Navigating Life's Challenges: Understanding Dysregulation
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Chapter 1: My Personal Journey to Understanding
This year has been a transformative one for me. I am actively engaging in therapy, taking various online personality assessments, and seeking clarity in my life. Lately, I’ve found myself questioning whether I might have ADHD. I often initiate projects but struggle to see them through, and I sometimes lose focus during conversations. My husband, who has ADHD, prompted me to contemplate my own experiences, even though I have never received an official diagnosis.
He was diagnosed at 35, having grown up in the 1980s when educators and parents merely viewed him as “hyper” or “energetic.” His report cards often noted that he was “very intelligent but needed to concentrate.” After my husband and later my son received their diagnoses, their lives improved significantly. Yet, I wondered if I was experiencing bipolar disorder...
While I explored this possibility, my evaluations leaned towards depression, and I lacked the extreme mood fluctuations I observed in my mother and other relatives who refuse to acknowledge their issues. Overall, I tend to be quite balanced.
So, what was the root of my struggles? Recently, I encountered the concept of nervous system dysregulation. This term often appears alongside formal diagnoses, such as ADHD, BPD, PTSD, ASD, or generalized anxiety, but it is also used more generally to explain why one might lash out at a loved one over seemingly minor frustrations, like misplaced spices or malfunctioning technology. Experts like Andrew Huberman have pointed out that sleep deprivation can disrupt our autonomic nervous system, leading to significant behavioral and emotional reactions. This dysregulation can manifest in various ways—such as excessive emotional responses, eating habits, thrill-seeking behaviors, or sleep disturbances—and can hinder daily functioning.
Many individuals are currently navigating similar challenges. The labels like “narcissist” or “toxic” are often thrown around, but those using them often lack the necessary training and are merely speculating. It’s essential to recognize that someone might not be a diagnosed narcissist but rather dealing with their own nervous system difficulties.
Section 1.1: The Impact of Recent Events
The past four years have been filled with stress for everyone. Regardless of opinions on the severity of COVID-19, its effects have been undeniable. The pandemic has caused significant damage to our nervous systems.
A common consensus emerged that chronic stress leads to regulatory issues, particularly within the autonomic nervous system. This system comprises two parts: the sympathetic nervous system, which activates during stress and danger (triggering the release of hormones like adrenaline), and the parasympathetic nervous system, which encourages relaxation and recovery. When these systems are out of sync—either too activated or not activated enough—we experience what’s known as nervous system dysregulation.
In 2020, many of us were in survival mode. Some chose to fight against the virus and ended up contracting it early on, while others tried to avoid it, unknowingly putting themselves at risk for multiple infections. The consequences were dire for some, leading to Long COVID or worse outcomes.
I have always believed it is safer to contract a pandemic illness later, once better treatments and vaccines are available. Unfortunately, some individuals rushed back to “normal” life without considering the long-term effects.
Section 1.2: The Effects of Personal Experiences
The first video, "Is it ADHD or Bipolar Disorder | ADHD | Episode 74," delves into the complexities of distinguishing between these two conditions, shedding light on the nuances of mental health evaluation.
COVID-19 has affected my family directly; my cousin recently returned home with an oxygen tank. I hesitated to share this, but it highlights the ongoing struggles many face.
Some members of my family, including heavy smokers, appear to have emerged from the pandemic without severe consequences, yet one has developed a chronic cough that remains unexplained.
Chapter 2: The Rise of Wellness Culture
Wellness culture has gained immense traction, both positively and negatively. For those of us fortunate enough not to have contracted Long COVID, there is a desire to prepare for future health crises.
The pandemic accelerated a focus on personal well-being, leading many to reflect on their health, delve into trauma, and seek ways to improve their emotional states. From holistic approaches to scientifically-backed methods, the conversation around nervous system regulation became prevalent. Influencers across the spectrum offered advice—ranging from simple lifestyle changes to more complex emotional strategies.
Many of us feel disconnected from our pre-pandemic selves. There is a collective yearning to return to a sense of normalcy. As Lisa Daronatsy Kiyindou, a health trainer, noted, individuals often express that they no longer feel like themselves, indicating a longing for their former identities. I recognized my own dysregulation, and amidst the chaos, I found a glimmer of hope.
The second video, "Bipolar Disorder vs ADHD: A Common Misdiagnosis & Do They Overlap? | MedCircle," provides insights into the overlap of symptoms between these conditions, enhancing our understanding of mental health.
Before the next pandemic strikes, I wish to emphasize that while I lack formal medical training, my experiences with chronic illness have heightened my awareness of potential health crises. I attempted to alert family and friends about the looming dangers of COVID-19, but my warnings often went unheeded, leading to frustration.
Despite my keen interest in health matters, I am hesitant to share warnings again, having been dismissed and ridiculed by those close to me. I suspect that future pandemics could be more severe, targeting those who remain uninformed.
Ultimately, it’s crucial to recognize that we are all navigating individual struggles, and it’s perfectly acceptable to not feel okay. Everyone has endured significant challenges.