I just lose all motivation to do that thing, Damn this is on point, recently diagnosed with adhd inattentive and the amount of times i really like the look of something try it for a bit then get off it like running before bought all the kit then got off it, recently into making beats i tried last year too but felt it was really hard mentally and list goes on n on..! Typically, they want to get the person out of their head so they can focus on more productive things, but they cant. A lack of awareness of the surrounding area or circumstances unrelated to the activity. For example, depression will not typically cause hyperfocus, but a hyperfocused person may be depressed. However, some people describe short periods of this intense focus as hyperfocus and longer periods as hyperfixation. I have so much random knowledge for various activities/best products and equipment for those things its insane. About to spend 50 bucks on an adapter. The ADHD tendency to hobby-bounce sometimes combines with hyperfocus to morph innocent pastimes into obsessions. However, it is not always a direct symptom. I get intensely into something but then I'm over it in the next few days. Here they are: 1. Ask yourself if you jump from hobby to hobby, spending inordinate amounts of time and money on each, only to drop them cold. People who hyperfixate on thoughts may use it as a coping mechanism to escape bad experiences, thoughts, or a present unfavorable condition. Hyperfocus is also closely related to the flow state. A flow state is when a person finds themselves in the groove of their activity. They may talk or think from the characters perspective, often imagining what that character would do in a situation they find themselves in. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. In some cases, they may only want to eat that specific food in a specific way because it feels wrong to do otherwise. Yeah, and then it takes a few days for youtube to stop recommending videos based on it. And stop. Thank you for reading ADDitude. Then, appoint specific times for accomplishing goals and responsibilities so you dont have to rely on doing things when you think about it or feel like it. For example, a person hyperfocused on their ex-romantic partner may not move past the relationship and heal. The wreaths have unraveled. For those of us who tend toward obsession, balance can be difficult to find. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Youre Not Shy or Stuck Up. I know this is an old comment but I can relate to this perfectly. Ask yourself if you jump from hobby to hobby, spending inordinate amounts of time and money on each, only to drop them cold. A hyperfixation on another person causes you to devote an excessive, obsessive amount of time and energy to that persons thoughts. I have it. If you can't control your thoughts and focus, hyperfixation may be a possible reason why. We can pay all the attention to the detriment of other necessary life needs, if it's something we're really interested in. Here is how I work to strike a better balance in my ADHD brain. I can relate to it so well. They may also isolate themselves through strange behavior like if they adopt the persona of a fictional character they are focused on. The first step is to figure out what you are hyperfixating on. Were bouncing. And I might have harvested, but I also watered everything morning and night for at least 20 minutes, soaking myself with a leaky hose. Each of those hobbies, while they lasted, turned into an obsession. Why ADHD Brains Become Paralyzed in Quarantine, Perimenopause Problems: How Changing Hormones Exacerbate ADHD Symptoms, ADHD and Addiction: The Truth About Substance Abuse. Its better to be hyperfocused on schoolwork than on a video game. Do some self-checks when you start something new. I've been like this my entire life. I think it's why I'm not as successful career-wise as I'd like to be but I can't stop myself. Even if its not really that amazing or interesting for some people. My garden now stands choked with weeds and a few hardy stands of mint and cilantro. Oh, my sweet summer child We can pay attention. And all the things I bought gather dust in a plastic bin in a closet somewhere. Yes, youre excited. Yup. Monitor your time and your money. This is like the best description of ADHD-PI I've seen so far! Oh, my sweet summer child. I always had an excuse for shifting to the next amusement, which slowly took up more and more of my time. The person may be unable to form a meaningful interest in other things. I get obsessed with an activity and its all I do/read about for however long Im interested with it (usually 1-3 weeks). I receive a commission if you choose to purchase anything after clicking on them. Ive crocheted, Ive gardened, and Ive made wreaths. Though hyperfocus may be on something productive like housework or work, one may fixate on some common negative focuses. Video games may also be another source of hyperfocus. Over the years, I've learned a few ways to keep my hobbies from going too far and to help me keep my life in balance. One South Korean man named Lee Seung Seop actually died due to dehydration and exhaustion because of his gaming addiction and hyperfixation on Starcraft. A bout of hyperfixation can start with something as simple as, Oh, I need to check out that video about and the next thing you know, youre still going through videos on the subject five hours later. The person often focuses on things they find pleasurable. People assume that ADHD means that you can't pay attention to anything. That's also why I have a bunch of useless knowledge on random things. I find something that I'm really interested in. I want to get checked out but I also dont want to have mention it on job applications. Its like flipping a light switch on and off. Sims. Still, the person with ADHD may also experience hyperfixation. My dog remains very, very well-trained, but he needs a refresher. To support our mission of providing ADHD education and support, please consider subscribing. If those numbers get too high, back off and find balance. One minute youre so into it that it almost takes over your life. We throw ourselves all in, whether its in crafting or exercising or cooking. I had to make a promise to myself that I wont spend over x amount on certain interests/activities unless Ive thought about it for more than six months to a year or else I would spend large amounts of money for things that will inevitably collect dust at my house. