good information. The problem is that we can’t really use it until we confront the fallout from the emotional stress of life as an ADHD adult. And to confront that emotional stress, we have to look at it, to acknowledge its existence. And who wants to do that, when the mind’s natural instinct is to fight, run off somewhere shiny and exciting, or

Eventually, the storm subsides, leaving damage in its wake.

TRY THIS AT HOME RECRUITING A MENTAL SUPPORT GROUP Stop the carnival. Find some spare time—ten to twenty minutes. Get into a comfortable position and reduce distractions as best you can. Slow down your breathing. Concentrate on that, if anything. Your breath, going in, going out. Go inside. Begin to engage your power of compassionate curiosity. See

Sometimes, all you can do is summon your courage, turn INTO the wind, and hang on to the wheel. Your brain is not broken. You can still think. You can still make good, if tough, decisions. You still have courage. The storm will end.

Self-Care 101 See your practitioner, psychotherapist, MD, massage therapist, workout buddy, whomever. Find the number. Make the call. Find that pod of support. Reach out to ADHD buddies, any and all. Find the number, make the call. Simplify everything. Cut down on commitments. Try to do some percentage of what you usually do, but don’t be too hard

TRY THIS AT HOME A VISIT TO YOUR EMOTIONAL SAFE PLACE Find a little spare time—10 to 20 minutes. Stop what you’re doing. Begin to slow your thoughts. Get into a comfortable position, probably sitting, but possibly lying down. Uncross your legs. Sense your body, wherever it is. Start to observe rather than to react. Close your eyes. Focus on your

You can live a full, interesting, potential-reaching life.

Want an emotional sense of well-being and calm Need to lull yourself back to sleep Are emotionally distressed and long to feel safe Need to reset your focus and concentration Feel generally crazy Feel yourself spinning into reactivity Need to be somewhere you’re not Need a boost or a bump or a break, or just a time-out Crave escape from a threat or

Under the right circumstances, being one of the three to five percent can feel special. You’re a rare jewel, blessed with the ability to see the big picture, while others bog down in daily details. But I wouldn’t get too attached to the buzz you get from this particular feeling, as it tends to be fleeting. And more often, living with ADHD is a