Using Rabbit holes To Your Dyslexic Advantage

Have you ever felt your mind race from one tiny comment to a flood of emotions in seconds? It’s like your brain takes an unexpected detour on a fast train, and you’re left trying to decide which way to go next. This episode is all about taking that unique gift (yes, it can be a gift) and steering it in a better direction.

We explore how dyslexic and ADHD minds can transform emotional overload into a creative advantage. We discuss panic moments, that domino effect of thoughts, and how to flip them around to become a superpower. You’ll hear real experiences, along with practical ideas to help you navigate those situations when your feelings are running wild.

Understanding Emotional Flooding

Sometimes, a small trigger can cause an avalanche of internal reactions. Your brain may leap from a single remark to imagining 40 different scenarios, each more intense than the last.

"Someone says something that triggers an emotion... before you know it, 40 scenarios have been created in your mind, and you’re overwhelmed and flooded with emotion."

This can feel scary or paralysing. But it doesn’t have to stay that way. Recognising you’re not alone and realising this is part of how your brain works can be a relief. Once you see it as a pattern, you can start making it work for you.

Why Your Mind Speeds Along

Dyslexic and ADHD brains often process information in leaps rather than steps. We make rapid connections that others might overlook. That’s why one comment can quickly expand into multiple dramatic possibilities.

It can be overwhelming, but it can also be a sign that your mind is brimming with creativity. You just need a few more tools to manage how quickly these ideas crowd your thoughts. Over time, it gets easier to filter out what’s helpful and what’s just noise.

Channelling Negative Traits

Turning something that feels negative into a positive starts by noticing when your thoughts begin spiralling. That first spark of clarity can keep you from tumbling further.

• Pause and label the feeling: “I’m anxious.” “I’m triggered.”
• Jot down your thoughts: Sometimes seeing them written out takes away their power.
• Breathe: Even a few calm breaths can stop the racing mind from going full throttle.

Over time, these simple actions can be enough to recalibrate your focus. You’ll find that the very thing that used to lead to turmoil can become a source of imaginative problem-solving.

Flipping the Switch to Creative Thinking

Let’s say your mind starts painting worst-case scenarios. Give it a nudge: ask questions like, “What if I used this energy to brainstorm new solutions?” or “How can I transform this situation into something helpful?”

Catching yourself in the moment helps you seize all that mental power for a more productive use. Instead of seeing dozens of negative outcomes, allow yourself to see multiple positive ones. This is how we rewire our thinking. It won’t happen overnight, but each time you flip that mental switch, you get a little more confident in your ability to drive your thoughts instead of being driven by them.

Learning to Enjoy the Journey

Part of making this work is accepting it’s not a fight you have to win. Your brain is wired to spin off in dozens of directions, which can be brilliant when creating, problem-solving, or empathising with others.

When you accept it’s a recurring pattern, you can prepare for it. You learn to handle it with tools like mindfulness, journalling, or quick conversations with a supportive friend. Over time, this hyper-connected brain will feel more like a gift than a minefield.

• Recognise your thought spirals early
• Use a breath or a short break to reset
• Write down your best ideas from each spiral
• Share your process with understanding friends or family

These tiny shifts add up. Embrace them and watch your emotional overwhelm morph into something unexpectedly productive.

Takeaways

• Emotional flooding can be reframed as an advantage.
• Small triggers don’t have to lead to big meltdowns.
• Practical steps like pausing, labelling, and journalling support clear thinking.
• These rapid-fire connections are a hidden strength: harness them thoughtfully.

If you’d like to dive deeper, tune in to the full episode at the top of this page. You’ll hear more tips, real stories, and ideas on making the most of your dyslexic or ADHD mind. Give it a listen, then let us know what resonated most with you.