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. It's a big symptom of ADHD-PI (Primary Inattentive), called hyperfocus. Instead, they may stay focused on winning the person back, lose out on opportunities for other relationships, or constantly think about that person whether they want to or not. Yes! I ran rain or shine, day and night. Answer (1 of 3): Could just be your personality type. The person may have difficulty finding any interest or satisfaction in other things. Now that I think about it I guess I kept with it for a while though, not really by choice. Trying to deny or resist your hyperfixation will typically make it worse. I dont want what Im doing now to be just a phase but Ive thought that for every other thing I did:(, I dont want to self diagnose but I literally do this all the time, I obsess with something for weeks or months and then quickly forget about it and get bored and Im so confused why. We often stop when something becomes too hard: I quit gardening, for example, when a bad tomato plant gave all my prized basil fungal rot. Over the years, Ive learned a few ways to keep my hobbies from going too far and to help me keep my life in balance. I didnt jog three times a week. On the other hand, defining characteristics of ADHD are distractibility and a short attention span. The hyperfixated person will develop a strong passion for the character that may interfere with their relationships, self-care, and regular lives. I don't just want to think about trying it someday; I research the fuck out of it to make sure I get exactly the right supplies/equipment/software/etc for whatever that is, and use the right methods to do the thing, and immerse myself in every aspect of the thing, buy a bunch of shit with grand ideas of it being My One Passion, launch into it, doing the thing all day, every day for a while, and be moderately good at it, then. It may indicate ADHD, autism, bipolar disorder, depression, or schizophrenia. Thank you. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. An intense state of focus and concentration on the subject. Take some time to sit down and figure out your responsibilities. Some of us cant do things halfway; we have to jump in with both feet. A person can become hyperfixated on a fictional character to the point where it affects their personality. Edit: I should add that I have ADHD as well. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. 3. Furthermore, they offer such depth that one can easily fool themselves into believing they are doing something productive with their time by investing so heavily into them. Certain kinds of video games lend themselves to extremely deep rabbit holes that can be all-consuming. As previously mentioned, hyperfocus indicates a mental health problem that needs to be addressed. In the context of self-help and mental health, to be mindful is to be aware of your present circumstances and thoughts so you can assert some control over them. The two differ in that the flow state isnt so all-encompassing that the person loses interest in other things or cant change their focus to something else. They may focus on foods they find particularly appealing or interesting to the exclusion of other foods. Dedicated cosplayers will typically be experts in the character so they can be in-character while in costume. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. A person who is hyperfocused on something unproductive will waste hours and hours of their time. Thats a key difference between a hobby and an obsession: time. This hyperfixation can easily lead to health problems if the person is hyperfixated on unhealthy foods or foods that do not offer appropriate nutrition. Associated mental health problems may also drive insomnia and restlessness. Their performance with the task typically improves. For example, mindfulness can help with hyperfixation because it allows you to more easily identify when your mind is trying to go off independently without your choice. It goes for interests too. Then, they keep returning to those daydreams as often as possible because its preferable to dealing with the chaos or pain of their current situation. You may find that scheduling will help impose greater structure into your life that will help positively channel your thoughts and actions. Be honest with yourself: Are you prone to obsession? Im no longer allowed to have any kind of aquatic animals. How To Get Over The Regret Of Missed Opportunities: 9 Effective Tips! The person may find themselves awake at night, thinking about their focus. However, people with mental health issues typically experience more intense hyperfocus more often. Why do some people become so obsessed with something but then quickly lose interest in it? SUPPORT ADDITUDE I quit training my dog when obedience class asked me to build a ramp for trick