I Have ADHD Podcast 323 Emotional Regulation: The ADHD Skill You Can’t Afford to Ignore
Jul 1, 2025
Discover why emotional regulation is crucial for those with ADHD and how it affects daily life. Learn about the SURF Method, a four-step approach to manage emotional waves instead of being overwhelmed. Understand what happens in the brain during emotional meltdowns and why practicing emotional skills can change behavior. With practical insights and relatable stories, this discussion highlights that it's okay not to feel good all the time—what matters is how you deal with those feelings.
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Emotional Regulation Drives Actions
- Emotional regulation is a central struggle for people with ADHD and impacts their actions and behavior significantly.
- Difficulties with emotion regulation are often the root cause of procrastination and inaction in ADHD individuals.
Brain Basis of Emotional Dysregulation
- Emotional dysregulation in ADHD is linked to brain areas: underactive prefrontal cortex, overactive amygdala, and impaired anterior cingulate cortex.
- This leads to stronger emotional reactions without effective pause or regulation abilities.
Apply the SURF Method
- Use the SURF method: Stop, Unfold, Reassure, Find to regulate emotions step-by-step.
- Practice noticing emotions, allowing them to exist, self-soothing with compassion, then reflect on the cause.