Dysregulation vs. ADHD: Different but Linked

For years, women have been told to just focus harder, get organized, use the planner, and stick to the system. But when those systems don’t work, the assumption is that we’re the problem.

In this episode of This Is Woman’s Work, Nicole Kalil sits down with ADHD counselor, author, and creator of the ADHD Regulation Method, Jenna Free, to challenge the idea that there’s a “right” way for our brains to function.

Jenna offers a different perspective: ADHD isn’t a defect — it’s a brain difference. And many of the struggles people associate with ADHD may actually come from something else entirely — chronic nervous system dysregulation and living in constant fight-or-flight mode.

In this conversation, Jenna breaks down why so many traditional productivity tools fail people with ADHD, how dysregulation fuels overwhelm and procrastination, and what it actually takes to create balance, focus, and sustainable productivity.

This conversation isn’t just for people with ADHD. It’s for anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed, stuck, behind, or convinced that they just need to try harder.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why ADHD is considered a brain difference, not a disorder or failure

• How chronic fight-or-flight dysregulation amplifies ADHD symptoms

• Why rushing is one of the biggest signals of nervous system dysregulation

• The difference between living in potential vs. reality (and why it matters)

• The role of curiosity — instead of guilt and shame — in changing patterns

• Why traditional productivity advice often backfires for ADHD brains

• When medication can be helpful — and why it’s not a moral decision

If you’ve ever felt like your brain just doesn’t cooperate with the way the world expects you to work… this conversation might just change how you see yourself.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Shopify has everything all in one place, making your life easier and your business operations smoother. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/tiww 

Connect with Jenna:

Website: https://www.adhdwithjennafree.com/

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Guide-ADHD-Regulation-Enjoying/dp/1400254698 

IG: www.instagram.com/adhdwithjennafree

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@adhdwithjennafree Related Podcast Episodes:

• Stop Saying “I’m Fine”: Nervous System Regulation for High-Achieving Women with Michelle Grosser | 372
• How To Listen When Your Parts Speak (IFS Therapy + Ancestral Wisdom) with Tamala Floyd | 376
• How Our Dysregulated Nervous Systems Are Impacting Us with Victoria Albina | 244

Share the Love:

If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!

🔗 Subscribe & Review:Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices