You may have “challenges with emotional regulation, [such as] losing your temper, being overwhelmed by anxiety [or] having big feelings that you struggle to rein in,” Saline said.
This includes a “low frustration tolerance,” explained Terry Matlen, psychotherapist, founder of ADDConsults and author of The Queen of Distraction. For example, you may have a tantrum about something that seems trivial, like losing the TV remote.
“This can … cause … friction and anger in the [other] partner and embarrassment in the person with ADHD,” she said.
It’s important to recognize what your triggers are and how you respond to them, she advised.
“Instead of acting … out in ways that can hurt others, give yourself a timeout,” she said. “Head to the bathroom or other quiet space, [and] talk it out to yourself: ‘I’m really angry/upset/hurt because ….’”
Deep breathing, taking a warm bath or journaling also can help you calm down.
“If it’s too late and you’ve lost control, apologize to your partner and make a plan for how to manage this moving forward,” she said.
