Julie Legg and Jel Legg discuss the big emotions that can accompany ADHD – emotional dysregulation, and the challenges faced when exhibiting them.
They discuss how emotional dysregulation amplifies both positive and negative feelings, leading to intense responses that can overwhelm individuals and confuse others. They explore the role of emotional triggers, delayed processing, and the ways ADHD shapes emotional expression through art or music. Sharing practical coping strategies like self-awareness, distraction techniques, and seeking counseling support, Julie and Jel offer insights to help listeners manage emotional intensity and navigate the challenges of big emotions.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Understanding Emotional Dysregulation: Everyone, including neurotypicals, can have big emotions. Those with ADHD are likely to experience heightened emotions frequently without being able to regulate them, often observed by some as irrational and ‘over the smallest of things.’ ADHD often amplifies emotions, leading to intense responses like mood swings, irritability, and quick temper, which can feel overwhelming and be confusing for others.
- Range of Emotions: While ADHD is often associated with negative emotions, Julie and Jel emphasize that positive emotions like excitement and passion are equally strong and sometimes viewed as “over the top” by others.
- Emotional Triggers and Processing: Triggers for emotional responses may not always seem directly related to the situation, as ADHD often involves delayed or unexpected emotional processing, sometimes through art, music, or movies.
- Coping Mechanisms: Strategies include self-awareness, embracing distractions when needed, and using diversion techniques to manage overwhelming emotions. Recognizing and addressing emotions proactively can prevent them from building up and leading to unexpected outbursts.
- Counseling and Support: They recommend that individuals with ADHD seek support from counselors or therapists to help manage emotional dysregulation, rather than relying solely on ADHD coaches who focus on goals.
LINKS
Julie is the author of THE MISSING PIECE: A Woman's Guide to Understanding, Diagnosing and Living with ADHD (Harper Collins, 2024)
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