# EP. 46: Why "Honoring Your ADHD" Can Keep You Stuck and The Misunderstanding That Makes Things Worse

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/adhd-with-jenna-free-7252095/ep-46-why-honoring-your-adhd-can-keep-you-stuck-and-the-misunderstanding-that-makes-things-worse
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/adhd-with-jenna-free-7252095/ep-46-why-honoring-your-adhd-can-keep-you-stuck-and-the-misunderstanding-that-makes-things-worse.md
Podcast: [ADHD with Jenna Free](https://stenobird.com/podcast/adhd-with-jenna-free-7252095)
Published: 2026-02-09T11:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://86ec717b-8213-494f-90a6-575b5c86795e.libsyn.com/ep-46-why-honoring-your-adhd-can-keep-you-stuck-and-the-misunderstanding-that-makes-things-worse
Audio file: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/86ec717b-8213-494f-90a6-575b5c86795e/EP._46__Why__Honoring_Your_ADHD__Can_Keep_You_Stuck._Heres_the_Difference_.mp3?dest-id=4814301
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Duration seconds: 1338

## Resource

What if honouring your ADHD brain is actually making things worse? What if the relief you feel from avoiding stressful tasks isn't self-acceptance... but dysregulation running the show? In this episode, I break down three common ways we think we're honouring our neurodivergence, but we're actually fueling the dysregulation. There's a difference between conscious choice and compulsive avoidance. One is empowering. The other keeps you stuck. We'll look at: why avoiding things that cause anxiety (like mail) tells your nervous system they're dangerous - making the problem worse over time how the panic sprinter cycle (frantic bursts then crash) isn't your natural state - it's your brain in fight or flight why text message overwhelm is dysregulation, not neurodivergence (all-or-nothing thinking, perfectionism, feeling like demands) the key question: is this a conscious choice I'm making, or is dysregulation making choices for me? how to break these cycles by facing things with regulation work - not white-knuckling, not avoiding You're an adult. You can do whatever you want. But when you're making choices from a regulated place, you'll actually want to do the things that used to feel impossible. Download the free ADHD Regulation Guide -- www.adhdwithjennafree.com/adhdguide Want to dive into this work to reduce symptoms and make life more enjoyable? ADHD Groups are now open -- www.adhdwithjennafree.com/groups Pre-order "The Simple Guide to ADHD Regulation" -- www.jennafree.com/book Connect with Me Instagram TikTok

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