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ADHD Sarah Omland ADHD Sarah Omland

ADHD Common Threads

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While it is often associated with children, ADHD can persist into adulthood, creating unique challenges at every stage of life. By understanding the common symptoms and problems associated with ADHD, we can foster greater empathy and support for those living with this condition.

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ADHD Sarah Omland ADHD Sarah Omland

Time Blindness

If you or someone you know lives with ADHD, the phrase “time blindness” might resonate deeply. For those unfamiliar, time blindness is not a formal medical term but rather a way to describe the challenges many individuals with ADHD face in perceiving and managing time. It's a concept that sheds light on the unique struggles tied to this condition and provides a framework for better understanding and supporting those affected.

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ADHD Sarah Omland ADHD Sarah Omland

Decision Paralysis

Decision paralysis, or the inability to make a choice when faced with too many options, is a common experience for individuals with ADHD. This phenomenon can turn even simple decisions, like picking what to eat for dinner, into overwhelming tasks. Understanding why this happens and how to manage it can make a significant difference in navigating daily life.

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Parenting Sarah Omland Parenting Sarah Omland

Letting Go of Parenting Perfection

Parenting is often described as the most rewarding job in the world, but it can also feel like the most relentless one. Many parents grapple with the nagging feeling that they are never quite good enough—that they are falling short in ways big and small. If you’ve ever found yourself lying awake at night replaying your perceived parenting failures, you are not alone.

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Depression Sarah Omland Depression Sarah Omland

Breaking the Cycle: Replacing Self-Harm with Healthy Coping Strategies

Self-harm is a deeply personal and complex behavior that many people turn to as a coping mechanism for emotional pain, overwhelming stress, or a sense of numbness. While it may provide temporary relief, it is not a sustainable or healthy solution. Instead, developing healthier coping strategies can lead to lasting emotional regulation and improved mental health.

This post explores why self-harm might feel like a coping mechanism, discusses its impact, and highlights Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills as effective alternatives for managing distress.

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Depression Sarah Omland Depression Sarah Omland

Understanding Suicidal Thoughts

If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide and has a plan to act on them, please seek immediate help. Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or call 911 in an emergency. Your life matters, and help is available.

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Trauma Sarah Omland Trauma Sarah Omland

Fight or Flight Exhaustion

We’ve all heard about the “fight-or-flight” response. It’s our body’s way of preparing us to handle immediate danger, triggering a cascade of physiological changes—increased heart rate, heightened alertness, and a rush of adrenaline. This ancient survival mechanism is incredibly effective for short-term threats. But what happens when your body stays stuck in fight-or-flight mode, unable to return to a regulated, calm state?

The answer is simple: exhaustion. Both physically and emotionally.

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Trauma Sarah Omland Trauma Sarah Omland

Why We Get Defensive When We Know We're Wrong

Defensiveness is a universal human experience. It can show up as anger, excuses, or even an overwhelming need to justify our actions. Often, this response emerges when we sense—even subconsciously—that we’re wrong. But why do we get defensive instead of acknowledging the truth? The answer lies in the interplay of psychology, emotions, and our need for self-preservation

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Advocacy, Trauma Sarah Omland Advocacy, Trauma Sarah Omland

Women Voicing Injustice

Throughout history, societal norms have systematically silenced women when they attempt to voice discomfort or objection to inappropriate treatment. This suppression isn’t just an artifact of the past but persists in subtle, often insidious forms in modern society. Women are frequently encouraged—both explicitly and implicitly—to tolerate behavior that disrespects their boundaries rather than confront it.

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Depression, ADHD Sarah Omland Depression, ADHD Sarah Omland

The Winter Blues

For individuals with ADHD, particularly those who are extroverted, the colder months can be even more difficult. Depression can creep in, leaving them feeling disconnected, restless, and out of sync with their usual high-energy selves.

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Trauma Sarah Omland Trauma Sarah Omland

Navigating the Holidays with Religious Trauma:

The holiday season, with its twinkling lights, festive gatherings, and cultural traditions, is often depicted as the most wonderful time of the year. But for those who have experienced religious trauma, this time can evoke complex emotions: a blend of longing, anxiety, and unresolved pain.

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Depression Sarah Omland Depression Sarah Omland

Accepting Grief

Grief is a universal experience, yet deeply personal. Whether it stems from the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or a significant life transition, grief reminds us of our fragile humanity. Existential therapy offers a unique lens through which to navigate this complex emotional landscape, focusing not on avoiding pain but on embracing it as an integral part of existence.

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