ADHD affects different parts of your brain functions that cause the better-known symptoms such as restlessness but some symptoms aren’t as well known symptoms such as difficulty controlling your emotions. If you have ADHD you may struggle to control your emotions, especially feelings of anger and frustration that may lead to you lashing out, which can greatly affect your day-to-day life and how you navigate relationships. There are a few specific ways that ADHD causes emotional dysregulation.
How ADHD leads to intensity of emotions
Executive Function
ADHD can affect your executive function, which aids you in completing tasks, this leads to people with ADHD struggling to complete tasks causing frustration and extra stress.
Working Memory
Those with ADHD may have difficulty with long-term memory a core function of executive memory, which impacts their ability to remember instructions or absorb information.
Impulsivity
ADHD can affect the thalamus which controls response inhibition, meaning you may be more impulsive. This impulsivity can lead to bigger reactions to situations, that sometimes may be difficult to control.
Understanding why these emotions can be so intense is a step toward figuring out the best way to control them. Here are a few techniques that might help by incorporating them into your daily routine.
Techniques to help regulate your emotions
Routine
Having a consistent routine, especially your sleep routine, can eliminate the stress of figuring out the order you need to finish tasks daily. With a consistent sleep routine being well-rested will keep you refreshed and able to tackle your daily tasks without fatigue causing frustration.
Taking a step back
During moments of intense emotions, stepping back and disengaging if you’re able to, can help you put the situation in perspective and see if your response to this situation is appropriate.
Exercise
People with ADHD typically have lower levels of dopamine, which aids in memory, mood, and concentration. Adding daily physical activity to your routine can increase your dopamine levels.
Mindfulness
Checking in daily, whether through journaling or breathing exercises, can help identify daily stressors and aid in self-regulation.
Therapy
Starting therapy can aid in giving you more personal techniques to help regulate your emotions and discovering any underlying things that might be adding extra stress in your daily life, and what to do about it.
To start your journey toward controlling your emotions a diagnosis is crucial. At Lifecare Wellness Counseling we can guide you from an ADHD diagnosis to treatment in the form of therapy and the option for medication. Attending therapy regularly can help you understand what triggers your emotions, develop personalized techniques tailored to your needs, and identify any underlying causes of stress or overwhelming feelings. Attending therapy regularly can help you understand what triggers your emotions, develop personalized techniques tailored to your needs, and identify any underlying causes of stress or overwhelming feelings.
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