It’s normal to feel overwhelmed or out of control at times. But if you find yourself struggling to manage your emotions on a daily basis, it could be a sign of something more. Adult ADHD is a real and treatable condition that affects many Australians. And while medication can be an effective way to manage the symptoms of ADHD, some people with the condition also struggle with emotional regulation.
If you’re someone who constantly feels like you’re on an emotional rollercoaster, you’re not alone. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the challenges associated with managing emotions as an adult with ADHD. We’ll also share some tips for coping with these challenges and offer resources for finding support.
The Challenge of Emotional Regulation
One of the most common symptoms of adult ADHD is impulsivity. This can manifest in many different ways, but when it comes to emotions, it often manifests as “emotional outbursts.” People with ADHD may find themselves feeling angry or sad for no apparent reason, or they may have difficulty controlling their reactions in emotionally charged situations. As a result, they may say or do things that they later regret.
This impulsivity can also make it difficult for people with ADHD to stick to their goals. For example, someone who is trying to lose weight may have trouble sticking to their diet because they can’t resist the urge to binge eat when they’re feeling stressed or anxious. Or someone who is trying to quit smoking may find themselves lighting up whenever they have an emotional trigger.
Tips for Coping With Emotional Outbursts
There are a few things that you can do to try to improve your emotional regulation skills:
Identify your triggers: What are the things that tend to set off your emotional outbursts? Once you know what your triggers are, you can try to avoid them or have a plan in place for how to deal with them if they do occur.
Practice deep breathing: When you feel yourself getting upset, take a few moments to focus on your breath and breathe deeply from your belly. This will help you relax and may help prevent you from saying or doing something that you’ll later regret.
Talk to someone: It can be helpful to talk about your emotions with someone who understands what you’re going through. Sometimes friends and family mean well but they don’t always have an in depth understand of ADHD. So talking to one of our knowledgeable therapists at Create Balance can be worthwhile. They can help you identify and address the underlying causes of your emotional outbursts and develop healthy coping strategies.
Engage in a coaching program: Feeling out of control in your personal or professional life can be hugely influential on your mental and emotional health. Two of our therapists at Create Balance created an online coaching program for busy entrepreneurs and creatives with ADHD. The course is designed to help each participant to achieve their goals, while helping them build positive mental and emotional health.
If you’re struggling to manage your emotions as an adult with ADHD, know that you’re not alone. There are many people who understand what you’re going through and there are plenty of resources available to help you cope. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you need it—the sooner you get started on the path to recovery, the better!
ADHD has been in the spotlight lately. Yet it is still a condition that is chronically under-diagnosed. Some health professions believe that up to a third of our population live with ADHD – often unbeknownst to these individuals.
ADHD in women has been particularly overlooked by many, by both health professionals and the women themselves, often being diagnosed with other conditions or causes. A study published in The Lancet found that undiagnosed ADHD may account for as much as half of all cases of “depression” in women.
Why Is ADHD Misdiagnosed in Women?
There are a number of reasons why adult ADHD is so often misdiagnosed in women. First and foremost, the symptoms of ADHD can be very different in women than they are in men. Whereas boys with ADHD are more likely to be disruptive and hyperactive, girls with the disorder tend to be withdrawn and introspective. They’re also more likely to internalise their feelings of anxiety and frustration, leading to symptoms like depression and low self-esteem.
Additionally, the professionals who are responsible for diagnosing ADHD—including psychiatrists, paediatricians, and family doctors—tend to be more familiar with the presentation of the disorder in boys than they are in girls. As a result, they may be more likely to overlook or dismiss the symptoms in girls, attributing them instead to hormonal changes or emotional upheaval typical of adolescence or adulthood.
What Are the Symptoms of Adult ADHD in Women?
The symptoms of adult ADHD can vary widely from woman to woman. However, there are some common signs and symptoms that many women with ADHD share:
Chronic lateness or forgetfulness:
Do you find yourself constantly running late or forgetting important appointments? If so, you may have adult ADHD. People with ADHD often have difficulty keeping track of time and managing their schedules effectively. This can lead to problems at work, school, or home.
Anxiety:
Anxiety is a common symptom of adult ADHD, particularly among women. Women with ADHD may worry excessively about their families, their jobs or their relationships. They may also suffer from panic attacks or generalised anxiety disorder.
Low self-esteem:
Many women with adult ADHD struggle with feelings of inadequacy or insecurity. They may believe that they’re not good enough mothers, wives, employees or friends. Consequently, they may avoid social situations or withdraw from activities they once enjoyed.
Depression:
Depression is one of the most common mental health problems associated with adult ADHD. Symptoms of depression include sadness, fatigue, irritability, changes in appetite or sleep habits, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of death or suicide. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms on a regular basis, it’s important to seek professional help.
Problems with relationships:
One-third of all adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder report having difficulties with their spouses or significant others due to their condition. Because people with ADHD often have trouble communicating effectively and controlling their emotions, they may inadvertently say or do things that offend or hurt their loved ones. Additionally, they may have difficulty following through on promises or meeting their partner’s needs. Over time, this can lead to relationship problems such as distance and resentment. If you find that your relationships are suffering due to your behaviour pattern, it’s important to seek help from a mental health professional.
