ADHD and Emotional Whiplash: Why You Go From Chill to Meltdown in 2.5 Seconds
(And Why You're Not Broken for Feeling That Way)
One minute you’re fine. Like actually fine. You’re folding laundry while vibing to a podcast and thinking about maybe starting a new budgeting system.
The next minute? You’ve just gotten a “can we talk?” text and you're spiraling so fast your entire nervous system is in a group chat called "Emergency."
Sound familiar?
If you have ADHD, emotional regulation can feel like a full-time job you never applied for - but somehow still get performance reviews on. 🙃
Here’s why emotional whiplash is so common for ADHDers - and why therapy can help you hold your feelings without drowning in them.
What Is Emotional Dysregulation?
Emotional dysregulation means it’s hard to:
Stay grounded when a big feeling hits
Return to baseline after something stressful
Pause before reacting
Name or contain the emotional chaos
And for folks with ADHD, this isn’t a “mood problem.” It’s neurological. The part of the brain that helps with impulse control and emotional filtering? Yeah. She’s a little underpaid and very overwhelmed.
Why It Feels So Intense (And So Fast)
ADHD brains tend to:
Experience rejection sensitivity (everything feels personal)
Struggle with interoception (not realizing we’re hungry, tired, overstimulated until BOOM)
React fast and loud to even small emotional cues
Have trouble accessing soothing tools in the moment
This creates what I call "the volcano effect” - a seemingly calm surface that erupts with zero warning.
You Might Notice…
Crying or snapping when you didn’t plan to
Feeling “too much” in conversations
Spinning out from one small comment or perceived criticism
Struggling to explain what you’re feeling until it’s too late
Shaming yourself for “overreacting”
You’re not overreacting. You’re reacting intensely because your system is working so hard to keep up.
How Therapy Supports ADHD Emotional Regulation
In therapy, we can:
Build awareness of your emotional cues before they spiral
Practice “pause” strategies that work for your brain
Process the shame that comes with being called “too sensitive” or “dramatic”
Explore nervous system regulation tools (that don’t require a 12-step prep routine)
Talk about masking, burnout, and how to unhook from rejection spirals
We don’t try to “fix” your emotions. We work on creating room for them: with less judgment and more tools.
Final Thoughts
Your emotions aren’t too big. You’re not too much. You’re just wired differently, and beautifully.
You deserve to feel safe in your own nervous system. And no, you don’t have to white-knuckle your way through another emotional hurricane alone.
If you’re navigating ADHD, big feelings, and burnout, I see you.
Ready to start? My online calendar is now open!
You can secure your session in just a few clicks through Jane.
If you’re curious but still have questions, feel free to send me a quick note. Otherwise, book your therapy session here.
I’m looking forward to meeting you, exactly where you are.