Articles on Burnout, ADHD, and Life Transitions – Michael Dayan, PhD
Essays on burnout, midlife transitions, ADHD in relationships, isolation in leadership, and existential perspectives on mental health by Dr. Michael Dayan, PhD.
This collection of thoughts and reflections covers many of my professional interests: adult ADHD in relationships, burnout and recovery, major life transitions such as retirement and mid‑life change, and the search for meaning and emotional resilience.
One of the pillars of my therapeutic approach is to emphasize meaning-centred awareness. I believe finding and pursuing one’s vocational calling can be an important avenue for a fulfilling life purpose. At times there can be tension between overemphasizing what we do at the expense of placing sufficient emphasis on who we are. I believe the transition to retirement is one of these times.
In this piece, I reflect on the psychological and emotional aspects of retirement, emphasizing the importance of shifting focus from professional identity to personal fulfillment and meaning.
After passing through sufficient turbulence and disorientation, finding new coping strategies, and tapping into previously unknown sources of courage the individual goring through a transformative experience may feel a renewed sense of purpose and empowerment. This transition bears fresh opportunities to truly live a life aligned with one's authentic self…
In part one of this major life transitions series I mention the move to uncertainty, where people report feeling unable to recognize who or what they once were and uncertain about where they are going or who they are becoming. To enter the unknown is a necessary component of major life transition. This is a difficult and often painful moment. I work with clients who often feel disoriented as new coping strategies and unknown sources of courage must be summoned is required to move through it. Clients often surprise themselves…
In my relationship work, I frequently observe strained dynamics when one or both partners exhibit ADHD-related behaviours. I seek to promote a comprehensive and collaborative approach — grounded in empathy, clear communication, and practical supports — to help partners build understanding and lasting connection…
I believe challenges in intimate relationships are inevitable. For any two individuals to share their lives requires, at the very least, a deep commitment to learning, acceptance, respect, and appreciation. I also recognize there are many reasons relationship difficulties arise—and among them are the stressors that come with living alongside Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms…
I have received a few requests for books on navigating relationships when one or both partners have ADHD. Although I generally recommend therapy to address specific concerns I do believe the following books can be quite helpful…
In this blog post I introduce the application of existential philosophy to mental health counselling…
Part two of this series reviews Peak Performance: Elevate Your Game, Avoid Burnout, and Thrive with the New Science of Success by Brad Stulberg and Steve Magness…
Michael Dayan, PhD RCC CCC is an experienced psychotherapist, family counsellor, and clinical coach, specializing in guiding clients through major life transitions, family succession, burnout prevention and recovery, decision-making, and the pursuit of meaning and purpose.
Dr Michael Dayan Family Therapy | , Vancouver, Canada
Some clients share a feeling of having suddenly lost their way; adrift in a profound sense of confusion and disorientation. I believe that although major life transitions may present as terrifying, when greeted with sufficient consciousness and courage, these moments of confronting the unknown may in fact be necessary moments of reckoning…