02-12-2025
Here’s my list of what I’m exploring this week.
What I’m Learning
ADHD and the Political Climate: How to Take Care of Yourself
I’m worried about you. And you.
And you
And you
We know that most people with ADHD have co-morbidities (co-existing conditions) such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse, etc. We also know that people with ADHD tend to get highly stressed and can be highly reactive and emotionally dysregulated.
So with the highly charged political environment, I’m guessing that many of you are feeling pretty anxious right now. The news is alarming for many. Relationships are affected when, say, you and your friend, partner, or spouse are on different sides of the political boxing ring. Friendships are broken. Anger is spewing on both sides. Do I need to even mention that? Watching the news or reading the paper has my stomach lurching. I can only imagine how all of you are feeling.
I’m not going to tell you to meditate, get good sleep, eat healthfully, and exercise- we all know that’s good for you. What I am going to suggest is this:
- Take a step back. Don’t watch or read the news at night- it will affect your sleep. Those of us with ADHD are attracted to stimulating events. Assess whether what you’re doing is good for you and whether you need to watch how much time you’re taking in the news; how much you’re arguing your points.
- Take action. Feeling helpless only increases a sense of despair and is terrible for your ADHD and anxiety/depression, etc. Volunteer. Send a donation. Don’t engage in rage communications.
- Don’t let your anger destroy your relationships. If you’re on opposite sides of the political fence and you can’t engage in political talk without a blowup, agree to disagree- and if needed- don’t bring up the subject. I don’t know of a soul who has changed their minds from one party to another from listening to someone rant. If it is affecting important relationships, consider couples or family therapy to help sort things out and learn better ways to communicate.
- This is a hard one (and one I am trying to do but failing): As strong as you believe in your political side, try- just try- and understand the opposing beliefs of the person you care about.
- Take worry-free breaks. We with ADHD can obsess, ruminate, and worry better than anyone. Build in time every day to get away from your worry book. Allow yourself to have fun, even if you’re saddled down with anger and fear. The world doesn’t feel like a safe place right now and what your ADHD brain and body needs is some stress-free time.
For me, it’s going to Yoga (don’t knock it if you haven’t tried it- it’s magical), playing piano and singing, making art, and exercising. I’m in Michigan, so jogging is out of the question right now, but I go to a nearby walking track and walk away my worries while staying as healthy as possible. Don’t ask what songs I am listening to on my iPod. 😊
Here’s a personal disclosure:
I got so unbearably stressed out during the elections, that I uncharacteristically went on an out-of-control online shopping spree to replace 1/4th of my winter wardrobe (which consists of sweatshirts, t-shirts, and jeans (a topic for another newsletter). Oh, and shoes. Did I need all of this stuff? Nooooo. Did I return them within the 30-day window? Noooo. Another ADHD topic- stress shopping.
But for now, do what you need to do to help your nervous system relax. I didn’t mention bubble baths, nature hikes, chocolate, a quick vacation to the mountains, ocean, spa, etc. But those are just a few ideas.
What works (or isn’t working) for you?
Share your thoughts/suggestions in the comment section below.
What I‘m Excited About
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PS: I’m looking for ADHD Coaches who would like to volunteer to monitor my chatrooms, plus Coaches/Professional Organizers, and ADHD experts interested in running a group, especially on skill-based topics, ie HOW-TO: organize, plan, time management tips, social skills, etc.
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Email me at terry@addconsults.com.
I will promote you, your work, your website, etc.
Today’s Favorite Meme
Lots of people don’t understand the difference. This might help.
Check out more memes plus messages from me on my Instagram account HERE.
CAN I HELP YOU?
Do you have an ADHD-related problem you’d like help with?
Personal ADHD Consultations with me on Zoom or Email! Hurry- Spots fill up fast.
(PS Consultations are not therapy, but we work together to help you get unstuck and on track.)
Learn more and sign up here.
What I Recommend
I would be totally lost without this. It’s been part of my life for about 20 years and I continue to recommend it to everyone I know.
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Where to find Terry Matlen:
Website: www.ADDconsults.com
Coaching: www.QueensOfDistraction.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ADDconsults
Twitter: twitter.com/TerryMatlen
Instagram: www.instagram.com/terrymatlen_adhd
TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/@terrymatlen
LinkedIN: www.linkedin.com/in/terrymatlen/
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/terrymatlen
MY BOOK! The Queen of Distraction
Email: terry@addconsults.com
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* ADHD- friendly disclosure: Some of the links above earn me a tiny commission at Amazon and elsewhere. The end.
