Are you ready for a change but keep hitting roadblocks?


Dorsey McFadden is a certified ADHD coach, educator, and advocate through training from the ADD Coach Academy (ADDCA), holding credentials from both ADDCA and the Professional Association of ADHD Coaches (PAAC). Based in Richmond, she lives with her husband and pets. With over 20 years of experience in digital marketing, she brings a wealth of strategic insight to her coaching practice. Dorsey holds a double BA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in Political Science & Communications and International Security Studies & Rhetoric.
As the founder of Live Happy ADHD Coaching and FlexYourADHD.com, Dorsey is passionate about helping adults with ADHD and parents of children with ADHD build happier, more fulfilling lives. She partners with her clients to create personalized strategies that harness the strengths of the ADHD brain, focusing on empowerment, self-understanding, and practical support systems.
Dorsey's mission is simple: to help people stop fighting against their ADHD and start thriving with it.

difficulty with planning and prioritizing
feeling unfulfilled and unsuccessful
impaired communication or social skills
trouble getting started/lack of initiative
difficulty maintaining focus
poor self-care (exercising, getting to bed, etc.)
difficulty explaining their ADHD to others
getting easily distracted and overwhelmed
challenges with working memory
poor time and energy management
lack of organizational skills
trouble harnessing motivation and interest
impulsivity/lack of inhibition
procrastination (sometimes extreme and high stakes)
poor communication skills
difficulty with planning and prioritizing
feeling unfulfilled and unsuccessful
impaired communication or social skills
trouble getting started/lack of initiative
difficulty maintaining focus
poor self-care (exercising, getting to bed, etc.)
difficulty explaining their ADHD to others
getting easily distracted and overwhelmed
challenges with working memory
poor time and energy management
lack of organizational skills
trouble harnessing motivation and interest
impulsivity/lack of inhibition
procrastination (sometimes extreme and high stakes)
poor communication skills


For some it will look like completion of a project while, for others, it may be development of self compassion and self
awareness which enriches all areas of their life.


For some it will look like completion of a project while, for others, it may be development of self compassion and self
awareness which enriches all areas of their life.


ADHD, Wellness, Self-Care, Live Happy ADHD Coaching
Better late than never! This month’s Live Happy ADHD Coaching newsletter is about pausing and checking the basics of your health—because your brain needs your body cared for.
Living with ADHD often means juggling appointments, reminders, deadlines, kids’ schedules, and a busy brain. In all that, it’s easy to skip the basics—blood work, vitamins, hydration, and sleep. Yet these foundations affect how clearly you think, how steady your energy feels, and how well you remember what matters.
When something is off in your body, ADHD symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, and memory issues can feel louder. Sometimes what looks like “I’m failing at ADHD” is actually “my body needs support.” That’s not a flaw—it’s a signal to respond with curiosity and compassion.
ADHD already affects attention, focus, and working memory. Low nutrients, dehydration, or poor sleep ask your brain to run a marathon without fuel. You might notice:
More brain fog: trouble finding words, feeling “out of it,” or zoning out.
Increased fatigue: dragging through the day, or crashing in the afternoon.
Memory glitches: forgetting appointments, misplacing items, or rereading the same line.
These experiences are common with ADHD, and they grow when your body’s needs aren’t met. This June, treat a simple physical health check-in as self-respect—not perfection, just gentle awareness.
This list is not for diagnosing or treating—that’s for your providers. Use it as a kind checklist for your next appointment or as journaling prompts to notice patterns.
Vitamin D supports mood, immunity, and energy. Low levels link to low mood and tiredness, which can make ADHD symptoms feel heavier. If you notice more sadness, sluggishness, or fog, ask your provider about testing Vitamin D and safe options if you’re low.
Zinc supports the nervous system and brain signaling. Some research links low zinc with inattention and emotional swings. It’s not a magic fix, but knowing your level adds one more piece to the puzzle of your energy, focus, and mood. Always talk with a professional before using supplements, especially higher doses.
Iodine is key for thyroid health, which affects metabolism, energy, and brain performance. When iodine or thyroid levels are off, you may feel tired, foggy, or low in motivation—easy to confuse with “just ADHD.” If you see big shifts in weight or energy, ask your provider if thyroid labs, including iodine-related markers, are right for you.

