In this episode of In The Pink, we're unpacking some of the most misunderstood psychology and mental health terms on social media. From gaslighting and narcissism to ADHD, dopamine, trauma bonding, OCD, boundaries, and emotional intelligence, we'll explore what these terms actually mean according to psychological research and why using them accurately matters.

Mental health awareness has made incredible progress thanks to social media—but viral content can also oversimplify complex psychological concepts. Join me as we separate evidence-based psychology from internet buzzwords and discuss how misinformation can shape the way we understand ourselves, our relationships, and mental health.

Whether you're interested in psychology, neuroscience, ADHD, education, therapy, mental health, or simply want to become a more informed consumer of online content, this episode will help you think critically about the language we use every day.

• What Narcissistic Personality Disorder is—and what it isn't
• The real definition of gaslighting
• Why trauma bonding is more than going through something difficult together
• The difference between being triggered and feeling uncomfortable
• What dopamine actually does in the brain
• Why saying "I'm so OCD" can be misleading
• Common misconceptions about ADHD and executive functioning
• What hyperfixation really means
• The difference between healthy boundaries and controlling behavior
• What emotional intelligence actually involves

If you're tired of psychology being reduced to 30-second TikToks, this episode is for you.

🎧 Follow In The Pink for weekly science-backed conversations on psychology, ADHD, neuroscience, education, emotional well-being, and personal growth.

Keywords: psychology podcast, mental health podcast, pop psychology, TikTok psychology, psychology myths, evidence-based psychology, neuroscience, brain science, ADHD, adult ADHD, executive functioning, dopamine, gaslighting, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, narcissism, OCD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, trauma, trauma bonding, PTSD, emotional intelligence, healthy boundaries, hyperfixation, cognitive psychology, educational psychology, self-improvement, critical thinking, emotional regulation, therapy, personal growth, mental health education.

Think you've been getting your psychology from TikTok?

In this episode of In The Pink, we're separating psychological science from social media myths by examining some of the most common pop psychology claims circulating online. From the "left-brained vs. right-brained" myth and the idea that we only use 10% of our brains to learning styles, manifestation, toxic positivity, and ADHD misconceptions, we're taking a research-backed look at what psychology actually says.

If you're interested in psychology, neuroscience, ADHD, mental health, education, or personal development, this episode will help you think more critically about the advice you see online—and empower you to distinguish evidence-based psychology from viral misinformation.

Whether you're a student, educator, mental health advocate, or simply curious about how the brain really works, this conversation will challenge popular beliefs while providing practical, science-backed insights you can apply to everyday life.

In this episode, you'll learn:
• Why "everything happens for a reason" isn't a psychological principle
• The science behind manifestation and visualization
• Why the left-brain/right-brain theory is a myth
• What neuroscience says about the "10% of your brain" misconception
• Why learning styles aren't supported by research
• The truth about ADHD, executive functioning, and motivation
• How toxic positivity differs from healthy optimism
• Why healing doesn't always require forgiveness
• What neuroplasticity reveals about lifelong learning and personal growth

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow In The Pink, leave a rating and review, and share it with someone who loves psychology, neuroscience, education, and evidence-based self-improvement.

psychology, neuroscience, ADHD, mental health, educational psychology, executive functioning, learning styles, manifestation, toxic positivity, brain science

Links:

Atomic Habits by James Clear

Psycho-Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz

Have you ever wondered why ADHD seems so easy to recognize in boys, but so many women don't receive a diagnosis until their 20s, 30s, or even later?

In this episode of In The Pink, I'm sharing my own experience of being diagnosed with ADHD at 30 and exploring the science behind why so many women spend years believing they're lazy, anxious, disorganized, or simply "not trying hard enough."

We'll dive into the history of women in medical research, why ADHD diagnostic criteria were originally based on young boys, and how symptoms often look different in girls and women. We'll also discuss the neuroscience of ADHD, executive functioning, dopamine, emotional regulation, masking, perfectionism, and why so many women are first diagnosed with anxiety or depression before discovering they have ADHD.

You'll also learn how hormonal changes—including puberty, the menstrual cycle, postpartum, and perimenopause—may influence ADHD symptoms, according to current research, and why so many women don't recognize their ADHD until major life transitions.

Whether you've recently been diagnosed with ADHD, suspect you may have it, or want to better understand the women in your life, this episode offers science-backed insights, practical coping strategies, and the reassurance that you're not alone.

• Why women have historically been overlooked in ADHD research
• The signs and symptoms of ADHD in women and girls
• How executive functioning affects everyday life
• The connection between ADHD, anxiety, perfectionism, and masking
• What current research says about hormones and ADHD
• Evidence-based strategies for managing ADHD as an adult
• How to replace self-blame with self-understanding

If this episode resonates with you, please follow In The Pink, leave a rating, and share it with someone who has ever wondered, "Why has life always felt harder than it seems for everyone else?"

Keywords: ADHD in women, ADHD diagnosis, late ADHD diagnosis, adult ADHD, women with ADHD, ADHD symptoms, executive functioning, emotional regulation, dopamine, estrogen, hormones and ADHD, ADHD and anxiety, ADHD and depression, masking, perfectionism, gifted girl syndrome, neurodivergent women, ADHD podcast, mental health podcast, teacher wellness, self-compassion, In The Pink.