Ups & Downs

Have you ever woken up feeling thrilled about life, only to find yourself wanting to hide away the next morning? This shift can leave you wondering whether you’re broken or simply overreacting. In this podcast episode, you’ll discover how these emotional highs and lows are more common than you think, especially for those with dyslexia or ADHD. You’ll also learn simple ways to navigate that roller coaster instead of letting it control your day.

The conversation dives into recognising these feelings before they spiral. You’ll hear practical advice, real-life examples, and even some humour to keep things light. It’s a straightforward look at the power of self-awareness, plus ways you can create useful habits to steady the emotional ride.

Why Our Moods Swing So Widely

We all have that moment when our energy spikes and we feel unstoppable. Then, in what seems like a heartbeat, we’re suddenly wrapped in a blanket of self-doubt. From the outside, it can look like immaturity or inconsistent behaviour. But inside, it can be a fierce storm fueled by our minds processing everything at once.

Neurodiverse brains often juggle ideas and emotions faster than many realise. A tiny trigger—maybe an email or a passing comment—can send us spinning. The key is knowing that this seesaw feeling isn’t a flaw. It’s simply part of how our unique minds work.

Recognising Patterns and Triggers

It’s easy to brush away our mood swings as random events. Yet, there’s usually a pattern hiding beneath the surface. The moment we pause to reflect, we tend to see common threads. Maybe it’s not getting enough sleep. Perhaps it’s forgetting to take a break after a stressful conversation.

Keeping a quick journal or mental log can help. Try noticing which days start on a high and which ones feel flat. Look for repeat triggers—like rushing in the morning or too much screen time—and see if you can make a few small changes.

Practical Ways to Find Balance

Life can feel hectic, but a few simple strategies offer some calm in the chaos. Here are a few to try:

• Take Micro-Breaks: A few minutes spent sipping tea or listening to a familiar song helps break the stress cycle.
• Plan for Energy Slumps: If you know afternoons feel harder, schedule easier tasks then and save your big decisions for brighter times.
• Set Gentle Routines: Evening wind-downs, like reading or light stretching, prepare your mind for restful sleep.

Sometimes, giving yourself something predictable—a routine—is the best gift. It narrows the number of choices you need to make, which keeps your mind from spiralling.

Learning to Show Yourself Compassion

We can be our own worst critics. It’s tempting to beat yourself up for feeling good one day and sad the next. But if you accept that this is a normal part of neurodiverse life, it gets easier to ride the waves.

One of the most powerful moments in the episode is the reminder that you don’t have to justify your feelings. If you sense you’re low, you don’t need a flawless explanation to take a pause. As the host Stephen Martin says:

“It’s completely normal to feel unstoppable one day and invisible the next, the key is recognising the pattern and giving yourself permission to be human.”

Those words underline how vital it is to offer yourself grace in your toughest hours. Healthy support from friends, family, or a trusted coach also makes a difference.

Shifting Your Perspective

Sometimes, all it takes is a small shift in thinking to reset a crashing mood. Maybe it’s reminding yourself that every low day has a way out, or deliberately focusing on something you’re grateful for. A few small actions can spark a brighter mindset.

When you shift your perspective with mini “mind resets,” you’ll realise that many of these feelings come and go in waves. You don’t have to fix every negative thought. Just acknowledge it. Then let it pass, like a cloud drifting across the sky.

• The emotional roller coaster is normal for dyslexia and ADHD.
• Recognising triggers helps you break out of unhelpful patterns.
• Small routines can cushion you from energy highs and lows.
• Self-compassion is vital when mood swings strike.

Ready to hear more stories, tips, and heartfelt moments? Listen to the full episode to discover powerful insights and practical tools you can use right now.