Emotional regulation…..

[KarlaJo]

When I was diagnosed with ADHD, at age 30, I began taking medication. With kids, a family and career, my schedule was good 7 days a week. Twenty years later…. My schedule isn’t as consistent, my kids are gone, and I get ‘overwhelmed‘ so easily.

I am just now learning about my emotional dysregulation. Monday through Friday, my schedule is good and I can practice mindful breathing, or do other things to ground myself. As a school teacher, I work with kids that have learning disabilities. Post Pandemic, the kids need more emotional support…..teaching coping skills and life skills.

I have noticed that my emotional regulation around my adult siblings, husband, neighbors and friends ebbs and flows. I’ve been to counseling and that’s how I discovered I need to change the way I react to situations. I can find a way to reframe my thinking.

Are their groups of adults that work together on how to improve executive functions?

I live close to Maryland and DC. My location is in Virginia.

As an adult female, 55+, it’s difficult to find a group of people that understand the challenges of ADHD. Im looking for a place to talk with others that understand!

[Mamamichl]

we do tend to do well under pressure with a lot to do. I work in special education as well. Sometimes, doing things in writing helps me not take things personally. Also, I heard our adhd symptoms gets more extreme during menopause and our hormones change.

As for help, some doctors offices have group get together for adhd, but an adhd coach may be a way to go. My parents were so toxic that I had to go no contact with them to help my own emotional regulation, since I also have ptsd from them and anxiety.

Something that helped was to write down a plan of how I want to react to certain things with a list of specific things that trigger me. Having a plan helps me.

[ChuckMemphis]

hi Karla. I’m on dc/md border. I’ve been contemplating starting such a group for some time. I know so many women who want this kind of community. Would you be willing to come to Md!?

[STEM_Dad in reply to ChuckMemphis]

KarlaJo and ChuckMemphis , there are some CHADD groups listed in the DC area, one in Virginia and two in Maryland. So, you might find the support that you need from one of those groups.

Northern Virginia & DC chapter

chadd.net/chapter/115

CHADD search results for Maryland

chadd.org/affiliate-locator...

[GardenFrome]

hi KarlaJo. I get it. I’m in a similar situation but I’m in the UK. I’m about to try something offered by our community mental health team. The first part is about recognising emotions and then how to deal with them better. I’ll try to remember to update after my first session next week. It has a name of the therapy but I forget. My teenage daughter is going to do a similar program.