Emotional dysregulation is one of ADHD’s most disruptive yet overlooked symptoms. It’s not just a passing mood or a fleeting frustration. For those with ADHD, emotions can spiral into sudden waves of intensity—anger, hurt, joy, or anxiety—seemingly out of nowhere. This week, Nikki and Pete explore the science and strategies behind this turbulent experience, offering insights to help listeners navigate its challenges.At its core, emotional dysregulation is the brain’s difficulty managing emotions effectively. The overactive amygdala—the emotional alarm center—reacts strongly, while the underactive prefrontal cortex struggles to rein it in. When dopamine levels are low, the prefrontal cortex can’t regulate the amygdala, resulting in overwhelming emotional reactions. These aren’t just limited to anger or sadness; moments of extreme joy, excitement, or frustration can also feel uncontainable.And then we have our dear friend, Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD), a particularly painful form of emotional dysregulation. RSD amplifies the sting of perceived rejection or criticism to an intense, often unbearable level. These emotional wounds, though short-lived, can ripple through relationships, self-esteem, and productivity. Many people find themselves stuck in cycles of avoidance, self-doubt, and shame, all of which undermine their ability to connect with others and move forward in their lives.But there is hope. It turns out there are actually actionable strategies to manage emotional dysregulation, from mindfulness practices and therapy to building awareness of emotional triggers. Simple steps, like labeling emotions, taking deep breaths, or stepping away to reset, can make a real difference. For some, professional help, whether through coaching, medication, or therapy, provides essential tools to regain emotional balance and build resilience.This episode sheds light on a hidden aspect of ADHD that affects everything from relationships to self-esteem. It’s a reminder that while emotional dysregulation is challenging, it’s also manageable with the right tools, support, and understanding.Links & NotesADDitude: Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria and Emotional DysregulationBeyond BookSmart: ADHD and Emotional DysregulationEmotion dysregulation and right pars orbitalis constitute a neuropsychological pathway to attention deficit hyperactivity disorderUncovering the Roots and Evolution of Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria - Neurodivergent InsightsRejection Sensitive Dysphoria and ADHD with Dr. William Dodson — Take Control ADHDSupport the Show on PatreonDig into the podcast Shownotes Database (00:00) - Welcome to Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast (01:16) - Support the Show: Become a Patron at patreon.com/theadhdpodcast (03:07) - Emotional Dysregulation (14:06) - The RSD Connection (19:33) - So... what do you do? ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Why is making a decision sometimes the hardest thing in the world? For those with ADHD, the labyrinth of choices can feel impossibly complex. Each twist and turn demands attention and energy—resources that are already stretched thin. This week Nikki and Pete peel back the layers of decision-making through the ADHD lens, unraveling why such a seemingly simple act can feel like scaling a mountain.At the heart of it lies one of ADHD’s most challenging riddles: the executive functions. These are the mental tools we use to plan, prioritize, organize, and remember, but for those with ADHD, these tools often feel dull or misplaced. Enter the paradox of choice. Too many options? Paralysis. Too much time? Overthinking. Too little time? Impulsivity. Each scenario is riddled with traps.Decision-making with ADHD is an art, not a science. It’s messy, it’s nonlinear, and it requires flexibility and self-compassion. Join Nikki and Pete as they navigate this intricate process, offering insights, stories, and strategies to help you make decisions that feel right—without the second-guessing, the self-doubt, or the endless spiral of overthinking.Links & NotesSupport the Show on PatreonDig into the podcast Shownotes Database (00:00) - Welcome to Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast (01:42) - Become a Patron • Support the Show! (02:44) - Decisions, Decisions, Decisions! (25:40) - This is the How-To Part ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Life's curveballs can be tricky, especially for those with ADHD. This discussion dives into the unique strengths and challenges of ADHD-powered problem-solving. Creatively tackling unconventional issues often coexists with emotional overwhelm and perfectionism. Practical strategies help identify true problems, emphasize self-compassion, and illustrate the power of verbal processing. They explore how accepting that plans can change unlocks resilience, and they share insights that encourage patience and grace in navigating life's unpredictabilities.

Tony Bellezza, co-founder of Anthony's Way, channels his heartbreak into purpose, honoring his late son Anthony, who inspired countless with his kindness despite the hurdles of ADHD. Joined by Cassi, they share their journey of advocacy, discussing the founding of their non-profit aimed at uplifting children with ADHD. The duo highlights the importance of community support, educational accommodations, and the transformative impact of kindness, all while promoting innovative programs like the Kindness Scholarship. Their mission exemplifies how empathy can turn pain into a powerful movement.

The discussion dives into how seemingly harmless words can trap individuals in a web of self-doubt. Terms like 'just' and 'only' subtly erode self-worth, turning achievements into mere afterthoughts. The speakers unpack the roots of this language of limitation and its impact on perceptions shaped in childhood. They offer insights on confronting negative self-talk, introduce a journaling technique for emotional processing, and stress the power of community support in overcoming these challenges.

What if we celebrated progress instead of striving for perfection? This discussion highlights the immense courage required to navigate life with ADHD. The hosts emphasize that ADHD is not a flaw but a complex reality deserving recognition. They tackle the cycle of self-criticism and encourage listeners to appreciate every victory, no matter how small. Lowering expectations is framed as an act of kindness, and creating a 'done list' provides a powerful way to acknowledge daily achievements. It’s all about embracing strengths and redefining self-worth.

Nikki and Pete dive into the pervasive 'try-hard trap' that many face, exploring societal pressures and the ever-present fear of missing out. They challenge listeners to let go of perfectionism and embrace 'good enough' as a valid achievement. The conversation encourages self-awareness and sustainable pacing while prioritizing mental well-being. Practical strategies for self-advocacy, managing expectations, and recognizing personal limits are shared, all aimed at breaking free from the exhausting cycle of overcommitment.

Clutter is more than just a mess; it affects our mental clarity and daily lives. The hosts reveal surprising statistics about the time lost searching for items and how clutter impacts family dynamics, especially after children arrive. They share strategies for tackling holiday clutter and maintaining a peaceful living space. Listeners are invited to join a January decluttering challenge, exploring both the emotional and practical benefits of letting go of possessions. The episode emphasizes community support as a vital part of the decluttering journey.

David Greenwood, author of 'Overcoming Burnout' and expert on burnout, dives deep into the often-overlooked connection between ADHD and burnout. He reveals staggering statistics showing that up to 93% of adults with ADHD struggle with burnout symptoms. The discussion highlights the nuanced differences between stress and burnout, as well as the challenges of emotional regulation and time management that can exacerbate exhaustion. Greenwood offers practical strategies for recognizing early signs of burnout and emphasizes the importance of self-care and boundary-setting.

In this insightful conversation, Kate House, a behavior change specialist and empowerment coach, shares her journey from a corporate burnout to a vibrant entrepreneur. She reflects on experiencing a quarter-life crisis that propelled her to design a life filled with intention. The discussion emphasizes the power of small actions and personal transformation, particularly for high-achieving women. Kate also touches on breaking free from societal expectations and fostering creativity by stepping away from social media, all while embracing the beauty of self-discovery.