16/11/2025
β¨ Executive Function & The ADHD Crash β¨
π§ Listen to the full version on my podcast here:
π https://bit.ly/Remarkably_Messy_Brilliantly_Wired_Podcast
βΈ»
What Is Executive Function? π€π§
Executive Function is basically the brainβs management system.
Itβs the set of cognitive skills responsible for:
β’ ποΈ Planning
β’ π― Prioritising
β’ β° Time-management
β’ πΎ Working memory
β’ π‘οΈ Emotional regulation
β’ π Task initiation
β’ π Organisation
β’ π Task-shifting (moving from one thing to another)
For most neurotypical brains, executive function runs quietly in the background like a well-organised assistant.
For ADHD brains?
That assistant isβ¦ creative, brilliant, funny as hell π€£π‘
but extremely easily overwhelmed, and permanently under-resourced. π΅βπ«
Which means:
β’ Everything takes more mental energy β‘
β’ Everything has to be consciously managed π§©
β’ Small disruptions hit harder π₯
β’ Routine and consistency matter more β even though theyβre the things our brains naturally struggle to create π
β’ Stress amplifies everything π«
β’ And when life piles upβ¦ we hit a wall, sometimes really fast! π§±π₯
A wall called an Executive Function Crash.
βΈ»
WHAT HAPPENS IN ADHD WHEN EXECUTIVE FUNCTION BREAKS DOWN? πβ
When our executive load becomes too heavy, the ADHD brain enters shutdown mode.
This can look like:
β’ Forgetfulness π«₯
β’ Emotional overwhelm π
β’ βBrain freezeβ or mental blankness π§
β’ Inability to start tasks π«
β’ Losing track of simple steps π
β’ Feeling paralysed πͺ«
β’ Missing social cues or forgetting words π£οΈβ
β’ Fatigue that feels like illness π€
Or illness as a result of compromised immunity due to intense stress π·
β’ A sudden inability to mask π
Itβs not a character flaw.
Itβs not laziness.
β¨ ITβS NEUROSCIENCE β¨
ADHD brains use more cognitive resources than neurotypical brains just to maintain baseline functioning. So when pressure increases, even slightly, the system overloads.
And when that overload continues for days, weeks, or months?
We crash.
Like actuallyβ¦ the brainβs neurological ability to function taps out.
Short circuits β‘ shuts down ππ§ .
Good news is it usually resets after a few days if you donβt get the illness with it β but my adviceβ¦
π₯ Prevention is better than treating the cause!!
βοΈ Workβlife balance is paramount, not optional.
Follow for more tips π
