Darcy Flierl, CAP, LCSW

05/05/2026

People with ADHD often make powerful advocates—driven by passion, justice, and a deep desire for change.

But in intense political times, that same energy can lead to burnout.

Taking breaks, setting boundaries with the news, and caring for your nervous system isn’t stepping away from the work—it’s what helps you sustain it.

Kindly 💛 Darcy

04/06/2026

ADHD folks make incredible advocates!

You see patterns quickly. You question systems that don’t make sense. You feel injustice deeply, and you don’t just shrug it off—you speak up, dig in, and push for better. That combination of curiosity, intensity, empathy, and persistence? It’s powerful.

Right now, in a time that feels politically tense, divided, and sometimes overwhelming, that sensitivity can be both a gift and a weight. If you’re someone with ADHD who feels like you’re carrying a lot—emotionally, mentally, even physically—I see you.

Your voice matters. Your perspective matters. And the way you care so deeply is not a flaw—it’s part of what helps move the world forward.

Wishing you steadiness when things feel chaotic, rest when your mind won’t slow down, and the kind of support that reminds you you’re not in this alone.

Keep showing up—but don’t forget to take care of yourself, too.
💛 Kindly Darcy

04/03/2026

I’m fascinated by the shift in thinking that ADHD is an emotional regulation disorder rather than simply attention and hyperactivity. This really resonates with me. What about you? 🧐🧠
💛Kindly, Darcy

03/25/2026

I’m seeing this more and more in my practice. Many aging adults assuming they are struggling with dementia when in fact it’s ADHD. Further research is definitely necessary.

Middle-aged Americans are considering a new possible explanation for their slowing brain.

03/20/2026

ADHD and Health: The Hidden Effects

ADHD doesn’t only affect attention. It also impacts how the brain regulates stress, sleep, energy, and emotions.

That’s why people with ADHD may experience:

• chronic stress or emotional overwhelm
• sleep challenges
• emotional eating or appetite swings
• mental exhaustion from constant effort

Experts increasingly describe ADHD as a whole-brain regulation condition, affecting motivation, reward systems, and emotional responses.

As Russell Barkley often explains:

ADHD isn’t about a lack of effort.
It’s about differences in regulation.

Understanding this can help people move from self-criticism to self-support.

03/19/2026

"Compared to the neurotypical control group, the group with ADHD experienced more periods of slow-wave brain activity, akin to the delta waves that characterize deep sleep. These sleep-like patterns were associated with lapses in attention, higher error rates, slower reaction times, and increased reports of drowsiness. "

Adults With ADHD Experience Sleep-Like Brain Waves While Awake: A glimpse inside the ADHD brain

03/18/2026

ADHD and Relationships: The Emotional Intensity Factor

Many people with ADHD experience strong emotions and fast emotional reactions. This is part of the emotional regulation side of ADHD described by researchers like Russell Barkley.

In relationships, this can sometimes show up as:

• feeling hurt very quickly
• rejection sensitivity
• emotional flooding during arguments
• reacting impulsively and regretting it later

But ADHD also brings powerful relationship strengths:

❤️ deep loyalty
❤️ emotional warmth
❤️ passion and enthusiasm
❤️ strong empathy

When partners understand the regulation side of ADHD, relationships often become much more supportive and compassionate.

03/17/2026

ADHD at Work Isn’t Just About Focus

ADHD doesn’t only affect attention. According to experts like Russell Barkley, it also affects how the brain regulates emotions, motivation, and stress.

In the workplace, that can look like:

• frustration when tasks feel repetitive or boring
• difficulty shifting focus after a stressful interaction
• sensitivity to criticism or feedback
• burnout from trying to “push through” overwhelm

But many people with ADHD thrive at work because they bring:

⚡ creative problem solving
⚡ fast thinking
⚡ innovation
⚡ the ability to see connections others miss

ADHD brains often perform best in engaging, stimulating environments.

03/16/2026

ADHD and Parenting: The Emotional Regulation Piece

Many people think ADHD is only about attention. But experts like Russell Barkley have emphasized that ADHD is also a challenge with emotional regulation.

For parents with ADHD, this can show up in real-life moments like:

• feeling overwhelmed by noise, chaos, and constant demands
• reacting quickly when kids push boundaries
• feeling intense guilt after losing patience
• struggling to stay calm during repeated conflicts

But ADHD parents also often bring incredible strengths:

✨ creativity
✨ empathy
✨ playfulness
✨ deep emotional connection with their kids

Understanding ADHD as a regulation difference can replace shame with compassion—for ourselves and for other parents.

03/15/2026

I haven't posted lately because I've been busy learning about how emotional regulation impacts the ADHD brain. AND wow, what I've been learning is fascinating!

01/29/2026

Took me a long time to learn this. I often would try to force it, do my own work around it, wonder… what’s wrong with me that I feel this way around them? Feel guilty even…. Till I learned to trust my gut, honor the needs of my nervous system. It didn’t mean they were bad or wrong, it just meant, they weren’t for me at this time in my life. And that’s ok.
Kindly, Darcy 💛

01/22/2026