ADD/ADHD is a neurological disorder. It causes a person to act impulsive, and feel anxious and frustrated. Sadly many people who have ADD feel shame and suffer with low self-esteem due to “not catching on”. They have difficulty with focusing and applying themselves. In reality, most people with ADD are smart, creative and energetic. Many people with ADD have poor impulse control. They are unaware of their behavior and how it affects those around them. They live in the moment, not thinking of the consequences of their actions. This self sabotaging behavior is a great source of frustration for the ADD sufferer and those around them.

Anxiety comes from our fight/flight response to a perceived danger. It is our most primitive response to keeping us safe. But what about the times when there is no imminent danger? What happens is when our limbic system (part of our brain that assesses danger) gets “turned on” our limbic system doesn’t know when to “turn off”. We are in a constant state of hypervigilance and high arousal. Our focus narrows, our thinking is limited and all creativity and joy is lost. We cannot be our true selves. Even though the danger is gone our subconscious tells us otherwise. This can be exhausting and physiologically taxing.

Anger is a necessary emotion. It allows us to stand up for our convictions and at times is required for self protection. Problems arise when anger is unconsciously used as a cover up to vulnerable feelings such as fear, shame, sadness and hopelessness. When we are easily angered, lose patience quickly, and feel overwhelmed often there is an underlying emotion at its core. The brain is in a high arousal state and fear, shame and poor sense of self worth dominate our emotions and actions. Anger symptoms can damage our relationships, cause us to lose our sense of self and the autonomy to govern ourselves. Anger robs us of our ability to be true to the most important part of us.

Depression looks different for each person. While one person may feel sad, hopeless and unmotivated, another person may experience brain fog, have difficulty with sleep, and lack social interest. Although depression is individualized, all who suffer from it are disengaged with living their best life and are limited in reaching their full potential.

Low self-esteem is a conditioned perception a person has of themselves that is inaccurate, negative and untrue. These feelings and thoughts can be very difficult to change. In certain situations (not shame inducing to the non sufferer) those who suffer from low self-esteem may experience a low self -esteem attack, where they experience a racing heart, increased sweating and rapid breathing but do not notice any of these physical symptoms since during a low self-esteem attack the sufferer loses all body awareness. There is a deep sense of shame. Many people do not recognize they have low self-esteem. Their negative self talk contains an overarching theme of inadequacy and incompetency. These conditioned thought patterns are hidden to the person with low self-esteem since they have become an ingrained belief.

Personality disorders arise from developmental trauma and unresolved attachment disorder. The brain wave pattern becomes dysregulated in many areas in the brain causing a person to dissociate and constantly feel they have a “gaping hole” that no amount of reassurance or soothing can fill. Any argument “won” gives a false sense of control and stability for a while. The sense of peace gained from having “won” does not last long before they feel empty and discontent again. They feel unheard and unseen. This is devastating to the sufferer and those around them since their attempts to “feel the hole” are counterproductive in relationships.