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Brain & Energy Overview
This video explains what my brain days are actually like: the good days, the bad days, and everything in between.
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1 My Brain on a Good Day vs. Bad Day
On a good day, my brain feels like a well-oiled machine: I can focus, I can make decisions, I can handle multiple things at once. I feel present, capable, and like I'm actually in control of my own life.
On a bad day, everything feels like too much. Simple decisions become overwhelming. I can't filter out noise — not just sound, but visual clutter, emotional signals, and the weight of everything I haven't done yet. My nervous system feels like it's running on fumes, and I'm operating in survival mode.
The difference isn't just "tired" vs "energetic." It's a fundamental shift in how my brain processes information, manages energy, and responds to stress. On bad days, I'm not being dramatic — I'm genuinely operating at a fraction of my capacity.
Translation: what this means for you
- If I seem "off" or distant, it might be a bad brain day, not a relationship problem.
- My capacity for social interaction, decision-making, and emotional processing varies day to day.
- What I can handle on a good day is very different from what I can handle on a bad day.
2 What Helps (and What Makes It Worse)
What helps: Quiet space, predictable routines, clear boundaries, time to process before responding, low-pressure check-ins, and understanding that my capacity isn't personal — it's neurological.
What makes it worse: Sudden changes, pressure to perform, being asked to explain why I'm struggling, too many options at once, sensory overload, and people trying to "fix" me when I just need space.
The key is recognizing that my brain isn't broken — it's just wired differently. What looks like "laziness" or "avoidance" is often my nervous system trying to protect itself from overwhelm.
Quick reference
Helps
- • Quiet, low-stimulation space
- • Time to think before responding
- • Clear, simple communication
Hurts
- • Pressure and urgency
- • Too many choices at once
- • Being asked to "just try harder"
3 How to Check In Without Making It Heavier
Good check-ins
"How are you doing today?" (simple, open-ended)
"Do you need space, or would company help?" (gives me a choice)
"I'm here if you need anything, no pressure." (low-pressure support)
Heavy check-ins
"What's wrong? Why are you like this?" (demands explanation)
"You should try [thing]" (unsolicited advice)
"Just push through it" (invalidates my experience)
4 If You Remember Nothing Else from Module 2
Capacity isn't personal
My ability to function isn't a choice or a reflection of how much I care. It's neurological.
Bad days need space
When I'm overwhelmed, I need quiet and time — not solutions, advice, or pressure to "snap out of it."
Support looks like presence
The best support is low-pressure: "I'm here if you need me" without expecting me to perform or explain.
Module 2 Summary
You've seen how my brain and nervous system work: the good days, the bad days, what helps, and what makes things worse. Understanding this is the foundation for supporting my health without accidentally making it harder.
Key takeaways
- My capacity varies day to day based on neurological factors, not willpower.
- Bad days need space and quiet, not solutions or pressure.
- Good check-ins are simple, low-pressure, and give me choices.
If you want to go deeper
Playlists & Deep Dives
Health & ADHD Essentials
Deep dive into ADHD management, overwhelm patterns, and practical strategies.
Energy & Capacity Playlist
Understanding energy cycles, shutdown days, and what actually helps.
I'll swap in my real playlists later. For now, leave the placeholder playlist IDs.