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Adult ADHD: Prolonged Stress And The Missing Off Switch Doodle

Aug 4, 2024 | Adult ADHD Coping Strategies, Adult ADHD Diary | 0 comments

By George Watts

Adult ADHD Prolonged Stress Off Switch

Om and OMG! A Yogi’s Adult ADHD Doodle Diary

A Doodle Cartoon titled “The Missing Off Switch,” Illustrating what Happens to your Adrenal Glands when Stress Never Takes a Break.

Dear ADHD Doodle Diary,

Today, I created a doodle cartoon titled “The Missing Off Switch,” illustrating what happens to the Adult ADHD’s adrenal glands when stress never takes a break.

Adult ADHD Prolonged Stress Missing Off Switch

    The Missing Off Switch: How Prolonged Stress Messes with Your Adrenal Glands and ADHD Brain

    Living with Adult ADHD means that your brain is already juggling a lot—thoughts, ideas, tasks, emotions, you name it.

    So, when stress decides to crash the party, it can feel like everything’s spiraling out of control. For many of us with ADHD, stress isn’t just a fleeting annoyance; it can be a constant companion that turns our brains into a chaotic mess.

    In my latest doodle cartoon titled “The Missing Off Switch,” I capture what happens when stress overstays its welcome and how it wreaks havoc on our adrenal glands and hormones.

    Let’s break down the cartoon and explore how prolonged stress messes with your “Feel Good” hormones—dopamine, serotonin, and melatonin—and how this all ties into managing ADHD.

    The ADHD Brain on Stress: What’s Going On?

    First off, let’s talk about your adrenal glands.

    These tiny but mighty organs sit on top of your kidneys and are responsible for producing hormones that help you cope with stress. The most notorious of these hormones is cortisol, often called the “stress hormone.”

    When you’re faced with a stressful situation—like forgetting your keys for the third time this week—your body kicks into “fight-or-flight” mode, releasing a surge of cortisol to help you deal with the problem.

    For someone with ADHD, this stress response can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, a little bit of stress might help you hyperfocus and tackle that looming deadline.

    On the other hand, if stress sticks around too long, your adrenal glands might lose their “off switch,” leading to a constant flood of cortisol in your system.

    And that’s where things start to go haywire.

    The Missing Off Switch: When Stress Takes Over

    In “The Missing Off Switch” cartoon, I highlight what happens when your adrenal glands fail to shut off the cortisol production. This scenario is all too common for adults with ADHD, where stress isn’t just an occasional bump in the road, but more like a constant traffic jam.

    1. Dopamine Dilemma: If you’ve got ADHD, you’re no stranger to the importance of dopamine. This neurotransmitter is your brain’s reward system, the thing that keeps you motivated and excited about life. But guess what? Chronic stress can knock dopamine production off track, leaving you feeling unmotivated, bored, and more likely to procrastinate. High levels of cortisol can diminish your already precarious dopamine levels, making it even harder to stay on top of things.
    2. Serotonin Sabotage: Serotonin is another critical neurotransmitter, often dubbed the “happiness hormone.” It’s responsible for regulating mood, anxiety, and your overall sense of well-being. When cortisol is constantly being pumped out, it can deplete serotonin, which may explain why your mood takes a nosedive when you’re stressed. For those with ADHD, this can exacerbate feelings of anxiety, irritability, and even depression.
    3. Melatonin Mayhem: Ah, sleep—the elusive unicorn for many adults with ADHD. Melatonin is the hormone that tells your body it’s time to wind down and hit the sack. But when cortisol levels are through the roof, melatonin production gets thrown out of whack, leading to insomnia or poor-quality sleep. And we all know that lack of sleep is a surefire way to make ADHD symptoms even more unmanageable.

    How Chronic Cortisol Messes with Your Life

    So, what happens when your adrenal glands keep cranking out cortisol like there’s no tomorrow? Spoiler alert: it’s not pretty.

    Here’s a rundown of how chronic stress can mess with your life:

    • Immune System Wipeout: Too much cortisol can suppress your immune system, making you more prone to getting sick. This is especially challenging when your ADHD brain is already struggling to juggle all the balls in the air.
    • Weight Gain Woes: Ever notice that stress makes you crave junk food? That’s cortisol talking. It not only boosts your appetite but also encourages your body to store fat, particularly around your belly.
    • Blood Pressure Blues: Chronic stress can lead to elevated blood pressure, which is bad news for your heart and overall health.
    • Digestive Disasters: Stress can wreak havoc on your digestive system, leading to issues like acid reflux, bloating, and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndorme). All of which are super fun to deal with when you’re already trying to manage ADHD.
    • Memory Mishaps: High levels of cortisol can damage the hippocampus, the part of your brain responsible for learning and memory. For someone with ADHD, this means even more trouble with focus, concentration, and remembering where you left your phone (again).

    Breaking the Stress Cycle: Tips for Adult ADHD Warriors

    The good news?

    You don’t have to let stress run the show.,

    Here are some strategies that can help you manage stress and protect your ADHD brain from cortisol overload:

    1. Mindfulness and Meditation: Mindfulness might sound like just another thing to add to your already overflowing plate, but it can actually help you slow down and become more aware of what’s triggering your stress. Even a few minutes of meditation can help lower cortisol levels and give your brain a much-needed break.
    2. Get Moving: Exercise is one of the best ways to combat stress. It helps lower cortisol while boosting dopamine and serotonin, giving you that natural mood lift that can keep you going.
    3. Eat Smart: A healthy diet can make a big difference in how your body handles stress. Load up on fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins, and try to cut back on caffeine and sugar—both of which can spike cortisol levels.
    4. Prioritize Sleep: I know, easier said than done, but good sleep hygiene is crucial. Create a bedtime routine, avoid screens before bed, and make your sleep environment as calming as possible.
    5. Lean on Your Support System: Whether it’s friends, family, or an online ADHD support group, having people you can talk to about your stress can make a huge difference. Sometimes, just knowing you’re not alone can help take the edge off.
    6. Therapy Helps: If stress feels overwhelming, consider seeing a therapist. They can offer tools and strategies to help you manage stress, work through anxiety, and tackle the unique challenges of ADHD.
    7. Find Your Chill Zone: Relaxation techniques like deep Yogic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or online yoga can help calm your mind and body, reducing cortisol levels and helping you stay centered.

    George, Reflecting on The Missing Off Switch

    George's Conclusion

    Managing ADHD is already a full-time job, so when stress decides to throw a wrench into the works, it can feel like you’re drowning. But remember, you don’t have to stay stuck in stress mode.

    “The Missing Off Switch” doodle cartoon is a reminder that while stress is a part of life, it doesn’t have to take over your life.

    With a little mindfulness, some self-care, and a few healthy habits, you can take back control and give your adrenal glands the break they need. So next time stress tries to hijack your brain, take a deep Yogic breath, laugh at the chaos, and remind yourself: “I’ve got this.”

    Hmmm, it’s gotta be time for a motivational quote…

    “Even in chaos, find your calm.”

    If you’ve made it this far, you either haven’t got Adult ADHD, or something else hasn’t distracted you yet. Bravo! Though, I’m not going to push my luck.

    It’s time to wrap this diary entry up.

    Namaste (my soul high-fives your soul),
    George Watts

    P.S. Dear Diary, thanks for letting me write in you. And dear reader, thanks for reading.

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