Support for Women with ADHD
If you’re a woman struggling with chronic lateness, forgetfulness, anxiety, low self-esteem, depression or problems in your relationships, you may have adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. However, due to cultural stereotypes and a lack of understanding among medical professionals, this condition is often misdiagnosed.
If you think you might have adult ADHD, it’s important to seek a professional from a psychiatrist. With proper diagnosis and treatment, you can start to understand yourself and modify your life to work with your strengths and challenges. Whilst medication can make a difference, other supports are often necessary. Many of our therapists at Create Balance work with women who have ADHD to help them overcome their limiting beliefs and manage their emotions.
Create Balance’s own, Shannon and Dan, are also responsible for the creation of ADHD Ambition – an online coaching program that can help entrepreneurs, creatives and go-getters to perform at their peak by helping them master the habits and mindset they need for success. Visit www.adhdambition.com for more information.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD
ADHD, is a neurological condition that affects how your brain processes and pays attention to information. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is considered a developmental disorder.
ADHD Symptoms
People with ADHD have difficulty staying focused on specific tasks or activities, are easily distracted by other stimuli, and are often hyperactive.
Some people with ADHD may seem hung up on certain ideas or thoughts because they have difficulty shifting their focus and regulating emotions.
Adults with ADHD
Adults tend to struggle the most with: finishing tasks, staying on task (focused), remembering details, being attentive, and lack of drive or enthusiasm.
The reason for this is that adults are often distracted by other things. For example, it’s easy for them to be tempted away from their tasks by social media or television. Continue reading to learn what we believe is the best treatment combination for adults with ADHD.
Children with ADHD
Children with ADHD usually have similar symptoms as adults. Sadly, if left undiagnosed, they may be labelled as ‘not interested in school’ or ‘the class clown’.
Education settings can pick up ADHD
More and more schools and teachers are aware of ADHD and often recognise children who may have this disorder.
Children with undiagnosed ADHD are frequently bullied in school because of their focus or attention problems, which then leads to low self-esteem and depression.
This is an important detail that we’ll address in more depth later, but if you think you or someone close to you has ADHD, please seek a treatment evaluation. The correct treatment can be life changing for individuals and families.
You’ve heard of ADHD
Do you have a friend with ADHD?
We all know a person with ADHD. They might be our best friend, family member or co-worker. They may have been diagnosed at an early age or only recently in adulthood.
It’s not always easy to figure out what treatment is best for someone with ADHD but there are many options available today that can offer relief and hope.
In this post we’ll explore the different treatment options available and how each might work to help manage symptoms of ADHD. We’ll also discuss some of the pros and cons associated with those treatments so you can make better decisions about your own life and future based on reliable information!
ADHD treatment option diagnosis
There are different treatments for ADHD in adults. You’ll first need to get a diagnosis from a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist who assesses your symptoms against the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM).
Treatment for ADHD mostly involves medication, education, skills training, support groups and counselling from a health professional. Sometimes a combination of these is the best treatment.
These treatment options can help manage many symptoms of ADHD. But they do not cure it. You may have to try a few things before you find what works best for you.
Medications
Talk with your doctor about whether you should take medications for ADHD. He or she will tell you about the benefits and risks of each medicine.
Some ADHD medication is addictive and can have side effects, which is why regular follow ups with your doctor are vital.
How does ADHD medication work?
ADHD medications help the neurotransmitters, or brain chemicals, work better in people with ADHD. Medicines called stimulants improve these brain chemicals. Stimulants are thought to function by boosting dopamine levels in the brain.
Dopamine the ‘feel good’ hormone & neurotransmitter
Dopamine also known as the ‘feel good’ hormone. It’s an important part of your brain’s reward system. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that promotes motivation, pleasure, attention, and movement. Stimulant medications enhance focus and concentration while reducing impulsive and hyperactive behaviours for many people with ADHD.
Sometimes people need stimulant medicines like methylphenidate or amphetamine, but other medicines may be prescribed too. The stimulants help balance chemicals in the brain which make a person feel better.
Long and short acting simulant medication
There is a variety of medication options including long acting options such a Lisdexamfetamine, sold under the brand name Vyvanse or Ritalin LA Methylphenidate hydrochloride which can help control ADHD symptoms throughout the day.
Some people also use non-stimulant medicine like Atomoxetine Hydrochloride, sold under the brand name Strattera to help with symptoms of inattention and impulsivity.
Are there side effects to ADHD medication?
Some people will experience side effects from stimulant ADHD medication, which is why your doctor will monitor how you respond to the medication and adjust the dose accordingly.
An holistic approach, which includes medication, talk therapy, peer mentoring, nutrition, exercise, and education on how to handle symptoms is better than relying on one strategy. An holistic approach also provides someone with ADHD with a wide range of important life skills.
