Author: Avery Lombardi, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS
Many people with ADHD find it harder to stay emotionally steady during stress, criticism, or setbacks. According to NHS advice, this is because ADHD affects the parts of the brain that manage attention, planning, and emotion control. When these systems are under strain, it can feel more difficult to bounce back or stay calm under pressure.
Why resilience can be harder with ADHD
People with ADHD often experience stronger emotional reactions, impulsivity, and self-doubt after mistakes or rejection. These challenges make it harder to recover from difficulties. Research shows that this is linked to executive dysfunction and emotional dysregulation, not a lack of willpower or maturity.
Strategies that strengthen resilience
NICE’s ADHD guideline (NG87) recommends a combination of medical and psychological approaches. Stimulant medication can help regulate attention and mood, while therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness improve self-awareness and coping skills.
Building routines, practising self-compassion, and maintaining physical health also support emotional balance. Social support whether from family, peers, or community groups plays a key role in building resilience.
Private services such as ADHD Certify offer assessments and follow-up care in line with NHS and NICE guidance, helping individuals access structured, evidence-based support.
Key takeaway
Emotional resilience can be learned and strengthened. For people with ADHD, the right mix of treatment, therapy, and daily structure can make life’s challenges feel less overwhelming and far more manageable.
Avery Lombardi, MSc
Author
Avery Lombardi is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. She has professional experience in psychological assessment, evidence-based therapy, and research, working with both child and adult populations. Avery has provided clinical services in hospital, educational, and community settings, delivering interventions such as CBT, DBT, and tailored treatment plans for conditions including anxiety, depression, and developmental disorders. She has also contributed to research on self-stigma, self-esteem, and medication adherence in psychotic patients, and has created educational content on ADHD, treatment options, and daily coping strategies.
All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.
Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS
Reviewer
Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.
All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.
