Behind the Mask: The Emotional Cost of Living with ADHD episode artwork

EPISODE · Dec 24, 2025 · 34 MIN

Behind the Mask: The Emotional Cost of Living with ADHD

from Attention Talk Radio · host Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG

ADHD often comes with inconsistency—moments of strong performance followed by periods of underperformance. Over time, this unpredictability can lead individuals to question their abilities and hide their struggles behind carefully constructed defenses. In this episode of Attention Talk Radio, host Jeff Copper (https://digcoaching.com) speaks with ADDiva Linda Roggli (https://addiva.net), who draws on her lived experience with ADHD and her work as a coach to explore the personas many people adopt to cope and self-protect. From the “perfectionist” and the “superhero” to the “ditz” and other familiar roles, Linda explains how these masks help deflect attention—but at a cost. Together, they examine the emotional toll of maintaining these personas, how exhausting it can be, and the impact it has on one’s sense of self. If you’ve ever felt like you’re hiding in plain sight or afraid of being “found out,” this powerful conversation is one you won’t want to miss.Attention Talk Radio is the leading site for self-help Internet radio shows focusing on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and attention deficit disorder, including managing symptoms of ADHD in adults with ADD or adults who have children with ADHD. Attention Talk Radio, hosted by Jeff Copper, attention and ADHD coach, is designed to help adults (particularly those diagnosed with or impacted by attention deficit disorder or its symptoms) in life or business who are stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated to help them get unstuck and moving forward by opening their minds to pay attention to what works. To learn more about attention and ADHD coach Jeff Copper, go to www.digcoaching.com. Our thanks to the sponsors of this show:CHADD.orgADDCA.comImpactParents.comTimeTimer.com

ADHD often comes with inconsistency—moments of strong performance followed by periods of underperformance. Over time, this unpredictability can lead individuals to question their abilities and hide their struggles behind carefully constructed defenses. In this episode of Attention Talk Radio, host Jeff Copper (https://digcoaching.com) speaks with ADDiva Linda Roggli (https://addiva.net), who draws on her lived experience with ADHD and her work as a coach to explore the personas many people adopt to cope and self-protect. From the “perfectionist” and the “superhero” to the “ditz” and other familiar roles, Linda explains how these masks help deflect attention—but at a cost. Together, they examine the emotional toll of maintaining these personas, how exhausting it can be, and the impact it has on one’s sense of self. If you’ve ever felt like you’re hiding in plain sight or afraid of being “found out,” this powerful conversation is one you won’t want to miss.Attention Talk Radio is the leading site for self-help Internet radio shows focusing on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and attention deficit disorder, including managing symptoms of ADHD in adults with ADD or adults who have children with ADHD. Attention Talk Radio, hosted by Jeff Copper, attention and ADHD coach, is designed to help adults (particularly those diagnosed with or impacted by attention deficit disorder or its symptoms) in life or business who are stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated to help them get unstuck and moving forward by opening their minds to pay attention to what works. To learn more about attention and ADHD coach Jeff Copper, go to www.digcoaching.com. Our thanks to the sponsors of this show:CHADD.orgADDCA.comImpactParents.comTimeTimer.com

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Behind the Mask: The Emotional Cost of Living with ADHD

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This episode was published on December 24, 2025.

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ADHD often comes with inconsistency—moments of strong performance followed by periods of underperformance. Over time, this unpredictability can lead individuals to question their abilities and hide their struggles behind carefully constructed...

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