Relentless Triage: Beyond Masking and Demand Avoidance

The holidays are supposed to be joyful—but for many adults with ADHD, they quietly amplify stress, overwhelm, and exhaustion. In this episode of Integrating ADHD, host Cam explores what he calls “relentless triage”: the constant, often invisible effort of fielding demands, masking, prioritizing, and making decisions in a world that never seems to slow down. Using relatable stories, Jedi metaphors, and real-life moments of “I don’t wanna,” Cameron unpacks how masking, cognitive load, surprise, and emotional proximity collide—especially during the holiday season. He differentiates demand avoidance from a very human stress response, and invites listeners to develop awareness of their body, expectations, and limits. This episode isn’t about pushing harder—it’s about noticing what’s happening, advocating for your needs, and creating just enough space to reconnect with meaning, authenticity, and the people you care about. Whether you’re feeling festive or fried, this conversation offers compassion, insight, and a few practical “Jedi moves” to help you navigate the next couple of weeks with a little more ease. Happy Holidays—and see you in the new year.