Dating on High Alert
Dating on High Alert dives into the messy reality of relationships and life, neurodivergence, trauma, masking, and survival mode - because when your nervous system has spent years trying to keep you safe, connection gets complicated.
Hosted by Ilja Abbattista - trauma-informed coach, survivor advocate, and AuDHD truth-teller - this podcast explores ADHD, autism, CPTSD, attachment, emotional overwhelm, nervous system responses, and what it actually means to build safety in love and life after survival.
For neurodivergent people, trauma survivors, partners, and couples trying to understand each other more deeply.
Because this isn’t just about dating.
It’s about learning to hear yourself again, in life and in love.
New episodes weekly.
Until next spiral.
Dating on High Alert
Impulsive Spending Isn’t About Discipline
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
In this episode, I’m talking about impulsive spending, but not in the way it’s usually framed.
This isn’t about budgeting tips or learning to “just say no.”
It’s about the nervous system.
The hyper-focus.
The urgency.
The moment your brain becomes completely convinced that something is necessary, not optional.
And what happens afterwards.
The shame.
The self-talk.
The internal punishment that often hurts more than the purchase itself.
If you’ve ever felt like:
- You know what’s happening but can’t stop yourself
- The urge feels bigger than logic
- The aftermath is harsher than the action
This episode is for you.
No fixing.
No discipline plans.
Just naming what many people experience quietly.
If this conversation brings up questions for you, you’re welcome to write to Dear Ilja, anonymously if you prefer. I read every message and respond on the podcast.
Take care of yourself after listening.
And as always - until next spiral.
Free Guide
You’re Not Too Much. You Were Just Never Met Fully.
A short guide for anyone who has ever felt too sensitive, too intense, or too much in relationships.
Download it here:
https://iljaabbattista.co.uk/youre-not-too-much-free-guide/
🎧 Subscribe, share, and spiral with me.
Dating on High Alert explores relationships, life, neurodivergence, trauma, masking, nervous systems, and what it actually means to build safety in love after survival.
For neurodivergent people, trauma survivors, partners, and couples trying to understand each other more deeply.
🖤 Explore support, coaching, and resources:
https://iljaabbattista.co.uk/resources
📩 Join the podcast mailing list:
https://iljaabbattista.co.uk/truth-led-podcast-sign-up/
🎙️ Submit a guest pitch or podcast topic:
https://iljaabbattista.co.uk/podcast-dating-on-high-alert/#submitastory
🎧 Support the podcast:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2463815/supporters/new
📱 Instagram:
@iljaabbattista
📬 Contact:
letsconnect@iljaabbattista.co.uk
Until next spiral,
Ilja x