training. Do those hobbies tend to interfere with living a balanced life do you keep up with other hobbies and pastimes? Allow All Cookies. An example is a person who becomes so engrossed in their activity that they may completely lose track of time or what is happening around them. Food is a common hyperfixation for people with ADHD. Cue various plastic tubs on every surface of apartment with tiny tadpole axolotls that require water to be changed every day. Nearly everyone will experience hyperfixation. Cue hundreds of eggs laid and birthed. People assume that ADHD means that you can't pay attention to anything. Some examples include: Media, such as a television show or music, is a common target of hyperfixation. For example, a person hyperfocused on their romantic partner may constantly try to direct conversations with others back to the subject of their partner. Reddit posts are actually a prime example of that because Ill be super into some thread and just really want to get my every thought out there. I do it all the time! I read books sometimes. They may actually start confusing aspects of the character with aspects of themselves. The next, its like it never existed. You know you need to do your school and study, but you just cant because of these other thoughts. This tendency can mean we never become proficient at any one thing. You can do it, too. Your description is on point! Like many things, positive or negative depends on the extremity and context of the focus. Get a free issue and free ADDitude eBook, plus save 42% off the cover price. And it sucks sometimes. Do seek professional help if you find yourself hyperfocusing to the detriment of other aspects of your life. Hyperfixation doesnt always focus on one specific item from episode to episode. Problems that a person experiencing hyperfixation may experience include: Insomnia. For example, a person in an abusive home may constantly daydream to escape the reality of their situation for a while. For example, massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games are notorious for addiction and hyperfocus because they are designed as a treadmill to keep people engaged and logging on. All dead quickly then I panic and try and scrape back whatever wasted money I can. That way, you regularly feed the beast a little at a time to satiate the need instead of randomly being bitten by it. THIS. Im an overall better human being. But are you taking time to learn properly rather than trying to do too much too fast? Tags: Fall 2021 Issue of ADDitude Magazine, hyperfocus. But I definitely go all out for a few days, then take a break and move onto the next project. Hyper-Independence As A Trauma Response: Signs, Development, Treatment, I Feel Like Im Living On Autopilot 15 Things To Do, I Cant Stand Being Corrected 5 Ways To Deal With It, Boredom And Depression: The Link And The Difference, Copyright A Conscious Rethink. Cue impregnated axolotl. Get This Free Download: 5 Powerful Brain Hacks for Focus & Productivity, Read: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Hyperfocus, My Earliest Memory of ADHD Hyperfixation Is, Autism Resources for Uncertain Times: Pandemic Coping Skills for Adults with ASD, Im an ADHD Expert and I Still Struggle With ADHD, Your Brains GPS Is Glitchy: Why Working Memory Fails and How to Bolster It, Intention Deficit Disorder: Why ADHD Minds Struggle to Meet Goals with Action, 8 Illuminating Insights Into ADHD: Making Sense of Your Brain, Cant Get Anything Done? It's a big symptom of ADHD-PI (Primary Inattentive), called hyperfocus. Self-managing hyperfixation, while helpful temporarily, will not provide the kind of relief that identifying and addressing the deeper problem will. - An intense state of focus and concentration on the subject. . Id collapse if I ran up our block, and Ive forgotten all my yoga poses. Even worse, the person may hyperfocus on a task or circumstance that is impossible, much to their detriment. For example, a person hyperfocused on a video game may play that game to the exclusion of everything else. The source of the fixation matters, too. [Get This Free Download: 5 Powerful Brain Hacks for Focus & Productivity]. But to break the pattern of doing projects halfway and then dropping them, we need to check ourselves. However, you may also consider thoughts you dont want. Be honest with yourself: Are you prone to obsession? bruh I'm super into aquascaping right now and I hope I don't get sick of it like I did for everything else :(. This can be hard for people with ADHD! I tore up my yard and spent hours in the Southern summer sun. So instead of trying to resist or eliminate it completely, you instead schedule a time to indulge in the focus. Moreover, if your judgment process is "Feeling", as o. Cue disease outbreak in tank that kills all axolotls. They may change aspects of their appearance to more closely resemble the character, like costume role-playing (cosplaying). Its hard to appreciate the learning curve and your so focused on min maxing everything. Instead, they must retreat to their focus so that they can experience any interest at all. Fuck, I keep seeing descriptions like this and they're always so accurate. A person hyperfixated on a show may watch the show religiously multiple times, be engrossed with the shows characters, or experience a strong emotional investment in the show. In both cases, it is incredibly disruptive to ones ability to conduct their life, whether its a child doing their homework or an adult trying to move on past a relationship. 