ADHD or Survival Mode? Let’s talk about it
Episode 23: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube
View transcript on Buzzsprout
Is it ADHD—or are you just chronically overwhelmed, exhausted, and running on fumes? In this episode, Amanda shares her personal ADHD journey, the nuances of adult diagnosis, and the often-overlooked role of trauma and survival physiology in attention-related symptoms. She invites you into a compassionate exploration of what lies beneath—before you reach for labels or medication.
What We Cover in This Episode
- Amanda’s personal story of ADHD diagnosis
- How a high-achieving childhood masked deeper issues
- The difference between hardwiring and survival adaptation
- The problem with surface-level ADHD screenings
- What shifted when Amanda focused on nervous system regulation
ADHD or Survival Mode? Understanding the Overlap
So many adults are being diagnosed with ADHD after years of feeling scattered, overwhelmed, or constantly behind. But how many of these symptoms are a sign of neurodivergence—and how many are the result of chronic stress and nervous system overload?
This blog reframes ADHD symptoms through a trauma-informed, polyvagal lens. Not to dismiss the diagnosis—but to explore where biology ends and environmental adaptation begins.
What Is ADHD, Really?
ADHD (Attention‑Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is commonly characterized by:
- Distractibility and disorganization
- Restlessness or impulsivity
- Trouble starting or finishing tasks
- Hyperfocus on specific interests
These symptoms often begin in childhood, persist over time, and show up in multiple areas of life. But it’s also true that many of these same traits show up in people experiencing chronic stress.
Amanda shares how she performed well in school but always felt internally scattered. Her brain bounced between ideas, and she often resorted to “cramming” and all-nighters—not because she lacked intelligence, but because her brain wasn’t built for slow, linear study. It wasn’t until grad school, during a deeply unsustainable season, that she was officially diagnosed with ADHD.
When Stress Mimics ADHD
Here’s what stress and trauma can do to your brain:
- Keep you in a hyper-alert state where it’s hard to focus on non-threatening tasks
- Impair executive functioning through sleep deprivation and hormonal imbalances
- Create chronic overwhelm that looks like distractibility, forgetfulness, and impulsivity
In Amanda’s case, she was sleeping 6 hours a night, managing two jobs, 22 grad school units, volunteer commitments, and a full social life. Her ADHD symptoms were real—but they were also signals of a system in overdrive.
The Importance of a Trauma-Informed Lens
Many mental health professionals skip context. Amanda’s 10-minute ADHD evaluation didn’t include questions about her lifestyle, stress levels, or history of trauma. It focused on symptoms—not root causes.
A trauma-informed or nervous-system-informed lens asks better questions:
- What’s happening in your life that might explain these symptoms?
- Have you experienced chronic stress or childhood environments that shaped your response patterns?
- Is this a brain-based disorder—or an adaptive nervous system response?
A More Helpful Metaphor
Amanda’s psychiatrist once explained ADHD using the metaphor of predator vs. prey:
- Predator brains are calm and focused (think: lion).
- Prey brains are easily distracted and hypervigilant (think: squirrel).
But Amanda now prefers the dog metaphor. Dogs, much like humans, are deeply shaped by their environment. A well-fed, safe, and loved dog is relaxed and friendly. A neglected or abused dog is reactive, anxious, or even aggressive. Humans respond the same way.
In other words, a brain that appears ADHD-like might simply be reacting to chronic chaos, unmet needs, or unhealed trauma. It’s not broken—it’s adaptive.
Medication Isn’t the Whole Picture
ADHD medications can be incredibly helpful. For Amanda, Adderall provided focus during a demanding season. But it also allowed her to continue an unsustainable lifestyle.
She eventually noticed side effects: jaw clenching, headaches, worsened symptoms after the meds wore off. The medication managed the symptoms but didn’t address the deeper patterns driving them.
Amanda stopped taking ADHD meds over seven years ago—not because they weren’t helpful, but because she started supporting her nervous system in a more comprehensive way. She prioritized sleep, boundaries, nervous system regulation, and lifestyle changes that reduced the load on her system.
Hit play on the full episode for more!
Three Tangible Takeaways
- Context Matters: Amanda’s ADHD diagnosis came during a season of extreme overload—22 grad school units, two jobs, volunteer work, and more. Her symptoms were real, but the system never asked why they existed.
- Get Curious About Root Causes: Before assuming ADHD is your permanent hardwiring, explore whether trauma, stress, or dysregulation may be creating similar symptoms. This opens the door to healing, not just managing.
- Your Lifestyle Shapes Your Brain: Our environments shape our nervous system responses. ADHD-like symptoms may resolve when we reduce chaos, increase rest, and create systems that support our unique rhythms.
Looking for more personalized support?
- Book a FREE discovery call for RESTORE, our 1:1 anxiety & depression coaching program (HSA/FSA eligible & includes comprehensive bloodwork)
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- Join my Release Class – Monthly guided nervous system regulation class
- Order my book, Healing Through the Vagus Nerve today!
- Download free resources here
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
