ADHDifference - CONFLICT

ADHDifference

Julie Legg and Jel Legg discuss ADHD, conflict and confrontation - why, when and how we are likely to react in certain situations.
They chat about the common fight or flight scenario, how dopamine may be at the heart of our likely responses, and the ramifications of both fighting and flighting.
Topics discussed in this episode:

• Adrenaline and dopamine.
• Fighting vs Flighting.
• Debating vs Conflict and when one is likely to over-spill into the other.
• How we can be the instigator of conflict, not just the recipient of conflict.
• Acting as a mediator for others.
• Addressing conflict in an ADHD marriage.
• Rebels with a cause.

Key takeaways:

• The fight or flight scenario is common for ADHD brains when faced with conflict and confrontation.
• Both adrenaline and dopamine share the same dopa molecule, one that we are naturally deficient of, and triggers our gut instinct for survival.
• Fighting a confrontation can lead to spill over of anger, impulsivity and emotional dysregulation as ADHD brains are often challenged to regulate these emotions.
• Flighting from a confrontation may lead to the ADHDer feeling misunderstood, unheard, or at times bullied.
• Good communication over time may deflect a conflict situation, especially with someone you have a relationship with - whether friendship, intimate or work colleague.
• At times, a 'cooling off' period may be the best method for conflict in a relationship - time to gather thoughts, speak calmly and kindly, rather than impulsively and with big emotions.

Links:

Julie is the author of THE MISSING PIECE: A Woman's Guide to Understanding, Diagnosing and Living with ADHD (Harper Collins, 2024)
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