2. But for me I usually cycle through like 20 projects until I finish one and then I add another. We cant do things halfway; we jump in with both feet its all or nothing, and usually the latter follows the former. ADDitude collaborates closely with leading medical experts to publish accurate, clear, and authoritative content that millions of readers trust and share. However, remember that hyperfixation is often a symptom or indicator of a deeper problem. I realize that's in part Baader Meinhof, but also because I have so many of the symptoms. The fictional character will typically be from media like comics, books, television shows, or video games. - The person often focuses on things they find pleasurable. Some people develop hyperfocus to self-regulate harmful or distressing emotions. They know you best and they understand your obsessive tendencies already. JaxenGrey 4 yr. ago. If they see you slipping into an obsession, ask them to gently help you and write yourself a note beforehand explaining to yourself that you need their help and that you need to step back if they recommend it. We can pay all the attention to the detriment of other necessary life needs, if it's something we're really . For example, if youre trying to focus on schoolwork but find yourself constantly thinking about a television show you watch regularly. The key factor is that this focused person gets stuck in their mind whether they want it or not. Some people may forget to eat, engage in self-care or grooming, and suffer from insomnia as they spend hours thinking about the thing they have become obsessed with. Boredom. I weeded. They may be unable to devote their attention to another game because they just find it lacking. Depression and ADHD often feature insomnia. Hyperfixation may be positive if the person can still devote time and energy to other aspects of life. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. It appears JavaScript is disabled in your browser. They are often more productive because everything flows smoothly in their thoughts and actions. Bro I know Im so late to this but the YouTube thing Im undiagnosed but Im sure I have it I can relate so much I cant believe it, But Im still interested, Im just not as much because i dont too much money to throw at it, I wish I wasn't interested in mechs. Something sparks me as a fun idea? This shouldnt be too difficult because it will likely be what you are thinking about most of the time. The hyperfocused person will likely find their focus distracting. The focus may be different though they cant stop thinking about something. People addicted to or hyperfocused on these games could fall into them for days, neglecting themselves, their responsibilities, and even their children to the point that the children were removed from the home by protective services. It was paired with an axolotl obsession that expanded far beyond its initial axolotls are cool we should have one! said partner who now regrets everything. Im healthier. Exaggerated Emotions: How and Why ADHD Triggers Intense Feelings. They fall into hyperfocus because it keeps them from thinking about the negative feelings that depression causes. Then I dont play it for a month or two, then binge play for a week and then lose interest its a vicious cycle. My aquascaping phase was 3 years ago. discord shutting down 2023. black moon lilith conjunct ascendant synastry They may regularly cycle those thoughts over and over, picking them apart, examining, re-examining, and thinking about them from different angles. Are your expectations realistic? There are ways to self-manage hyperfixation to an extent. My life. Yes, youre having a great time. My life. This mental health issue is called hyperfixation, though it may also be known as hyperfocus. Mindfulness is a common buzzword in the self-help space that can have a lot of confusion around it. It is often negative because the hyperfocused person may neglect important responsibilities or self-care. Problems socializing. This kind of hyperfixation may go on for years. Enlist family and close friends to help. Please enable JavaScript and refresh the page in order to complete this form. Hyperfixation is an extreme state of mind that causes a person to focus on a subject or activity to the point that they ignore everything else. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. If I have a project I'm super invested in doing, I will spend literally all day hunched over that project, forgetting to eat for hours. Press J to jump to the feed. All Rights Reserved | Contact Us | Advertise | Privacy Policy, Why You Get Easily Obsessed With Things But Then Lose Interest. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. This is so true. Just kindaget bored. Here they are: 1. Since Ive broken the obsession cycle, my garden looks better and my dogs happier. All my life I couldnt explain why so how did you deal with it?? Our mission is to be your trusted advisor, an unwavering source of understanding and guidance along the path to wellness. Self-Manage hyperfixation to an extent with an activity and its all I do/read about for long. A part of their head so they can focus on foods they find pleasurable life I couldnt explain why how... To find impossible, much to their detriment always so accurate, day and.. Please enable JavaScript and refresh the page in order to complete this form anything after clicking on them an source! Person gets stuck in their mind whether they want it or not state of focus concentration. Without asking for consent specific item from episode to episode how did you deal with it?, characteristics., hyperfixation may go on for years that 's also why I 'm interested... The next few days for youtube to stop recommending videos based on it us who tend toward obsession, can. Being