Impulse control has always been one of my greatest challenges. For much of my life, I assumed it was simply part of having ADHD. I often acted before thinking. I blurted out words I later regretted. Making quick decisions without considering the consequences felt like part of my wiring.
As I’ve grown older, and live with Parkinson’s disease. I’ve noticed those impulses are stronger. They are harder to manage than ever before. Some days it feels like my brain has a “go” button that gets stuck. It takes every ounce of my awareness to pause before reacting.
The truth is, I’m not alone—and neither are you if you struggle with impulse control.
Who Struggles with Impulse Control?
Impulse control challenges are more common than most people realize. They can show up in different ways depending on a person’s health, environment, and life stage. Some groups are especially prone to these struggles including:
- People with ADHD – Impulsivity is one of the core symptoms, often leading to difficulties with attention, planning, and self-regulation.
- Individuals with Parkinson’s disease – Certain medications, particularly dopamine agonists, can increase risk-taking behavior, gambling, shopping, or overeating.
- Those with brain injuries or dementia – Damage to the frontal lobe can make it harder to regulate urges.
- People who are under high stress or have experienced trauma can feel emotionally overwhelmed. This feeling can push them toward “acting first” as a coping mechanism.
Knowing this does not excuse my impulsivity, but it does make me understand the “why” so I don’t feel as ashamed or broken.
What Helps Me (and Can Help You Too)
I don’t have all the answers, but I’ve learned a few strategies that make life with uncontrolled impulses more manageable:
- Awareness is everything. I try to notice the moments when I’m most vulnerable—when I’m tired, stressed, or overstimulated. Just naming the urge gives me a chance to pause.
- Pause and breathe. A simple breath before reacting can create enough space to choose a different response. It sounds small, but it’s powerful.
- Set up guardrails. I avoid situations that fuel my impulses. These include online shopping late at night. I also put in place small barriers. For example, I leave my credit card in another room.
- Be accountable. It can be a friend, therapist, or support group. Having someone to check in with keeps me honest about my compulsive behavior.
- Practice self-compassion. Beating myself up only makes me spiral further. I remind myself: managing impulses is hard, but progress—not perfection—is the goal.
- Talk to your doctor. Especially for those with Parkinson’s or ADHD, medication can play a role in impulsivity. If impulses feel unmanageable, it’s worth discussing treatment adjustments.
Final Thoughts
Living with impulse control challenges is frustrating, sometimes embarrassing, and often exhausting. I’ve learned that with awareness, tools, and support, I can create space between my urges and actions. This allows me to live a healthier and more intentional life.
If you struggle with impulse control, know this: you are not broken, and you’re not alone. Like me, you may stumble—but you can also learn, grow, and reclaim more control over the choices that matter most.
By Candace Schoner, Producer and Host of the podcast, Voices for Mental Health