ADHD & Oversharing

ADHD and Oversharing: When You Say Too Much, Too Fast

Ever walked away from a conversation thinking, “Why did I say all of that?” Maybe you shared a deeply personal story with someone you just met, or gave away too much context when a simple answer would’ve done the trick. If you live with ADHD, this might not be a rare occurrence, it might even feel like your default setting.

Oversharing is a common, often misunderstood experience for many people with ADHD. It can look like talking too much, offering more detail than necessary, or blurting out personal thoughts without intending to. And while it might seem like a quirky social habit, it’s usually rooted in some very real ADHD traits: impulsivity, rejection sensitivity, emotional intensity, and a deep craving for connection.

Let’s break that down. ADHD often struggle with impulse control meaning the thought comes up and it’s out of your mouth before you’ve had time to filter it. There’s also something called “info dumping” which is where your brain latches onto a topic (especially one that feels emotional, exciting, or urgent), and suddenly, you have to share everything about it. Pair that with a nervous system that craves connection and a lifetime of feeling misunderstood, and you get moments of over-disclosure that leaves you feeling exposed or even regretful.

For many women with ADHD, oversharing is also tied to people pleasing. You might offer too much in hopes of being liked, accepted, or simply filling awkward silences. You might not even realize you’re doing it until afterward, when you feel a wave of embarrassment and self doubt.  

Here’s the thing: oversharing isn’t a character flaw. It’s a coping strategy and one that’s often tied to a nervous system working in overdrive. And like all coping strategies, it can be reshaped with awareness, boundaries, and self compassion. You can learn to pause before speaking, to ground yourself when you feel that “urge to spill,” and to get curious (not critical) about the need driving your impulse to share.

And if this feels like a big theme in your life, if you’re constantly replaying conversations in your head or battling shame after being vulnerable, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Therapy can help you unpack what’s underneath the oversharing, and build tools that help you feel more in control and more connected at the same time.

Your words matter and so does your comfort sharing them with others!