Understanding dysregulation is crucial in managing ADHD, as it helps individuals address underlying issues rather than just symptoms of burnout.
ADHD management is enhanced by fostering a healthier relationship with time and self-acceptance instead of solely focusing on productivity.
Deep dives
Understanding the Dysregulated State
Individuals with ADHD often experience a state of dysregulation characterized by feelings of being overwhelmed, frantic energy, and a sense of urgency as if they are being chased. This fight-or-flight mode prevents them from relaxing or focusing, leading to a cycle of burnout and anxiety. Many may find themselves operating at extremes, either working intensely or struggling to initiate any tasks. Recognizing these patterns is crucial, as identifying dysregulation allows people to start addressing the underlying issues rather than just the symptoms.
The Role of Medication in ADHD Management
Medication for ADHD can offer initial relief, but it is not a panacea. Many individuals report diminished effects after a couple of months, realizing that while medication can alleviate symptoms temporarily, it does not address the core issues. For those who prefer not to take medication, internal work to achieve regulation can be equally impactful. Ultimately, the approach should be tailored to the individual, focusing on a combination of regulation strategies and medication if chosen.
The Importance of Internal Regulation
Effective ADHD management starts with internal regulation rather than simply adding behavioral strategies or tools to an already overwhelming list of tasks. By understanding and addressing the root causes of dysregulation, individuals can experience profound improvements in their day-to-day functioning. It’s essential to identify personal signs of dysregulation and practice interrupting those patterns through simple regulation techniques. This approach facilitates a sustainable change that transcends the temporary fixes often utilized in traditional therapeutic methods.
Shifting Perspectives on Productivity
ADHD individuals often grapple with perfectionism and the misconception that increasing productivity will lead to fulfillment. However, improvement comes not from doing more tasks but from developing a healthier relationship with time, responsibility, and self-acceptance. By recognizing that to-do lists are never-ending and that it's normal to struggle with distractions, individuals can foster a more compassionate and gentle approach towards themselves. This shift leads to a more enjoyable life experience, allowing them to engage in activities they love while managing their ADHD.
ADHD and feeling overwhelmed, over stimulated and burnout seem to go hand in hand. A lot of us operate under the ‘go, go, go’ type of cadence with our two modes being full throttle or absolutely nothing. This inevitably leaves a lot of us feeling as though we can never get it together, we’re mentally exhausted all of the time and as though everyone around us is sick of our franticness. Joining the podcast today is certified ADHD therapist, who also has ADHD Jenna Free. Jenna refers to the frantic behaviours mentioned above as dysregulation.
Jenna taught me a whole new way to think about managing my ADHD. Her work focuses on regulation and learning to bring ourselves back to a regulated state.
This episode is for anyone who feels like:
They are frantically trying to keep up with a to-do list that never ends
Your life feels overwhelming while you also feel as though you’re barely getting anything done
There is never enough time in the day and you’re always racing against the clock
You ricochet between frantically running around panicking and crashing, zoned out and in a paralysis
We speak about:
Jenna’s experience of being diagnosed later in life and the cross over with postnatal depression
A lot of ‘lifestyle’ treatments for ADHD are bandaids and don’t address the underlying cause of burnout
Consistently being distracted by tasks while you are meant to be doing a task
Identifying dysregulation and being in reaction mode
Seeing time as a ‘vertical’ all stacked right in front of us rather than ‘horizontal’ in a linear way
How the internal work softens us so we aren’t in survival mode so that we can implement some strategies
