Wild Minds Wellness

In September 2021 I was formally diagnosed with ADHD 🧠 By November 2021 I had started Elvanse, a type of stimulant medication used in the treatment of ADHD. My dosage hit the maximum (70mg) within only a few months. Once I felt this dosage wasn't enough, which happened relatively quickly, my only option was to go back through the private clinic (I got a private assessment as I didn't want to wait 7+ years on the NHS waiting lists...) to discuss changing my meds. This would mean another round of fees and more costs going through titration (as this would need to be done via private prescriptions). So I muddled along, and for just short of two years I endured the following side effects from the Elvanse: Overheating / Night sweats / Mouth ulcers (from running my tongue across my teeth, continuously, all day) / Dry mouth / Trouble getting to sleep / Poor quality sleep (if I managed to get to sleep) / Excessive talking / Excessive skin picking I also struggled with the following withdrawal symptoms if I forgot to take my meds (spoiler alert... this happens a lot when you have ADHD 🙃): Extreme tiredness / Extreme restlessness / Nausea / Feeling depressed / Feeling anxious / Continued trouble sleeping In October 2023 when the medication shortage hit, even though it was pretty obvious I was not having a good time on the meds, I was desperate for help and I was so scared of not having my meds. 🌅 🌅 🌅 Then I started coaching with Joseph Pack. He introduced me to the Drug Free ADHD Method, which includes using cold water therapy, breathwork and meditation to help manage ADHD symptoms without medication. On the 21st February 2024 I took my last ever dose of Elvanse 🎉 Following the Drug Free ADHD method absolutely changed my life. It can change yours too. If you want to know more about this method or apply for 1:1 coaching with me, just follow the links in my bio. Whether you want to avoid, stop or maybe just reduce your ADHD medication, I can help. **Pic of me at the Fairy Pools in Glenridding, loving the effects of cold water exposure! #ADHD #ADHDCoach #Coaching #DrugFreeADHDMethod #SkillsNotPills #ColdWaterExposure #Meditation #Breathwork #WildMindsWellness

Do you know I write a free newsletter? This week's issue, released Thursday at 10am, talks about ADHD and PMS ☄ There is already such a tiny amount of research out there that looks at women and ADHD, so you can probably imagine how little research there is around ADHD and the menstrual cycle, or any other important life stages for women (menstrual cycles, pregnancy, peri-menopause, menopause) for that matter. Talking from my own experiences, and getting what little info I can from research already out there I talk about ADHD and PMS, PMS and ADHD medication, what you can do to help ADHD symptoms around your period and I also recommend my go to sanitary product!! Sign up now via the little button on this post or on my profile, or follow this link: https://lnkd.in/eQyg-EY3 👀 I'd love to hear your tips and strategies for managing ADHD symptoms during your cycle, pop them in the comments! #ADHD #ADHDandPMS #WomenwithADHD #ADHDManagement #SkillsNotPills #ADHDWomen #MenstrualHealth #ADHDAwareness #WildMindsWellness

I’m really feeling it today, I’m feeling super emotional and I’m not really sure why. It could be hormones, it could be the full moon 🌕, who knows! But if I’m being honest, all I want to do is eat—especially junk food, I just want to snaffle away 12 bags of quavers and a giant bar of Galaxy… Wanting to stuff my face with scrummy junk food happens to me a lot when I’m feeling more emotional and it’s something that many people with ADHD can relate to. Emotional eating, especially when paired with stress, is a common coping mechanism, but it’s not just about comfort—it’s linked to how our brains function. ADHD can affect impulse control and our ability to regulate emotions. When our emotions become overwhelming, food can often become a quick and accessible form of relief. Junk food especially, with its high sugar and fat content, can be particularly appealing, providing an immediate dopamine hit that our ADHD brains crave. However, recognising this pattern is key to changing it. For me, once I recognise I’m falling in to a space where all I want to do is cry into a tub of ice cream, I find distractions. A couple of distractions that I find really powerful are: 🧘♀️ Meditation 🧘♀️ Every morning I meditate for 15 minutes using a mantra, it puts me in a nice calm place, ready to tackle the day. However, when I’m feeling super emotional and struggling to get past the thought of a Big Mac, fries and a banana milkshake I do like a guided meditation. Usually a quick 10 minute one I find on Spotify will do the trick, but if I’m having a particularly bad day I like to choose a longer one, 30-60 minutes. 🍂 Going outside 🍂 I know it sounds really cliche, but I really do believe this works for me, especially if I actually go for a walk, a wild swim or even a dip in the ice bath, rather than just popping my head out the door. It changes my focus and always calms me down, which is really helpful if prior to this I was crying in a corner seeing how many Maltesers I could fit into my mouth at one time. Are you an emotional eater? What tools or strategies do you use to avoid eating a whole packet of Jaffa cakes when you’re not feeling yourself? I’d love to hear what you do, sharing is always caring 💜 Can you relate to this post? If so, please repost so we can keep the conversation going. If you'd like to hear more about what I have to say on all things ADHD, then please sign up to my free newsletter, the link is in my profile 😃 #ADHD #emotionaleating #distractions #meditation #wildswimming #junkfood #allinmoderation #wildmindswellness

