"When we uncover the deeper story beneath ADHD reactions, we move from self-criticism to self-understanding. Emotional archaeology means digging beneath reactions to uncover sadness, anger, fear, or longing. ADHD emotions aren't "too much"; they're fast and layered. Slowing down reveals insight instead of shame. Anger often hides grief, anxiety can mask anger, and habits like scrolling can signal unmet emotional needs."
"Emotional regulation, especially for adults with ADHD, is not simply trying to avoid another conflict - it is recovering the parts of ourselves buried beneath years of reacting instead of understanding. When we dig with curiosity rather than judgment, we find not weakness but wisdom. Many times when you're engaging in a compulsive habit, whether that be using alcohol or drugs or double checking if you locked your door five times, you may be avoiding a difficult emotion."
"This lack of confidence can impair relationships and willingness to take on opportunities. Some people may have been raised not to be proud of themselves due to common sayings such as "pride comes before a fall." For those with ADHD, their self-esteem has usually taken a hit from failures and criticism due to being loud and noisy, interrupting others, and getting poor grades and behavior reports in school."
Emotional archaeology involves digging beneath immediate ADHD reactions to identify underlying sadness, anger, fear, or longing. ADHD emotions are fast and layered rather than excessive, so slowing down reveals insight instead of shame. Anger often masks grief, anxiety can hide anger, and compulsive behaviors like scrolling, substance use, or repeated checking can signal unmet emotional needs. Chronic criticism and failures lower self-esteem in adults with ADHD, affecting relationships and willingness to pursue opportunities. Recovering buried parts of the self through curiosity instead of judgment transforms reactive patterns into wisdom and supports better emotional regulation.
Read at Psychology Today
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