ADDitude Magazine

The ADHD Guide to Managing Stress and Emotions at Work (with Diann Wingert)

The webinar, led by ADHD coach Diann Wingert, tackled the unique challenges neurodivergent professionals face when stress and emotions collide at work. Wingert highlighted that ADHD brains process emotions roughly 30% more intensely, making routine workplace interactions—meetings, criticism, tight deadlines—potential flashpoints for dysregulation. Key insights included the neuroscience behind the “short fuse”: the amygdala hijacks attention while the prefrontal cortex shuts down, rendering typical calming advice ineffective. Wingert introduced the SPACE acronym—Spot patterns, Pause escalation, Act in the moment, Clear the air, Evolve systems—as a practical, step‑by‑step toolkit for recognizing triggers, buying time, and restoring composure. She illustrated the framework with concrete examples: noticing shoulder tension or a higher‑pitched voice as early warning signs, using professional stall tactics like “I’ll follow up by 2 p.m.” to interrupt escalation, and reshaping physical workspaces to mitigate sensory overload. Wingert also emphasized that emotional incidents ripple into career trajectories, fueling shame spirals, masking, and missed advancement opportunities. The broader implication is clear: organizations that understand and accommodate ADHD‑related emotional regulation can retain talent, improve productivity, and foster healthier workplace cultures. Individuals equipped with the SPACE method can transform reactive moments into opportunities for growth, reducing burnout and enhancing professional relationships.