I know winter doesn't officially start until late December, but as soon as it's still dark when I'm getting in the ice bath it's officially 'winter dipping'. It was even raining too this morning! I dip in our ice bath, almost, every morning. I have to, it's my new 'medication' and the 250% dopamine boost it gives me is what sees me through the day. I swapped my ADHD medication for ice baths and meditation, and it's changed my life. I can help you do the same thing. I'm taking applications for 1:1 coaching, follow this link to apply: https://tally.so/r/3NV5bO #ADHDCoach #ADHD #coldwaterexposure #meditation #skillsnotpills #wildmindswellness #drugfreeadhd

Yesterday I returned from my second Rewilding Retreat with Claire Ackers, and while this time it didn’t change my life in the way it did the first time, it came at the perfect moment. Just over a month ago, I made a bold decision to leave my senior tech job and pursue a new path as an ADHD coach and business owner. The last few months have been tough, especially as I ended my previous role battling work-related stress and poor mental health. This retreat gave me the space to breathe, reflect, and regain my strength after it all. What really stood out this time was the incredible community of strong, inspiring women I connected with. We climbed mountains (both literal and figurative!), dipped in fairy pools, saw eagles soar overhead, saw stags at the summit and even caught a glimpse of the Northern Lights! These women shared their stories, offered business advice, and opened up in ways that were raw, vulnerable, and beautiful. I now call them friends 🩷 The retreat reminded me that I am strong, and I really needed to be reminded of this. I may have struggled up two mountains, but I made it to the top of both. It’s a testament to the fact that with the right mindset, I can achieve anything I set my mind to 💪 This is just the beginning of my journey, and I’m so grateful for the support and connections I made along the way. Here’s to new beginnings, growth, and rewilding ourselves from the inside out. 🌟 💜 Chloe Fellows Sara Donnelly Allena Clarke Katy Gooblar 💜 #rewildingretreat #womeninbusiness #ADHDcoach #personalgrowth #mentalhealth #businessowner #strength

🌟 ATTENTION THOSE IN MY NETWORK IN AND AROUND LEEDS 🌟 I am really excited to be bringing some in-person ADHD Friendly Meditation classes to The Clearing Community in Bramley 🧘♀️ As part of my journey to become medication free, regular meditation has become part of my daily routine. The meditation method we will be using is mantra-led. This is a great method for those with ADHD, as it gives our busy minds something to focus on other than the 100’s of automatic thoughts that run through our minds at any given time. It can also be great for those who are just starting out with meditation, even if you don’t have ADHD. 💜 All are welcome 💜 Current dates are 17th and 24th October, and tickets are £11. The link to purchase a ticket is in the comments. I would love if my Leeds network could share this and let anyone know who you think might benefit from this kind of meditation 🙏 The Clearing Community (where the classes will be held) is a beautiful space in Bramley and I’m so proud to be able to hold the classes in this perfect location. If meditation isn’t your thing, I would urge you to check out the other amazing events they currently have an offer. 🌸 🌸 🌸 #ADHD #ADHDFriendlyMeditation #Meditation #MantraLedMeditation #Leeds

