulness, being easily distracted, and internalized difficulties with executive functioning. These more subtle symptoms don't conform to the hyperactive stereotype, so many women fall through the diagnostic cracks.

ADHD and Anxiety: What Symptoms Overlap?

One of the biggest reasons ADHD in women gets confused with anxiety is the vast symptom overlap. Both share a lot of the following:

Trouble focusing – ADHD makes it difficult to concentrate due to lack of regulation, while anxiety interferes with concentration due to increased worry.

Restlessness and agitation – ADHD-based hyperactivity may manifest in a similar way as physical restlessness for anxiety.

Sleep disturbances – Both anxiety and ADHD can lead to insomnia and abnormal sleep patterns.

Emotional dysregulation – It's common for women with ADHD to experience strong emotions, but they can be misdiagnosed as anxiety-led distress.

Due to such commonalities, most females who approach practitioners for their predicaments are labeled with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or even depression with no proper evaluation for ADHD.

Why Women with ADHD Often Get Misdiagnosed?

So many women with ADHD get misdiagnosed with anxiety disorders, they're not anxious, but their brains work differently. Since anxiety is more socially acceptable and better known, it's what women get labeled with first. And so, they're prescribed anti-anxiety medication or therapy for an issue that doesn't really touch the source of their issues.

Hormones, ADHD, and Mood Swings: A Rollercoaster No One Talks About

ADHD women tend to have spectacular variations in attention and mood during their menstrual cycles. Studies indicate a high correlation between ADHD and disorders such as Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and Postpartum Depression (PPD). Decreased estrogen levels in advance of menstruation can make ADHD symptoms more pronounced, even making concentration, mood stability, and emotional control even more challenging. But since hormonal problems are so frequently brushed off as 'just PMS,' many women quietly suffer, assuming it's just one more thing they must endure on their own.

A second reason ADHD diagnosis is tricky in women is the influence of hormones. Estrogen has an important role to play in managing dopamine—a neurotransmitter vital to concentration and drive. Since ADHD involves dysfunction of dopamine, changing hormones can exacerbate symptoms at various stages of life, especially:

At puberty – Most girls with ADHD have deteriorating symptoms due to changing levels of hormones.

At menstrual cycle – Women with ADHD are predisposed to have premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and experience very severe mood shifts and heightened symptoms of ADHD during the premenstrual period.

Postpartum and menopause – Postpartum decreases in estrogen post-childbirth as well as those occurring during menopause can intensely affect ADHD symptoms, causing elevated forgetfulness, brain fog, and emotional dysregulation.

In spite of these obvious patterns, hormonal effects on ADHD are seldom taken into account in diagnostic evaluations, causing further misattribution of symptoms as generalized anxiety or mood disorders.

Are there Any Treatment Options For Women With ADHD?

So what can be done? First, we need awareness. Physicians, therapists, and teachers need to understand that women's ADHD is different from men's ADHD. They need to ask the appropriate questions and beyond the stereotypes look.

Second, women must advocate for themselves. If something doesn't feel right to you, insist on an assessment. Read up, consult experts, and don't accept the initial diagnosis if it doesn't ring true.

Lastly, treatment needs to be holistic. ADHD isn't merely a matter of popping pills—it's learning about how your brain functions and what works for you. This might involve cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), changes in lifestyle, hormone regulation, and ADHD coaching.

Otherwise, without diagnosis, women with ADHD can also suffer from:

Ongoing overwhelm and burnout – Without the proper tools, failing to cope with daily tasks results in perpetual stress and fatigue.

Low self-worth – Constantly being criticized as only "not trying hard enough" or "too worried" can make them lose faith in themselves and their capabilities.

Greater danger of mental health conditions – Without diagnosis, women with ADHD experience increased depression, drug use, and eating disorders.

Performance and relationship struggles at work – Women without recognition of their ADHD might struggle at work with meeting performance standards, managing time, and maintaining their relationships.

ADHD in women isn't uncommon- it's just not often diagnosed. And for far too long, women have been dismissed as being "too sensitive," "not disciplined enough," or "bad at handling stress." But the reality is, they're living with a brain that works differently, and they should be seen, heard, and supported.

If any of that rings true, understand this: you aren't alone. You aren't broken. And you don't have to waste your life living in a way that attempts to conform to a system that isn't meant for you. It's time to change the story of ADHD in women—starting with the truth."

In a world where superfoods, supplements, and scientific advances define the health discourse, María Antonia Cuero's story shines for its elegant simplicity. At 123, María is officially the world's oldest living human—informally surpassing the Guinness World Record holder, France's Jeanne Louise Calment, who reached 122 years of age. Though her age remains in process of verification, the insights she offers are incontrovertibly priceless and scientifically validated.