Reviewing lab results with support can turn confusion into clear next steps.
B vitamins help your body make energy and support the nervous system. When B6 or B12 are low, you may feel exhausted, irritable, and unfocused. That can feel like “my ADHD is worse.” If forgetfulness or mental fatigue are rising, ask your provider about testing B vitamins and safe options if you’re low.
Even mild dehydration can cause headaches, slower thinking, and irritability, which can intensify ADHD challenges. Many people with ADHD forget to drink water, especially when hyperfocused or rushing. Try keeping a water bottle nearby or pairing sips with habits like meds, meals, or emails to support clarity and stamina.
Sleep and ADHD often clash. Many adults and kids with ADHD struggle to fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake rested. Poor sleep can worsen impulsivity, emotions, and forgetfulness. If late nights, restless sleep, or groggy mornings are common, treat that as useful data, not shame. Track sleep for a week or two and share it with your doctor, therapist, or coach to explore strategies or medical support.
If this list feels like “one more thing,” pause. You don’t need to do it all. Instead, you might:
Choose one area, like water or sleep, to notice this week.
Write questions for your next appointment about vitamins, minerals, or labs.
Ask a trusted person or coach to help you remember appointments and follow-up.
💡 Gentle Reminder: Needing support does not make you “bad” at ADHD. It means you’re human—and listening to your brain and body.
This newsletter is for education and reflection, not diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. Your body and brain are unique, and only licensed healthcare providers can interpret labs, recommend supplements, or adjust medications for you or your child.
As you explore Vitamin D, Zinc, Iodine, Vitamin B, water, and sleep, ask: “What would kindness to myself look like here?” At Live Happy ADHD Coaching, we believe understanding your body helps you understand your ADHD—and you deserve support that honors your whole self, not just symptoms.
If you’d like a collaborative space to sort what you’re noticing, build realistic routines, and move from survival toward thriving with your unique brain, you’re warmly invited to Book an Introduction Call with Live Happy ADHD Coaching. Together, we can turn insight into small, sustainable steps so you feel clearer, steadier, and more at home in your life.
As a coach, I will ensure we make the most of your time. My role is to be your sounding board, mirror, and champion your efforts. I will provide models and structure to help you organize your thoughts, beliefs, and values. I will help you to bring details into focus to reach a deeper understanding and appreciation of yourself. I will hold you accountable for your decisions and actions and challenge you to be compassionate with yourself while setting realistic and achievable goals.
However, I will never tell you what to do. Coaching sessions offer an opportunity for you to learn something new about yourself, a different way of thinking about a situation, or uncover a belief that was limiting the options you thought were available to you. The “work” to apply this learning toward changing your life continues beyond the coaching session.
ADHD Life skills & Executive Functioning
Relationship Skills
Friendship and Support System
Parenting Children with ADHD
Organizing Skills
Addiction Dangers
Emotional Regulation
Mindset Improvement
Work/Life Balance
Communication Skills
Self Awareness
Self Compassion & Mindfulness
Study Skills
Self Care Skills
Time Management
Task Management
Advocating Skills
Routines and Systems
Healthy Boundaries
Managing your life
Planning & prioritizing
Putting plans into action, task initiation
Goal-directed persistence
Taking actions that align with your physical & emotional needs
Learning new strategies to manage executive functioning
Navigating neurodivergent relationships
Self-regulation & interoceptive-awareness
Emotional impulsivity
Communication strategies
Physical health and wellness
ADHD Coaching & Consulting by Dorsey McFadden
Located in Richmond, VA
Accepting clients Worldwide
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