251. Meeting Your Emotional Needs as a Sensitive or Neurodivergent Woman

In this episode, I dive into the challenges of meeting your emotional needs as a sensitive or neurodivergent woman. If you’ve ever felt unseen, misunderstood, or emotionally drained from constantly giving without receiving, this conversation is for you. I share my own journey with masking, people-pleasing, and emotional exhaustion—and why so many of us struggle to get our needs met. You’ll learn how to recognize, advocate for, and meet your own emotional needs in a way that fosters emotional empowerment rather than resentment. This episode is about stepping into self-acceptance, setting boundaries, and creating the emotional safety you deserve. If you're ready for deeper support, join my Love Yourself No Matter What membership for weekly coaching, a private daily podcast, and community support at Amanda-Hess.myKajabi.com/loveyourself . And if you need personalized coaching, book a free consult at amandahess.ca/bookacall.Detailed Episode Breakdown: [0:00 - 2:30] Introduction & Why This MattersWhy so many sensitive and neurodivergent women struggle to have their emotional needs met.If you feel like you’re constantly giving without receiving, you are not alone. [2:30 - 7:45] Why Emotional Needs Often Go UnmetThe impact of masking and people-pleasing.How ignoring your needs leads to exhaustion, resentment, and disconnection.My personal experiences with discovering my own emotional needs and the consequences of suppressing them. [7:45 - 12:30] The Root Causes of Emotional StrugglesMasking & People-Pleasing: Why saying yes when you mean no makes it harder for people to meet your needs.Emotional Intensity & Deep Processing: The stress response cycle (fight, flight, freeze, fawn) and how it impacts emotional regulation.Sensory Overload: How our modern world bombards us with too much information, leading to burnout. [12:30 - 16:45] Identifying Your Core Emotional NeedsThe difference between emotional wants and emotional needs (and why understanding this is so important).The four core emotional needs:Feeling seen and understood (not just tolerated).Deep and meaningful connections.Emotional safety and acceptance.Balancing predictability with freedom and spontaneity.Reflection prompts to help you identify where your emotional needs are not being met. [16:45 - 22:00] How to Start Meeting Your Own Emotional NeedsThe first step: Grounding yourself and regulating your nervous system.Sensory-friendly self-care strategies to help you reset and feel safe in your body.How I plan to create emotional safety for myself while on my upcoming family trip to Hawaii. [22:00 - 27:15] The Importance of Finding the Right CommunityIf you feel misunderstood, it may be time to expand your social circle rather than expecting others to change.How to find like-minded people online and in-person.Why deep conversations are essential for emotional fulfillment. [27:15 - 31:00] Asking for Help & Setting Boundaries Without GuiltOvercoming the fear of being a burden.How to approach conversations about your needs without resentment.Scripts for clearly communicating your needs in a way that invites support rather than resistance. [31:00 - 34:00] How to Set Healthy Boundaries & Accept SupportBoundaries aren’t about controlling others—they’re about protecting yourself.Learning to accept support from the right people instead of assuming no one wants to help.How to tolerate the discomfort of disappointing others when necessary. [34:00 - 36:00] Final Thoughts & Next StepsJournaling prompt: What emotional needs have I been neglecting, and what’s one small way I can meet them this week?CTA #1: Join the Love Yourself No Matter What membership for weekly coaching, daily written coaching, and access to my private podcast at Amanda-Hess.myKajabi.com/loveyourself CTA #2: If you need personalized support, book a free consult at amandahess.ca/bookacall so we can create a plan to help you feel more emotionally fulfilled.