Description

Julie Legg and Jel Legg discuss ADHD and overwhelm – that sense of frustration when we can get upset and shut down emotionally and mentally, in various situations.   

They discuss common triggers such as interruptions to hyperfocus, unexpected tasks, or crowded environments, and share practical strategies for managing overwhelm. These include breaking tasks into smaller steps, setting boundaries, celebrating small wins, and using self-care techniques like mindfulness or breathwork. Emphasizing the importance of recognizing personal patterns and triggers, they provide actionable advice to help listeners navigate and reduce overwhelm in their daily lives.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Defining Overwhelm: Overwhelm in ADHD is described as a flood of emotions triggered by excessive stimulation, frustration, or too much information, leading to emotional or mental shutdowns. It can stem from both large situations and minor inconveniences​.
• Common Triggers of Overwhelm: Situations involving boredom or being stuck, such as waiting for delayed transport​. Unexpected additional tasks, even small ones, on top of a full workload​. Sensory overload from noise, crowds, or hypersensitivity to smells​. Disruptions to hyperfocus, which can cause frustration when concentration is broken unexpectedly​.
• ADHD Traits and Overwhelm: Emotional dysregulation, big emotions, or shutting down completely are common responses to overwhelm. Struggling to articulate feelings can add to the frustration​.
• Overwhelm Management Strategies: Chunking tasks, taking the win, saying no, resetting, self-care. 
• Recognizing Patterns: Identifying personal triggers for overwhelm and predicting when they might occur can help manage them proactively​.

LINKS

• Julie is the author of THE MISSING PIECE: A Woman's Guide to Understanding, Diagnosing and Living with ADHD (Harper Collins, 2024) 
• ADHDifference - Instagram

 
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