ADHD's Emotional Storms

5 Truths About ADHD’s Emotional Storms

ENCORE EPISODE

ADHD’s emotional storms are one of the lesser known aspects of ADHD dealing with emotions and emotional regulation.
 
First of all, with ADHD comes intensity of emotions. Also, living with the stress that having intense emotional deregulation has on you is a life-long proposition.
 
Ironically, emotional regulation is the one aspect that, while it affects everyone with ADHD, receives little attention from scientists.
 
Consequently, you may ask, why isn’t there more information if it is such a huge issue? Probably, the most important reason is, that in research, there’s a rule concerning scientific method. This includes “…systematic observation, measurement, and experiment, and the formulation, testing, and modification of hypotheses (Google).”
 
As a result, we can’t apply scientific method due to the subjective nature of emotions.
 
While something perhaps makes you happy, that same thing may make me sad.
 
James’ Awesome Quote:

ADHD's Emotional Storms
“We have difficulty organizing, maintaining focus,
saying things we didn’t want to say, we can feel
overwhelm, or didn’t plan something effectively …”

 

ADHD’s Emotional Storms

James Ochoa calls the subjective experience of emotional deregulation, the “Emotional Distress Syndrome.” It’s the “cumulative effect of the neurological processing differences and behavioral challenges with ADHD.” It’s a chronic, and it’s a struggle. According to James, “The chronic, lifelong nature of ADHD–related stress can…become a syndrome akin to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).”
 
Finally, here are 5 truths from page 45.
 

  1. 1) It won’t disappear on its own. One way or another, you’ll have to manage your emotional distress for the rest of your life.
  2. 2) If you choose not to manage the emotional distress, the EDS will continue to erode your sense of emotional, mental and physical well-being.
    But don’t despair–the Emotional Distress Syndrome can be navigated.
  3. 3) The Emotional Distress Syndrome can be managed.
  4. 4) You are not broken.
  5. 5) You can live a full, interesting, potential-reaching life.”

 
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Focused Forward


 

“With wisdom, humor, and plenty of (sometimes painful) empathy,
Focused Forward helps adults with ADHD move past the pain
and shame toward a future full of possibility, balance and joy.”

 

 

 

 

 

Please tell us below how ADHD’s emotional storms affect you.
 
~ Jennie
 

 

 

Relevant Resources:

The Emotional Distress Syndrome In ADHD
Follow James on Twitter @ADHDInsights
Like The Life Empowerment Center on Facebook

 

Additional Resources Mentioned:
 
Lidia Zylowska, M.D.

Insight Timer

3 comments

  1. There isn’t a day that I don’t insult someone or tell someone off, I erupt like a volcano. How I became a successful firefighter, officer still boggles my mind. I have to be told the good things that I do. Every day is a struggle.

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