ADHD and the alluring pull of outrage
Seven ways to avoid letting justice sensitivity go too far
It’s always been a problem for me.
It’s visceral. It’s physical. It feels like a nuclear explosion inside my body.
From the time I was young, and still today, I battle the billowing mushroom clouds in my chest after hearing about someone being mistreated (and if anyone hurts my kids, Woo! Watch out!)
Extreme justice sensitivity is common for those of us with ADHD. Combined with emotional dysregulation and impulsivity, it can make for a lovely cocktail… one of the Molotov sort. KA-BOOM!
It’s the reason I’ve traditionally avoided getting too invested in world news, social issues, politics, sports, or anything that could inadvertently spark the raging fire of indignation in my body.
Butttt….
We are a mere month away from a contentious election in which women’s rights are on the ballot, there’s climate-driven damage and human-driven destruction across our country and all over the world, and injustices - like the execution of Marcellus Williams - everywhere you turn. It’s not easy to NOT get involved. It’s not easy to NOT care.
Not to mention, social media algorithms are designed to manipulate us into engagement by pouring fuel on these flames. And I am not innocent… I share content on my Instagram platform daily about my outrage over the lack of inclusion in medical research, which resulted in my ADHD being missed for decades - along with the neurodivergence of so many other women and minorities.
The justice sensitivity bells are constantly clanging in my head. The feeling is difficult to quell.
The problem is, if all we do is seek the negative… that’s all we’re going to find - and feel.
My mom (who is one of my most avid readers - hi, Mom!) always used to say “everything in moderation” to help me understand the concept of balance in life. I take that to mean that a little bit of rage is probably okay, as long as it doesn’t blind me to the beauty that still exists in the world. A little bit of anger is probably acceptable, as long as I can use it to create positive change.
A little bit of indignation is probably fine as long as I don’t let it consume me whole.
So, how do we keep it in check?
Here are seven questions to ask ourselves to avoid letting justice sensitivity take over:
Can I do something about this issue? Put your anger to productive use. If you can’t stop the current injustice, take action to prevent future ones. Anger in action is a way to make lemonade out of lemons. Get involved. Fuel your passion. Do what you can to help.
Does engaging with this content or issue make me a better, happier person? If you enjoy getting in the fray, advocating, taking action, and standing up for what you believe in, leaning into your justice sensitivity could be a positive factor in your life. But if you find engaging with upsetting content is nothing more than… upsetting, then pass on it. Set up your news feed to show you things that bring light to your day, instead. It’s okay to turn off the parade of bad news. We can’t fix the entire world.
Do I feel in control of my outrage? Be aware of how others might be using your justice sensitivity for their own personal gain. Be on alert for how you might be being manipulated to feel more angry, especially on social media.
Am I using my outrage as a force for good? Be conscious of whether you’re helping or simply adding to the negativity and divisiveness in the world.
Is this issue worth sacrificing my own mental health? Almost always this answer should be no.
Is there a healthy level of anger, outrage, or engagement I can have with this issue while maintaining my own inner peace? Almost always this answer should be yes.
Can I balance my outrage with gratitude? Try it.
To my “that isn’t fair!” exclamations throughout childhood, my mom used to say, “well, life isn’t really fair.” And, while there are plenty of worthy causes to fight for, there’s wisdom in knowing there will always be injustice. There will always be something to fuel our fury.
There’s a fine line between being an actual victim and using righteous indignation to excuse our own bad behavior. I am trying to be aware of this as I continue to seek balance and a healthy outlet for my anger.
It’s something of which I think society as a whole could be more mindful.
What would you add to this checklist? How do you protect yourself from an unhealthy level of outrage? Please comment!
And please share! : )
Oh yes, the injustice! Where moderation and balance seem like foreign words.