Julie Legg is joined by Dr. Jack Hinman — clinical psychologist and Executive Director of Engage Young Adult Transitions. Drawing from over two decades of experience working with young adults in hospitals, residential treatment, and community mental health, Jack shares what he sees at the root of today’s growing anxiety epidemic: a crisis of focus, a crisis of connection, and a culture of avoidance.

Jack explores how ADHD often shows up subtly or is missed altogether in young adults, especially in women, and why emotional regulation, identity development, and executive function all suffer when connection is lost.

This conversation dives into the deeper systemic and developmental factors shaping today’s “anxious generation,” and why safety, structure, and relationship-based support are key to long-term growth.

Key Points from the Episode:

• Why ADHD is under-diagnosed in young adults, particularly women
• The real drivers behind anxiety, shutdown, and burnout
• How emotional dysregulation and avoidance are often misread
• The impact of missed early coping development and attachment
• What’s fueling the “attention crisis” and “connection crisis” in this generation
• The harmful effects of pathologising normal anxiety
• The role of phones, online connection, and the loss of real-world social skills
• Why therapy should be immersive, relational, and present in everyday life
• The importance of structured autonomy and consistent support
• How nature-based, experiential learning (like skiing or biking) boosts self-trust
• What young adults, and parents, need to thrive through transition

Links:

WEBSITE: engagelifenow.com

LINKEDIN: jack-hinman-engagelifenow

INSTAGRAM: engage.transitions

FACEBOOK: Engage-Young-Adult-Transitions-100087789164852/

YOUTUBE: @engageyoungadulttransition6817

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ℹ️ DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or ADHDifference. Read More