Mastodawn

In July, a devastating flood swept through the Texas Hill Country, and our little family cabin was one of many swallowed by the water (thankfully, no one was there at the time of the flood).

Since then, life has been full of long drives, tear-outs, heavy lifting, grieving & paperwork. I haven’t had the bandwidth to post—but I’m beginning to find words again. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing some of what I’ve learned—about grief, resilience, #ADHD in crisis, acceptance, and community.

LeAnn Levering, LCSW Jul 2

Feeling stuck? Stretch your creative thinking!
This NYT interactive guide helps spark your creative flow with simple prompts, visual exercises, and plenty of encouragement. #ADHD
Read & draw along: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/well/creativity-drawing-art.html?unlocked_article_code=1.S08.3iLd.2tOh8RYRDzKC&smid=url-share

The Creativity Challenge: Start With Some Quick Doodles

Today, a fun way to feel less stuck.

The New York Times

LeAnn Levering, LCSW Jun 30

🌞 Feeling sad, irritable, or exhausted in summer? You’re not alone. Summer SAD is real & can drain your energy. Learn what causes it & how to cope: https://wapo.st/4lq5kcY #MentalHealth #SAD #ADHD

Sad in the summer? You may have summer seasonal depression.

Summer seasonal affective disorder is not as well-known as winter SAD, but it holds a higher risk for suicide and may become more prevalent with climate change.

The Washington Post

LeAnn Levering, LCSW Jun 25

Feeling judgmental? That’s your stress talking. Shift from “What’s wrong with them?” to “What’s going on with them?”

The payoff? More emotional resilience, deeper empathy, and healthier relationships—especially when stress catches you off guard💡

Rather than defaulting to “everyone should be more kind,” this article reminds us: change starts within—with curiosity, care, and a willingness to ask better questions.
#CuriosityOverJudgment #ADHD

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/23/well/stop-being-judgemental.html

How to Stop Being Judgemental

Here’s what you should do instead.

The New York Times

LeAnn Levering, LCSW Jun 24

Struggle with focus, follow-through, or overwhelm? It might be #ADHD or another source of executive dysfunction. This NYT article offers practical + emotional strategies to get unstuck—like breaking tasks down, naming feelings, and self-compassion. 💡🧠

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/10/well/mind/executive-function-tips.html?unlocked_article_code=1.RE8.7fh3.9Nis--vMzv2m&smid=url-share

How to Tackle Your To-Do List if You Struggle With Executive Functioning

Conditions like A.D.H.D. and autism can make starting and completing tasks feel impossible, but experts say there are workarounds.

The New York Times

LeAnn Levering, LCSW Jun 14

Waking up with a pit in your stomach? You’re not alone. Morning anxiety often stems from habit loops, poor sleep, and stress. Break the cycle with curiosity, better sleep habits, and calming breathing exercises. Seek professional help if you need more.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2025/06/09/morning-anxiety-wake-up/

Morning anxiety is real. Here’s what to do about it.

We asked experts why some people wake up anxious and tense — and what you can do to work past the early-morning wave of emotion.

The Washington Post

LeAnn Levering, LCSW Jun 11

Slowing your breath activates your vagus nerve-helping your body shift into “rest & digest” mode. Just 3–5min of breathwork can ease stress & lift your mood.
Grateful to my speech therapist for helping me treat vocal cord dysfunction so I can get the benefits!
#ADHD #AuDHD #speechtherapy
https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2025/01/01/breathwork-slow-breathing-calm-mind/

LeAnn Levering, LCSW Jun 10

Just diagnosed with #ADHD and not sure what comes next? 🤔 You're not alone. This guide walks you through what to expect, how to get support, and where to start. https://www.additudemag.com/slideshows/i-think-i-have-adhd/

I Think I Have ADHD: Next Steps After an ADD Diagnosis

Relief, sadness, anger, and regret are all normal emotions following an ADHD diagnosis. This 11-step plan can help you move forward with adult ADD.

LeAnn Levering, LCSW Jun 7

Exercise has benefits for anxiety, mood, stress, and even #ADHD! The form of exercise that you choose is less important than choosing to exercise consistently. Here are some fun ideas for making your walks more engaging.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/30/well/step-goal-walking.html?unlocked_article_code=1.Lk8.xpO9.ZnWQbGtdVok9&smid=url-share

How to Trick Yourself Into Taking a Walk

You don’t need to hit 10,000 daily steps to reap benefits.

The New York Times

LeAnn Levering, LCSW Jun 4

Sleep is foundational to mental health & too many of us struggle with it. Some advice from the experts: consistency is key, morning sunlight can help set your body clock, and don’t use the snooze button. #ADHD
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/06/well/live/healthy-morning-habits.html?unlocked_article_code=1.Lk8.NdSQ.FUHaHhA6uDuH&smid=url-share

What’s the Best Way to Wake Up?

Here’s what experts say about snooze buttons, sunlight and sleeping in.

The New York Times

Website	https://leveringmind.com/
Adult ADHD Class	https://learnadhd.com/