Some people do better on a combination of psycho-stimulant medication, which is why you doctor may recommend this approach. Taking long acting medication and short acting medication for example.
Consult with you doctor regularly about you ADHD treatment
You doctor will carefully consider the pros and cons of combining these medications, including how these medicines might affect your health over time. However, it’s important to understand that there is no one-size fits all treatment plan.
You and your doctor should discuss all the options and choose a treatment strategy that works for you.
There is no one medication that’s been proven to be more effective than another. So if you’ve tried one medicine and it didn’t work it’s possible a different one might.
Treatment outcomes for ADHD It is not simple to treat ADHD. Remember to keep your doctor updated on your progress so they can assist you in managing the problem effectively.
Your doctor may also recommend other treatments, such as behavioural therapy or a support group to help you improve your quality of life. Alternatives to tradition ADHD treatment options Adults who have not been successful in reducing their symptoms using traditional methods should consider an alternative strategy to manage their symptoms, such as diet, exercise, brain training neurofeedback, and occasionally supplements.
Research on treatment outcomes for ADHD A systematic review of 351 studies were done on children with ADHD. Some of the outcomes measured were: an academic outcome, antisocial behaviour, driving outcomes, obesity rates, occupation outcome, services use outcome and self-esteem.
Long term treatment outcomes for those with a diagnosis of ADHD The following was found: (1) without treatment people with ADHD had poorer long-term outcomes in all categories compared to people without ADHD The researchers found: (2) that psychotherapy, combined with medication for ADHD (ADHD + therapy), resulted in improved long-term results when compared to untreated ADHD. However, these improvements did not cure the person of ADHD symptoms.
Adult ADHD counselling includes:
Psychotherapy or
’talk therapy
Helps you to learn how to control your behaviour.
Educates you about the disorder and teaching you skills to be successful in life.
Helps with time management, organisation, and problem-solving skills.
Helps with coping strategies for problems from the past like school, work, or social issues.
Cognitive behavioural therapy
This is a type of counselling that teaches you skills to help you manage your behaviour and change negative thinking patterns into positive ones. It can help you deal with life challenges, such as school, work or relationship problems, and it can also help address other mental health conditions such as depression or substance abuse.
Are you struggling to focus in your work or daily life?
You’re not alone. ADHD is a real thing that affects people throughout the world, and it can be difficult to manage without help. That’s why we’ve partnered with Deeper Potential Coaching and Create Balance to create an online course on how to overcome ADHD challenges.
It may seem daunting at first, but this course will provide you with insight into what your specific needs are as an individual who has been diagnosed with ADHD.
The course will teach you about different tools and strategies that are just right for improving your focus and attention span- all while managing other responsibilities such as taking care of kids or working full time.
Take action to succeed
It’s time to stop letting your ADHD get in the way of what you want. It doesn’t matter if it’s relationships, work, or anything else that is important to you. You deserve better and now there is a course designed specifically for people with ADHD.
This course will help you learn to manage symptoms, set goals, and make changes that will keep your focus where it belongs – on the things most important to you.
ADHD Symptoms and struggles
Inattention: Can be defined as the lack of attention to a task or action. This is often displayed in symptoms such as forgetting things, losing items, and not listening when spoken too directly. People who have this condition tend to make careless mistakes during work or other areas of life.
Hyperactive or Impulsivity: There are many symptoms that could lead to a hyperactive or impulsive person. Some of the common ones include:
fidgeting, tapping or squirming
always moving as if driven by a motor
blurting answers without thought/hesitation
interrupting others,
leaves seat when s/he isn’t supposed to.
It’s scary, most people never know they have ADHD
Most people with ADHD never get diagnosed or treatment for ADHD, so their lives continue to be filled with frustration. We created the ADHD Ambition course because we want you to succeed.
ADHD support in an online format
This course is designed by two highly successful entrepreneurs who both have ADHD themselves (and many other problems). We’ve worked hard to create an easy-to-follow system that will help you build all of the habits you need for success in your personal and professional life.
Now it’s your turn
By applying these techniques daily, you can transform your relationships, career, mental health and overall happiness…all while living a more fulfilling life than ever before.
The ADHD Ambition course is a powerful resource for anyone who needs help getting their priorities straight so they can stop procrastinating and start taking action toward their big goals.
Author
Shannon Bowman is the Director of SJB Clinical Consulting Pty Ltd,
and Create Balance Psychotherapy & Counselling VIEW HERE.
Shannon has a clinical interest in treating trauma, PTSD and ADHD.
He has a lived experience of ADHD and is a passionate advocate for those affected by it.
He is accredited as an Mental Health Social Worker AMHSW,
psychotherapist and registered EMDR practitioner.
Associations: Australian Association of Social Workers EMDR Association of Australia
If you’re a woman struggling with chronic lateness, forgetfulness, anxiety, low self-esteem, depression or problems in your relationships, you may have adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. However, due to cultural stereotypes and a lack of understanding among medical professionals, this condition is often misdiagnosed.
