Why You Might Feel Constantly On Edge: ADHD, Anxiety, and a Dysregulated Nervous System

Sumiko Stacey
Jul 3
2 min read

by Sumiko Stacey, ADHD Life Coach

Have you ever wondered why you're constantly anxious, tense, or feeling like something's about to go wrong?

For many adults with ADHD, this state of hyper-vigilance isn’t just about being busy or overwhelmed. It’s a sign that your nervous system may be stuck in survival mode.

Living on High Alert

If you catch yourself frequently thinking things like:

"Did I forget something important?"
"What if I mess this up again?"
"I can’t relax... something might go wrong."

…you might be living in a constant state of fight, flight, or freeze. This ADHD anxiety is more than just a bad habit, it’s a dysregulated nervous system that has learned to rely on urgency, pressure, and fear to get through the day.

The ADHD anxiety Link

ADHD brains are wired for interest, not importance. This often means we don’t kick into gear unless something is urgent or emotionally intense. Over time, this creates a pattern where stress becomes the main driver of action.

This survival-state coping mechanism might help you hit a deadline or keep appointments (most of the time), but it also:

Fuels chronic anxiety
Worsens emotional dysregulation
Increases burnout and exhaustion

And eventually, this takes a toll on your mental, emotional, and physical health.

When stress becomes your fuel, burnout becomes your destination.

Why This Feels Like Your "Normal"

The tricky part? You may not even realise you’re living in a dysregulated state, because it’s become familiar. Your body and brain have learned that anxiety equals productivity.

But surviving is not the same as thriving.

So, What Can You Do Instead?

Here’s where a powerful ADHD strength comes in: creative problem-solving.

Instead of relying on anxiety to get things done, you can begin to:

Notice the patterns without judgment
Identify your triggers and stress responses
Build supportive routines based on curiosity, not fear / pressure / stress
By tuning into your body's signals, you can begin to notice early signs of stress and use body-based practices like breathwork and movement to pause, calm, and soothe your nervous system

Safety is the New Productivity

When your nervous system feels safe, your brain works better. You gain access to clarity, emotional regulation, and the ability to choose how you respond, instead of reacting on autopilot.

This is why ADHD coaching is about helping you:

Understand how your ADHD is impacting your daily life
Identify hidden patterns and traps that keeping you stuck in struggles
Build realistic, brain-friendly systems
Restore trust in yourself

Final Thoughts

You’re not lazy or broken. If your coping strategies are rooted in anxiety, it’s likely because your brain and body have been doing their best to survive.

But you deserve more than survival. You deserve systems that feel safe, sustainable, and supportive.

Want to learn more? Join my news letter for a weekly ADHD insights. You'll get free bonus ADHD Brain Dump Guide by signing up here: https://adhd.coachsumiko.com/braindump