🌿 Join Us for a day of mindfulness, conversation, and even some wild Swimming! 🌿 I'm excited to be co-hosting The Drug Free ADHD Experience with Joseph Pack, our first-ever event of this kind, and we’d love for you to be part of it. On October 20th, we’ll be gathering in the stunning Peak District for a truly immersive day focused on connecting with nature, your body, and your mind. Here’s what you can expect: 🥾 A walk through nature 🏊 Wild swimming in a crystal clear river (optional) 🧘 ADHD-friendly meditation (in nature, weather permitting) 🫁 A Breathwork session 🥗 Nutritious brain healthy food provided 🤸♂️ Spend time with likeminded people (who get it) This isn’t just a day off, it’s a day to reset, reconnect, and walk away feeling refreshed, focused, and inspired—with new tools to carry with you long after the event. 🌟 We've already sold a few tickets, and with only 6 spots left, now’s the perfect time to secure your place. Whether you're looking to recharge, boost mental clarity, or simply try something new, this day retreat is designed to help you thrive. Joe and I can't wait to share this transformative experience with you! 📅 Date: October 20, 2024, 10-4pm 📍 Location: Youlgrave, Peak District 🎟️ Tickets: £125, https://lnkd.in/ekwXp9Dj Join us, and give yourself the gift of nature, movement, and mindful connection. #ADHD #DrugFreeADHD #DrugFreeADHDExperience #DrugFreeADHDMethod #skillsnotpills #wellness #holistic #wildswimming #meditation #breathwork #nature #peakdistrict

You're only one ice bath/cold dip away from... 🌊 A clearer mind ⚡ Increased energy 😌 Reduced stress 💪 Enhanced resilience 🎯 Improved focus 🌿 A fresh perspective on your day 🧠 An increase in dopamine levels of up to 250% 🔋 An increase in norepinephrine concentrations by as much as 530% *Dopamine can improve mood, enhance focus, and give you a greater sense of well-being. *Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter and hormone that plays a crucial role in attention, focus, and mood regulation. Whether you use cold water exposure for boosting mental clarity, shaking off the stress or managing ADHD without medication, cold water is more than just a wake-up call—it's a reset. Are you ready to dive in? #ColdDip #IceBath #WildSwimming #Resilience #MentalClarity #ADHD #SkillsNotPills #ADHDCoach #DrugFreeADHD

Happy Tuesday 🌄 I've been a regular cold water 'dipper' now since February and I have to say, it's been a game-changer. 🌊❄️ Not only does it boost your mood and energy levels, but it also improves circulation, reduces inflammation, and sharpens focus. For those with ADHD, this practice can be especially helpful. Cold water immersion helps reset the nervous system, calming the mind and reducing overstimulation, making it easier to focus 🧘🏼🧘🏼 It’s like hitting the refresh button for your brain! 🧠 The clarity I feel after a cold dip, it's indescribable ✨ Has anyone else tried cold water exposure? If so, do you cold shower or dip in an ice bath? Does anyone wild swim? (I'm always up for sharing locations!!) I would love to hear your experiences! 🏊🏼🏊🏼🏊🏼🏊🏼🏊🏼 Subscribe to my newsletter via my bio to hear more from me about managing ADHD without medication. #ColdWaterTherapy #Focus #Wellbeing #ADHD #DrugFreeADHDMethod #skillsnotpills

✨ I took my last dose of ADHD medication in February 2024 ✨ After years of managing my ADHD with medication, I finally said goodbye to my last dose earlier this year. This journey wasn’t easy, but I followed the Drug-Free ADHD Method (thanks to Joseph Pack), utilizing cold water therapy, meditation, and breathwork to take control of my ADHD—without medication. My life has truly changed since embracing these holistic approaches. I've found a new level of focus and clarity, and I’m passionate about helping others do the same. That’s why I founded Wild Minds Wellness, where I now work as an ADHD coach. Whether you're looking to reduce or stop your medication—or if you simply need extra support managing day-to-day challenges—I’m here to help you find what works best for you. 🌿 I’m now accepting applications for 1:1 ADHD coaching! 🌿 In addition to coaching, I offer ADHD-friendly meditation classes here in Leeds. These sessions are designed to make mindfulness practices more accessible and manageable for those with ADHD. I also run retreats to share the Drug-Free ADHD Method in a supportive, immersive environment. If you're interested in learning more or working together, feel free to connect or send me a message! Let's embrace the power of skills, not pills. 🌱