Emotional Rollercoaster Ride: Navigating Feelings With ADHD (&Dyslexia)

Feeling those big, unpredictable emotions can be exhausting. If you’ve ever felt like your heart races ahead of your thoughts, you’re not alone. In this episode of “The Truth About Dyslexia”, we chat all about how ADHD and Dyslexia affect our ability to manage and regulate those tricky feelings.

From mood swings to impulsivity, we explore how ADHD can influence everything from relationships to self-esteem. You’ll hear personal stories from folks who’ve walked this path, along with insights from mental health professionals. Here’s a quick look at what you can expect.

Understanding Emotional Regulation in ADHD

Emotional regulation is the ability to notice, handle and calm your feelings in a way that makes sense for you. When ADHD joins the party, it can feel like someone’s hit a scramble button on your emotions. There’s a sudden rush of excitement, then a dip into frustration, then maybe something else entirely.

Many people with ADHD say these switches happen so quickly they can’t pinpoint why they reacted that way. It’s not a lack of care. It’s that the brain’s brakes aren’t kicking in when they should, leaving emotions free to run. As one guest on the show put it:

“One minute I’m on top of the world. Next minute, I’m panicking about something small. It’s like I have no filter for my emotional roller-coaster.”

That’s common for those with ADHD. Dyslexia, meanwhile, often brings extra stress from feeling misunderstood or struggling to communicate. Put them together, and you can see why emotional swings might surface more often.

The Impact on Relationships, Self-Esteem and Mental Health

When emotions shift rapidly, it can put strain on friendships, romantic relationships and family connections. People might say you “overreact” or they may not understand why you seem to worry about minor details. This misunderstanding can lead to guilt or shame, leaving you more stressed than before.

It’s also easy to slip into negative self-talk after a tough emotional outburst. You might think, “Why can’t I keep it together?” That can lead to low self-esteem and a sense of isolation. Over time, some fall into anxiety or depression, especially if they’re constantly fighting their own feelings.

But there’s hope. Emotional regulation skills don’t appear overnight. With the right tools, you can find more calm in the chaos.

Strategies for Navigating Emotions

When ADHD is part of your life, it helps to catch emotions early so they don’t spiral. Here are a few approaches that might help:

• Check-in regularly: Take a moment every couple of hours to ask yourself, “How am I feeling right now?” Identifying your mood early can prevent explosions later.
• Pause before reacting: If you feel a strong emotion, count to three and breathe. A brief pause helps separate feeling from action.
• Notice triggers: Maybe it’s loud noises or a chaotic schedule. Spotting triggers helps you prepare and stay calm.

A big piece of advice: keep your strategies simple. Over-complicating the process can make things feel impossible. One or two steps that become second nature are better than a big list you never follow.

Mindfulness and Therapy Techniques

Mindfulness isn’t just about sitting in silence. It’s about noticing your thoughts without judgement. If you have ADHD, staying still might feel tough, so try these variations:

• Walking meditation: Take a short walk and focus on each step, the sound of your feet on the ground, and the feel of it. This movement can keep your mind engaged.
• Creative mindfulness: Colouring, sketching or any light creative activity can calm racing thoughts.
• Guided audio sessions: Use an app or audio track that leads you through each moment. Let someone else do the talking and just follow along.

Therapy can also work wonders. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is often used to manage emotional triggers and rewrite negative thought patterns. A good therapist can spot things you might not see and guide you on new ways to respond when big emotions roll in.

Everyday Self-Care for Emotional Well-being

Building a routine that respects both ADHD and Dyslexia can bring real relief. Here are a few ideas to keep in mind:

• Plan for short bursts: If you’re feeling restless, work in small segments and take breaks. Break tasks into steps. Reward yourself for finishing each one.
• Keep a visual calendar: If you struggle with written details, use pictures or simple reminders. This helps you see what’s coming without overwhelm.
• Lean on support: Find a friend, family member or mentor who listens without judgement. A partner in your journey can remind you when you’re making progress.

Some also find that journalling feelings at the end of the day clears the head. Even one or two lines can highlight wins and areas needing attention. Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s the foundation that keeps your mind steady when ADHD tries to push you around.

• And remember, therapy or coaching isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s an investment in your stability and growth.

As you put all these ideas into practice, listen to your body. We’re each wired differently, so what works for one person might not be the ticket for another.

Key Takeaways

• Emotional regulation is more challenging with ADHD, but practical steps help.
• Relationships thrive when you communicate feelings openly and spot triggers.
• Mindfulness can shine in the form that fits you best—walking, colouring, guided sessions.
• Therapy or coaching can improve self-awareness and reduce emotional overwhelm.
• Small, everyday routines can create big improvements over time.

Ready to learn more? We’ve got the podcast player at the top of this page. Hit play when you’re ready to dive deeper. You’ll hear personal stories, professional insights and plenty of candid chats. Join us on the journey to better emotional regulation with ADHD.

Let’s do this together. Listen to the full episode now and discover ways to navigate this unpredictable ride with kindness and confidence.