Busy Philipps recently revealed that she was diagnosed with ADHD after her 15-year-old daughter, Birdie, was evaluated for the same disorder. Philipps had always felt that something was wrong with her and recognized herself in the symptoms the doctor was discussing with Birdie during the evaluation. She described her struggles with completing tasks, mixing up playdate times, and lacking follow-through in projects, which often left her feeling like she was constantly messing up.
As a mother of two daughters, Birdie and 10-year-old Cricket, Philipps felt overwhelmed trying to keep a million things straight before her ADHD diagnosis. Since understanding her own diagnosis and starting medication, she has seen improvements in her self-esteem and productivity. Philipps credited the medication Qelbree with changing her life and improving her executive function skills, making her much more aware and able to prioritize her tasks effectively.
Despite both Philipps and Birdie having ADHD, Philipps noted that they haven’t necessarily bonded over their shared mental health struggles. While Philipps experiences internal chaos due to her ADHD symptoms, Birdie is a different person with her own unique experience. Philipps admitted to making Birdie’s ADHD diagnosis about herself initially because she saw herself in her daughter’s struggles, but she understands that Birdie’s journey is separate from hers.
Philipps shares Birdie and Cricket with her ex-husband, Marc Silverstein, whom she was married to for 14 years before their split in 2021. The actress has been open about her family’s health issues in the past, including Birdie’s epilepsy diagnosis in 2023 and their struggles with ADHD. Currently, Birdie is using she/her pronouns and is attending a boarding school in Sweden, exploring her own path amid her mother’s public revelations of their family’s health challenges.
Overall, Busy Philipps’ journey through her ADHD diagnosis has brought about positive changes in her life, helping her manage her symptoms and become more productive. While she and her daughter Birdie share the disorder, they have their own unique experiences, and Philipps has learned not to make everything about herself. By sharing her story, Philipps hopes to raise awareness about ADHD and empower others to seek help and support for their mental health struggles.
