For so long, many Caribbean women have brushed off certain struggles as “ that's just how I am.” Losing your keys (again), forgetting appointments, starting 10 projects and finishing none—it’s easy to laugh it off as part of the chill vibes. But what if there’s more to it than that?

Turns out, those moments when your brain feels like a carnival in full swing might have a name—ADHD.

A Wake-Up Call for Caribbean Women

Recent studies show a growing number of adult women are being diagnosed with ADHD. For many, this might feel like a revelation. We grew up in cultures where mental health wasn’t always front and center. ADHD, if it was mentioned at all, was often thought of as a “kids’ thing,” not something affecting grown women balancing jobs, family, and everything else.

But here’s the truth: ADHD doesn’t go away when you hit adulthood—it just looks different. And the more we talk about it, the more we understand for ourselves and each other.

How ADHD Shows Up in Women

ADHD in women doesn’t always match the stereotype. Instead of hyperactivity, it can look like:

• Constantly misplacing things (How many pairs of sunglasses have you bought this year?).

• Feeling overwhelmed by tasks and not knowing where to start.

• Struggling to focus on boring tasks (hello, paying bills!) but getting super focused on things we love (like researching carnival costumes or the next fete until 2 a.m.).

• Living with a brain that feels like it has 87 tabs open… and a random soca beat playing in the background.

Sound familiar? 

Why Diagnoses Are Rising

Thanks to better research and awareness, more women are starting to recognize ADHD in themselves. Psych Nurse Practitioners are stepping up, helping women connect the dots and offering tools to manage it. For many, treatment includes therapy, lifestyle changes, and yes, sometimes medication.

And let’s be real—this is a good thing. Getting diagnosed doesn’t change who you are; it just gives you the tools to make life a little easier. It’s like finding the map to navigate your beautiful but chaotic brain.

Why This Matters

For Caribbean women, this shift is huge. It’s a step toward breaking the silence around mental health and rewriting the narrative. It’s about understanding that struggles don’t mean “lazy” or “not good enough.” ADHD doesn’t define the woman—it’s just one part of they are.

The goal isn’t to “fix” yourself. It’s to understand how your mind work, embrace your strengths, and find ways to thrive. Because once we stop fighting against the tide and learn to flow with it, we realize we’ve had the power to navigate all along.

What’s Next?

So, if your brain feels like its own island carnival—busy, vibrant, and just a little chaotic—you’re not alone. ADHD awareness is rising, and so are we. Let’s celebrate this progress, show ourselves and our friends grace, and take each day one step (or maybe one to-do list) at a time.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to figure out why I opened this tab!