ADHD Aha! Math anxiety, caffeine, and learning to manage emotions with ADHD (Derek Miller’s story)
Sep 16, 2025
Derek Miller, a multifaceted money coach and musician, shares his journey with ADHD, diagnosed in college amidst personal challenges. He candidly discusses overcoming math anxiety, emotional regulation, and the impact of caffeine on focus. Derek's missionary experience in Mozambique shaped his understanding of community and resilience. He emphasizes the emotional ties to money and advocates for healthier financial relationships, especially for those who are neurodivergent. Join him as he explores fear, self-awareness, and playful approaches to financial education.
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Family ADHD Discovery
- Derek discovered family patterns of ADHD after his dad was diagnosed, which prompted him to consider testing.
- He realized many siblings also had ADHD, explaining long-standing daydreaming and inattentive traits.
Mountain Dew And Dance Breaks
- During his wife's cancer treatment Derek scaled back to part-time school and handled household care while working part-time.
- He used Mountain Dew and short dance breaks to combat sleepiness and focus on homework.
Math Anxiety Is Emotional
- Math anxiety can stem from tiny errors that amplify into big emotional responses, not lack of ability.
- Derek learned that managing emotions was as crucial as learning math techniques.