Honestly, Mark’s wall punch could be used as a good example of unregulated ADD/ADHD Rage and how to appropriately handle the aftermath. Those of us with ADHD, although not the unruly/stupid/mean people that neurotypical television portrays us as, have a hard time with emotion regulation due to the extreme nature of our more...outward emotions. Now, it’ll do you good to know that not EVERY adult with ADD shows this rage or even has it, but emotion regulation problems are very much at the core of many diagnosis.
Now, I would totally see Mark lashing out as something to be afraid of if it was a regular thing with him, which it’s not. Amy didn’t even know Mark was an angry teen when he told her and was surprised, meaning that he knows not to unintentionally intimidate and/or scare a partner with his anger. Ethan was caught off guard and didn’t expect it, meaning it’s not something he worries about triggering on a day to day or even month to month basis. That’s important and something that many ADHD adults need to hear: You cannot have a partner that walks on eggshells dailyand call yourself a fit partner. You are not, at that point.
What I really appreciated was Mark apologizing for a 2nd time and taking responsibility for losing his temper in front of Ethan. No finger pointing, no “you kinda caused this”, and no shirking of responsibility. Mark being more gentle with Ethan when he got on the bike was nice and demonstrated a good, healthy cool down with due reflection and well-needed guilt. Again, his outbursts seem more infrequent and are therefore jarring, but it was nice to see a fellow neurodivergent person take responsibility for their action. It’s hard, but it’s a part of being healthy. I hope he takes up more exercise, continues taking medication, and communicates when he’s becoming irritated better. You don’t always have to “Yes And” for the camera, especially when Ethan draws his boundaries in terms of punishments/challenges clearly and without fear for retribution. Mark the Idiot™️ does not draw these boundaries, and got what he deserved.
I just thought that moment was interesting, as somebody interested in psychology. We all can learn to cope and overcome our toxic habits, no matter what stage of life you’re at.