Your Brain's Not Broken: Strategies for Navigating Your Emotions and Life with ADHD

Update: Listen to our interview with Dr. Tamara Rosier on the podcast.

Navigating life with ADHD can be challenging, especially when it comes to managing emotions and daily tasks. Tamara Rosier's book "Your Brain's Not Broken: Strategies for Navigating Your Emotions and Life with ADHD" provides insight into the lives of those with ADHD and offers helpful tips for managing symptoms.

Rosier notes that people with ADHD are often sensitive to rejection and criticism, making it challenging to handle feedback from others. She recommends seeking support from people willing to help and finding ways to communicate specific needs effectively.

One important thing to understand is that science shows that ADHD does not go away with age. The most common symptoms among adults are problems with working memory, focus, organization, time management, and emotional hypersensitivity. People with ADHD tend to pay too much attention to everything around them, leading to distractions and difficulties with listening.

According to ADHD expert William Dodson, adults with ADHD may not exhibit overt hyperactivity but often experience inner restlessness and agitation, worrying about what might happen in the future. They may interrupt others in conversation and struggle with low self-esteem, feeling like they will be fired for any small failure.

Divergent thinking and Convergent thinking

Rosier explains that people with ADHD use the emotional centers of their brains to remember things, make decisions, and motivate themselves instead of relying on the prefrontal cortex. This reliance on emotions can be both a strength and a challenge. For instance, those with ADHD have a natural tendency towards divergent thinking, meaning that their minds generate ideas beyond expected boundaries. However, this can also lead to difficulties with convergent thinking, which focuses on finding a single solution to a problem.

Studies suggest that children begin life with a high divergence capacity, which decreases as they move into adulthood. Divergent thinkers have possibility brains, often generating many diverse ideas quickly and creating ideas within a specific category. They may also exhibit high flexibility, holding two opposing points of view at the same time. These traits can lead to humor, creativity, and fluency but can also lead to neglecting easier tasks that seem too boring or easy.

Overall, "Your Brain's Not Broken" provides valuable insight and tips for managing life with ADHD. It emphasizes the importance of seeking support and understanding the unique strengths and challenges that come with ADHD. By utilizing strategies that work for them, those with ADHD can learn to navigate their emotions and lives effectively.

How about you?

What is your favorite book about ADHD?