When Your Brain Won’t Sit Still—Living with Trauma and ADHD

Ever feel like your mind is a tornado of thoughts, ideas, reminders, and worries? Like your nervous system is stuck on overdrive, pinging between hyper-focus and total distraction?

If you live with both trauma and ADHD, you’re not imagining things—life can feel extra. And not in the good way.

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It’s Not Just “Too Much Coffee”

ADHD and trauma often show up together, but they don’t always get talked about in the same breath. ADHD can make it hard to sit still, stay organized, or follow through. Trauma adds another layer—like jumping at sudden noises, feeling overwhelmed for “no reason,” or constantly being in survival mode.

Put them together? It’s like trying to drive a race car with the brakes and gas slammed down at the same time.

You may wonder

• Why am I so sensitive to everything?
• Why can’t I just focus like everyone else?
• Why do I freeze or shut down when I get overwhelmed?

These are not character flaws. These are nervous system responses from a brain trying its best to protect you—whether from past pain or constant sensory overload.

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You’re Not Broken—You’re Wired Differently

Understanding that ADHD and trauma often overlap helps us drop the shame. Instead of blaming ourselves for being “lazy” or “dramatic,” we can get curious. We can learn to:

• Work with our brains, not against them
• Set up  routines that feel doable, not punishing
• Create safety in our bodies so we’re not stuck in a cycle of panic, crash, repeat

Healing starts with awareness—and the right kind of support.

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Support That Sees the Whole You

Kim Hernandez, MA, LPCC, ADDC, offers trauma-informed therapy that acknowledges the complexity of co-occurring ADHD and trauma. You don’t have to choose between being seen for your past pain or your present-day struggles. You can be seen as whole, resourceful, and worth helping.

If you’re tired of feeling scattered, overstimulated, and stuck, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Kim brings a compassionate and grounded approach to healing that helps you reconnect with your focus, your calm, and your confidence.

Reach out: 122counseling@gmail.com 

Call or text: 970-281-5303

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