ADHD, Imposter Syndrome & Hidden Cognitive Strain

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when success on the outside hides a very different reality on the inside?In this powerful episode of Thriving with ADHD, host Nada Pupovac speaks with Jason McDaid, fire engineer, speaker, and founder of The 78% Club. Jason shares his deeply personal journey of living with undiagnosed ADHD, battling imposter syndrome, and carrying what he calls Hidden Cognitive Strain—the invisible mental and emotional effort required to keep performing while quietly struggling beneath the surface.Together, they explore the connection between ADHD and self-doubt, the impact of late diagnosis, perfectionism, professional identity, and the importance of reaching out for support.This conversation is honest, vulnerable, and ultimately hopeful for anyone who has ever felt like they were secretly failing despite appearing successful.⚠️ Content Note: This episode contains discussion of depression, burnout, suicidal ideation, and mental health struggles. Listener discretion is advised.Learn more about Jason and The 78% Club at 78percentclub.com.Thank you for listening to Thriving with ADHD. This show is produced by Animo Sano Psychiatry. For more information about our clinic, please visit animosanopsychiatry.com. Animo Sano Psychiatry is constantly looking for the talent in behavioral health. If you are a psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or mental health therapist, we'd love to hear from you. Visit our Careers pages to learn more about the available positions. https://animosanopsychiatry.com/careers/