Layla

“it's this impulse to do it and then once it's in your head it's really difficult to shut it down or turn it off.”

Layla · said date not stated · reported 2026-07-13

Layla explains that her impulsive behaviour is driven by an urge that is hard to shut down once it enters her head.

“It's like you're clinging on, for dear life, onto the ball that is continuing to roll, and sort of cursing yourself and the world the entire time.”

Layla · said date not stated · reported 2026-07-13

Layla describes how her sense of control evaporates as her period nears.

“It feels like overkill to a lot of people, but I have these markers that I need to hit,”

Layla · said date not stated · reported 2026-07-13

Layla explains that her system of alarms helps keep her ADHD brain focused and establish a routine.

“I love pickles. I know that if I eat too many pickles I'm gonna feel ill.”

Layla · said date not stated · reported 2026-07-13

Layla describes her struggles with overeating and cravings during her period.

“Understanding that this is something that a lot of women are going through every month for most of their life. It's good to have kind of community and feel like that it's okay, this isn't just me.”

Layla · said date not stated · reported 2026-07-13

Layla says taking part in the research project has felt validating and freeing.

“There's a million different ones. Different times of the day,”

Layla · said date not stated · reported 2026-07-13

Layla, a 30-year-old teaching assistant, uses numerous phone alarms throughout her day to manage her ADHD.