January 27
How do generational trauma, ADHD, and addiction intertwine—and how can understanding them save lives?
In this deeply personal episode of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, Tracy Otsuka speaks with Jennifer Nicole Schmitz, whose journey is one of survival, resilience, and purpose. Jennifer candidly shares her experiences growing up in a home marked by trauma, her mother’s undiagnosed ADHD, and struggles with addiction, and how these shaped her own path. Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, Jennifer reflects on her teenage years battling addiction and the pivotal moments that led her to sobriety.
Jennifer is now pursuing a psychology degree with the mission to help women and young girls navigate ADHD, trauma, and the impact of misdiagnosis. She discusses the tools and strategies that helped her manage her ADHD and build a healthier life, including creating space for emotions, self-awareness, and connecting with a supportive community.
This heartfelt conversation sheds light on the critical links between ADHD, addiction, and mental health while offering insights on breaking free from shame, recognizing personal worth, and finding purpose amid life’s challenges.
APPLE
SPOTIFY
YOUTUBE
"The moment I realized I was allowed to feel things changed everything."
- Jennifer Nicole Schmitz
"Instead of asking, ‘What’s wrong with me?’ I ask, ‘Of course I feel this way, but why?’ It helps me figure out the real cause."
- Jennifer Nicole Schmitz
"I’ve learned to listen to my body and show it respect. Sometimes that’s as simple as doing ten jumping jacks or having a mini dance party to reset."
- Jennifer Nicole Schmitz
"Work on your self-efficacy. It’s not just about knowing you’re a good person; it’s about believing you can handle difficult situations and emotions."
- Jennifer Nicole Schmitz
- Jennifer Schmitz shares her early experiences with family trauma, including her mother's severe car accident and brain damage when Jennifer was 8 years old, which dramatically impacted both their lives.
- As a child, Jennifer showed classic ADHD traits like hyperactivity and difficulty sleeping, but these behaviors shifted more inward after her mother's accident as she tried to cope with family challenges.
- She began using substances at age 12, influenced by growing up around her parents' bar and learning to use alcohol and drugs as coping mechanisms for both celebration and pain.
[20:00 - 37:00] Addiction Journey and Recovery
- Jennifer discusses her marriage at age 15, subsequent struggles with addiction, and hitting rock bottom after a series of incidents including assault charges and a near-fatal car accident.
- She describes her journey to sobriety, celebrating 4 years clean and discovering how ADHD and trauma intertwined with her addiction.
- Jennifer emphasizes the importance of understanding that addiction often stems from deeper issues rather than moral failings, particularly when combined with untreated ADHD and trauma.
[37:00 - 53:00] Healing and Professional Growth
- Now at age 37, Jennifer is pursuing a psychology degree and developing coaching programs to help others with similar struggles, using her experiences to create meaningful change.
- She shares practical strategies for managing ADHD symptoms and emotions, including talking things through with trusted people and adapting tools when they become stale.
- Jennifer emphasizes the importance of self-efficacy over self-esteem, encouraging others to focus on developing genuine capability rather than perfectionism.
