Feelings + Overwhelm / teens · adults / Reflect
What Is Mine to Own?
Explanation and excuse are not the same thing.
What this is for
It's easy to either take all the blame or none of it after an ADHD-related conflict — neither is accurate.
When to use it
After a conflict, once the heat's died down, when you're trying to work out what actually needs owning.
What you leave with
A clear line between the part that's explained by ADHD and the part that's still yours to fix or apologise for.
1 / 3
What happened, as plainly as you can put it?
Pick one to keep going.
Why this can help
Separating explanation from excuse allows self-understanding without eroding accountability, which protects both self-esteem and relationships.
Accountability and self-compassion research