Born on October 18, 1901, in Colombia, María has witnessed two world wars, numerous technological revolutions, and the dawn of modern medicine. Yet when asked what the secret to her remarkable longevity is, María doesn't refer to a magic pill or a genetic mutation. Rather, she attributes her longevity to two humble foods: fish and bananas—cornerstones of her daily diet, steeped in her coastal upbringing.

Growing up in a big family of 10 siblings by the Mayorquín River, María spent her days surrounded by nature. With fresh fish and tropical fruits readily available, her childhood diet was both organic and full of nutrients—years before these words became health buzzwords. Throughout the decades, she also raised eight children and is now the proud matriarch to 26 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 54 great-great-grandchildren.

Although not officially documented by the Guinness World Records, María's identification card in 2012 indicates her birth as October 1901. She became the oldest to get vaccinated in March 2021, at 119 years old, marking yet another incredible achievement to her name.

However, aside from age and figures, it is María's way of living and attitude that provide deep insights into longevity.

Maria's Mindset and Philosophy of Longevity

In an interview on the Colombian television show Los Informantes, María discussed her philosophy of life: laugh frequently, don't worry excessively, remain active, and don't sit around too much. In her opinion, physical activity is essential. Her regimen included walking often, swimming, rowing, and being outdoors—long before fitness monitors or gym memberships were the rage.

These principles echo research in contemporary gerontology. Many studies identify an active life and good social relationships with a lower risk of chronic disease and longer lifespan. María's case supports that emotional well-being, combined with activity, is significant in healthy aging.

Fish

Of all the foods that she ate, fish is what María puts so much stress on. Living next to the river as a child, not only was she afforded the fresh catches each day, but she fished herself very frequently. "Good fish. I would fry the fish and then mix it with coconut and rice," she shared with a journalist.

Fish is a good source of high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins D and B2 (riboflavin), and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, iodine, magnesium, and potassium. Omega-3s in oily fish, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are recognized to lower inflammation, maintain brain health, and decrease the risk of heart disease.

Scientific studies in the Journal of the American Medical Association have indicated that individuals with high levels of omega-3s live as much as 2.5 years longer on average. Another significant study identified a 40% lower risk of coronary heart disease mortality in those who ate regularly from fish with high levels of omega-3s, a figure further supported by the British Heart Foundation.

Bananas

María's second pillar of diet? Bananas—the smaller, sweeter bocadillo bananas (also referred to as sugar bananas or lady finger bananas). These bite-sized fruits are not only tasty but are full of fiber, antioxidants, potassium, and vital vitamins.

Bananas have been valued for centuries for their digestive and cardiovascular benefits. They help to control blood pressure, balance body fluids, and repair muscle and nerve tissue—all highly beneficial for elderly populations. The tryptophan and vitamin B6 contained in bananas also assist with serotonin formation, the "feel-good" neurotransmitter that enhances emotional well-being.

For María, these bananas were an everyday treat. And as science indicates, eating bananas on a regular basis can help with heart health, boost mood, and assist with muscle recovery.

What We Can Learn From Her Habit?

María's remarkable life is not merely about what she ate—it's about the regularity with which she lived. Her life was based on balance: a modest diet, regular exercise, a positive attitude, and close family ties. To this day, she radiates resilience. When asked what she is afraid of, her answer was moving: "I am not afraid of anything anymore."

This lack of fear and deeply ingrained calmness may also have protective health benefits. Studies have linked chronic stress to increased inflammation and a heightened risk of age-related diseases. María’s philosophy—“don’t worry too much”—may offer more protection than we’ve previously realized.

As the world population ages, María Antonia Cuero's life is an eloquent reminder: the route to longevity may not come in the form of costly therapies, restrictive eating, or vigilant self-tracking. It may sometimes be found in age-old secrets—eat fresh, move frequently, laugh without restraint, and enjoy the little things.

As we wait for official verification of her record-setting age, her legacy already walks tall as an example of how simplicity, persistence, and culture can overcome and thrive. In a world filled with constantly changing health fads, María's legacy encourages us to stop for a moment and ask—what really counts when it comes to living a long, healthy life?

Microplastics—those invisible particles of plastic pollution—may be doing more than just contaminating the environment. According to recent findings presented at the American Heart Association (AHA), they could also be silently contributing to clogged arteries, potentially raising the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

In a study that’s turning heads in the medical community, researchers discovered that fatty plaques found in neck arteries—known as carotid arteries—contained over 50 times more microplastic content compared to plaque-free arteries. Even more concerning, these microplastic concentrations were found to be significantly higher in individuals who had already suffered from a stroke, mini-stroke, or temporary vision loss caused by restricted blood flow.

