EP. 253: When You Feel Unexplainably Unwell: Your Nervous System and ADHD with Pharmacist & Patient Advocate, Kalin Johnson
Nov 8, 2023
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Guest, Kalin Johnson, a pharmacist & patient advocate, discusses the impact of the nervous system on ADHD individuals. They explore the activation of the nervous system, challenges faced in an unsympathetic world, and the relationship between ADHD and the autonomic nervous system. They emphasize the importance of understanding and calming the nervous system to improve quality of life. The podcast also covers topics such as stress management, building new neural pathways, and creating a community for nervous system healing and support.
Understanding activation factors can help manage stress and regain control for individuals with ADHD and autism.
Acknowledging the strengths and achievements of individuals with ADHD who enjoy excellent mental health is necessary.
Recognizing the interactions between ADHD and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can lead to effective symptom management and overall well-being.
Deep dives
Activating the Nervous System for ADHD and Autism
The demands, anxiety, reduction in tolerance, and loss of control can activate the nervous system in individuals with ADHD and autism. This is particularly challenging because our world is not built with their needs in mind. However, if the world were built for neurotypical individuals, they too would experience signs of procrastination, distraction, and lack of motivation. Understanding these activation factors can help in managing stress and finding ways to increase tolerance and regain a sense of control.
The Overlooked Success Stories and Mental Health of ADHD Individuals
While ADHD is often associated with challenges, it is important to acknowledge the 43% of individuals with ADHD who enjoy excellent mental health. These individuals have found strategies and coping mechanisms that allow them to thrive and should be celebrated. The focus should shift from only highlighting the struggles and limitations of ADHD to recognizing the strengths and achievements of those who are doing well.
The Intersection of ADHD, Autism, and Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
ADHD and autism often coexist with other conditions, such as hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (HEDS). HEDS is a group of connective tissue disorders characterized by loose and flexible joints. Individuals with both ADHD and HEDS may experience overlapping symptoms and challenges. Hypermobile individuals may struggle with blood perfusion, which can lead to difficulties in focusing and increased anxiety. Understanding the interactions between these conditions can help in finding effective strategies for managing symptoms and improving overall well-being.
Understanding Hyperfocus in Women with ADHD
Hyperfocus in women with ADHD is a phenomenon of extreme and intense concentration. This hyperfocus is even more pronounced for individuals with autism. It can manifest in various aspects of life, including running businesses. While hyperfocus can be enjoyable and rewarding, it often leads individuals to ignore their body's signals and push themselves excessively. However, this combination of hyperfocus and drive can also make it easier for women with ADHD to achieve success in traditional measures. It is important for people with ADHD to recognize that they have a choice in how they live their lives and should strive to find a balance that aligns with their well-being.
The Role of the Nervous System in Emotional Dysregulation
Despite emotional dysregulation not being listed as a symptom in the DSM-5 criteria for ADHD, many women with ADHD experience it. Understanding the autonomic nervous system, a component of the peripheral nervous system, is crucial in navigating emotional dysregulation. The autonomic nervous system controls essential bodily functions and can be divided into the parasympathetic and sympathetic branches. The parasympathetic branch promotes relaxation and operates during safe and relaxed periods, while the sympathetic branch activates the fight, flight, or freeze response when facing danger or stress. For individuals with ADHD, recognizing when their nervous system is activated is key to managing emotional dysregulation and reclaiming control over their lives.
Want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and make it work for you? Learn more about my patented program, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy here: programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup
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For years, Kalin Johnson was operating with a dysregulated nervous system and putting her body through unnecessary stress, and it was only once she started listening to her body’s needs that she realized how much easier things could be.
Kalin now combines her personal experience with her professional training as a healthcare provider to help others bridge the gap between mental and physical health. Through her work, she shows high-achieving, neurodivergent, and hypermobile individuals how to “unmask their health” and feel their best.
Join me in welcoming Kalin back onto the podcast (you can listen to her first episode here, #177) as she shares her knowledge on hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, the ways it impacts ADHD, why so many of us are stuck in fight-or-flight, and how to regulate our nervous systems and get our brains back online so we can start feeling our absolute best. ______________
