These Great Minds February 2025
Have you ever felt like a radio on full blast? Or like an emotional volcano ready to erupt? What you might be experiencing could be an ADHD meltdown.
It’s great to meet you again here in These Great Minds! 💗 Let me warn you upfront: in this edition, you might discover something new about yourself.
So… when you’re ready… Let’s dive into what ADHD meltdowns are, what triggers them, and how you can manage them in the workplace
Can you resonate with any of these symptoms?
ADHD meltdowns are emotional outbursts — like yelling, crying, or even throwing objects — that can feel like they come out of nowhere.
If you’ve ever experienced any of the following, these might be signs of a meltdown:
✨ Physical signs: stomping feet, clenching fists, or tense body language
✨ Emotional reactions: shouting, crying, irritability
✨ Extreme responses: feeling overwhelmed to the point of collapsing or isolating yourself
The US organisation CHADD describes meltdowns like a volcanic eruption. Beneath the surface, difficulties with executive functions like emotional control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility build up until – boom!
🌋 A meltdown occurs.
Watch out for the triggers of an ADHD meltdown
ADHD meltdowns don’t happen in a vacuum — they’re often triggered by stressors that push us past our emotional limits. Here are some common triggers to watch for, such as sensory overload, unexpected changes, and more.
Experienced an ADHD meltdown before? Watch our video to learn more about symptoms, triggers, and strategies to manage them.
How can you manage ADHD Meltdowns at work?
Recognise the signs: Recognising ADHD meltdowns — and noticing when one is about to happen —can help minimise their impact and reduce the negative impact on your self-esteem.
🧠 Take a moment to reflect this week: What situations tend to set you off? What patterns can you spot?
Take breaks: If you feel overwhelmed, stepping away from the situation — even for a short walk or a mental health day — can help. Read here for how to book a mental health day.
Practice self-regulation: Find what keeps you calm — deep breathing, breaks, or something else— and have a plan for stressful moments.
Communicate your feelings: If you feel comfortable, talk to your colleagues and line manager about this challenge and share with them how they can support you during an ADHD meltdown.
Finally — don’t forget! ADHD meltdowns are manageable! With the right strategies in place, they don’t have to define your workday. 💗
Thank you for joining These Great Minds!
We hope these insights help you navigate an ADHD meltdown, potentially prevent it from happening, and create a supportive work environment for yourself and others.
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Feeling like a volcano ready to erupt? You might be experiencing an ADHD meltdown. In this edition of These Great Minds, we’re breaking down ADHD meltdowns: what they are, what triggers them, and how to manage them at work.