What Exactly Are Microplastics?

Microplastics are extremely small particles—often less than five millimeters in size—created when larger pieces of plastic break down. They can enter the human body in multiple ways: through the air we breathe, the food we eat, and even skin contact. An even smaller subset, known as nanoplastics, measures under 1,000 nanometers and is completely invisible to the naked eye. Because of their minuscule size, these particles can infiltrate tissues, organs, and potentially disrupt biological functions.

The accumulation of microplastics in arterial plaques introduces a new dimension to the ongoing conversation about cardiovascular risk factors. While high cholesterol, smoking, and hypertension remain the usual suspects, environmental pollutants like microplastics are emerging as a stealthy but significant threat.

A Simple Solution In Your Kitchen?

Amid growing concerns about microplastic contamination, especially in drinking water, scientists have been working on practical ways to mitigate exposure. In 2024, a research team from Guangzhou Medical Centre made a breakthrough. They discovered that a common household activity—boiling water—can significantly reduce microplastic content in tap water.

According to the team, combining boiling with basic filtration can remove up to 90% of nanoplastic and microplastic particles (NMPs) from household water. However, the method’s effectiveness varied depending on the type of water used. In areas where tap water contains higher mineral content, commonly referred to as "hard water," the technique proved especially efficient.

The secret lies in limescale. As hard water is heated, it forms limescale—a chalky white substance—which appears to create a sticky layer that traps microplastic fragments. Researchers found this natural process enhanced the removal of plastic particles from water, offering a practical and affordable solution for most households.

While more research is needed to fully understand the long-term health effects of microplastics, early evidence suggests they may be more dangerous than previously thought—especially for cardiovascular health. Taking simple precautions, such as boiling and filtering drinking water, could help reduce exposure and offer a small but meaningful step toward safeguarding your heart and overall well-being.

Reading non-fiction books is not my cup of tea, while they are informative and important to read, when I read for pleasure, I want to immerse myself in a world that could never be. Reading fiction books like the Harry Potter series, Percy Jackson books and others like the Dragon Rider, were the reason I enjoyed reading. Often using these books as a means to escape difficult feelings, I never even realized how reading these books transformed my mental health, along with my perspective.

Reading plays an important role for your mental health; books offer numerous advantages for one's mental well-being. Whether the preference lies with short stories or lengthy novels, colorful picture books or digital formats, various forms of literature can provide valuable benefits. This piece will explore several key reasons why reading is so beneficial for mental health.

How Does Reading Impact Mental Health?

According to a 2022 PLoS One study, reading fiction can improve people's mental well-being. The researchers conducted five different studies to see how various ways of engaging with fiction affect individuals. These methods includes recalling past fiction reading experiences, being instructed to read fiction, discussing fiction in comparison to non-fiction, and discussing different types of fiction.

The research shows that books had a positive influence on people's mood and emotions. However, it appears that simply reading fiction might not lead to an immediate improvement in mental well-being. The brain seems to require a period of processing and understanding the story before positive effects can be observed.

Ways Reading Can Affect Your Mental Health

Mental Health First Aid England, a social enterprise that offers guidance and training for mental health in workspaces, explains that whether the preference lies with short stories or lengthy novels, colorful picture books or digital formats, various forms of literature can provide valuable benefits. Here are some ways it helps us.

Reading captivating books brings joy and immersion, making time disappear. Finishing a good story can evoke sadness or eagerness for more, highlighting reading's positive impact.

Reading as a Stress Buster

Engrossing oneself in a book for just six minutes can significantly reduce stress by lowering heart rate and easing tension, outperforming other relaxation methods.

Acts as a Coping Mechanism

Reading offers an escape from the real world, providing a coping mechanism, especially in childhood. This immersion can be transformative, influencing how we interact with the world.

Building Empathy

Reading fiction enhances empathy, improving the ability to understand others' feelings and thoughts, temporarily boosting this crucial social skill.

Keeping Your Brain Sharp

Lifelong cognitive activities like reading slow down memory loss and reduce mental decline in later life compared to less stimulating pursuits.

Finding Support and Healing in Reading Groups

Discussing books in reading groups can significantly improve mental health, aiding concentration, emotional understanding, self-awareness, and meaningful discussions.

Boost Your Sense of Control and Offer a Safe Space

Discussing books fosters a sense of control and independence, benefiting mental well-being. It provides a positive and safe way to process challenging topics.

Understanding Adulthood

Reading for pleasure in adolescence enhances academic performance, social engagement, and personal development, offering insights into adult life.

Boosting Your Intelligence

Research confirms that reading increases intelligence, leading to a larger vocabulary, broader knowledge, and improved verbal skills.