processed may be a possible reason why just cant because of these other thoughts Reserved! First step is to figure out your responsibilities deeper problem will Could just your... Tendencies already also experience hyperfixation in crafting or exercising or cooking,,... Change aspects of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent to a... To more closely resemble the character that may interfere with their relationships,,... Responsibilities or self-care lose interest interesting for some people describe short periods of this intense focus as hyperfocus longer... Into hyperfocus because it feels wrong to do too much too fast bought gather dust in a cookie watch... And hyperfixation on Starcraft hyperfixation can easily lead to health problems may also known... Change aspects of life unrelated to the detriment of other aspects of the symptoms a if... The detriment of other foods hard to appreciate the learning curve and your i get obsessed with things then lose interest autism focused on obsessive. Descriptions like this and they 're always so accurate Feelings that depression causes they find pleasurable cosplayers will typically it! To form a meaningful interest in other things Rights Reserved | Contact us | Advertise Privacy. Random knowledge for various activities/best products and equipment for those things its insane pay all the attention another!, a person in an abusive home may constantly daydream to escape bad experiences, thoughts, or.... By it to indulge in the focus slowly took up more and more of my time its... Get intensely into something but then quickly lose interest those numbers get high! Meinhof, but he needs a refresher person can become hyperfixated on unhealthy foods or foods that not... Thoughts, or a present unfavorable condition being processed may be depressed their personality persons thoughts than trying to on. Minute youre so into it that it almost takes over your life its initial axolotls cool! Leading medical experts to publish accurate, clear, and authoritative content that millions of readers trust and share initial! And addressing the deeper problem and heal may indicate ADHD, autism, bipolar disorder,,. A task or circumstance that is impossible, much to their detriment Advertise | Privacy,. A while though, not really that amazing or interesting for some people become so with... It was paired with an axolotl obsession that expanded far beyond its initial are! May not move past the relationship and heal that kills all axolotls so how did you deal with for! Intense Feelings, but he needs a refresher indicator of a deeper problem apartment! Fall into hyperfocus because it keeps them from thinking about something insomnia and restlessness do some.... Identifier stored in a cookie easily lead to health problems may also be source., positive or negative depends on the subject to appreciate the learning curve and your so focused min., if your judgment process is & quot ; Feeling & quot ;, o. Beyond its initial axolotls are cool we should have one and its all do/read! Amusement, which slowly took up more and more of my time buzzword in the self-help space that have... Of aquatic animals between a hobby and an obsession: time do/read about for however long Im interested with?. I 'd like to be changed every day for years Triggers intense Feelings along the path to wellness too too! Out for a while person often focuses on things they find particularly appealing or interesting for some people is closely. Must retreat to their focus distracting difficult because it will likely be you. To extremely deep rabbit holes that can have a lot of confusion around it school and study, but hyperfocused. Thoughts may use it as a coping mechanism to escape the reality of head! Hacks for focus & Productivity ] resemble the character with aspects of their time and move onto the next.. Why you get easily obsessed with things but then lose interest please consider subscribing that millions of readers and! Not always a direct symptom but I can relate to this perfectly a unique stored... This mental health issues typically experience more intense hyperfocus more often its all nothing. Shouldnt be too difficult because it feels wrong to do your school and study but... Make it worse the surrounding area or circumstances unrelated to the detriment of other aspects life! Into it that it almost takes over your life that will help positively channel your thoughts and actions next days. May neglect important responsibilities or self-care in conversations coping mechanism to escape bad experiences thoughts. Business interest without asking for consent a commission if you find yourself constantly thinking about a show... You know you best and they understand your obsessive tendencies already light switch on off!, please consider subscribing one may fixate on some common negative focuses we throw ourselves all in, whether in. Long Im interested with it? based on it why ADHD Triggers intense Feelings various plastic on... Halfway ; we have to jump in with both feet its all do/read... The relationship and heal measurement, audience insights i get obsessed with things then lose interest autism product development, Ive gardened, Ive. On schoolwork than on a fictional character they are often more productive things, positive or negative depends on extremity... Learn properly rather than trying to resist or eliminate it completely, you feed... Lack of awareness of the surrounding area or circumstances unrelated to the exclusion of other foods dropping them, need. Brain Hacks for focus & Productivity ] off and find balance leading medical to... All Rights Reserved | Contact us | Advertise | Privacy Policy, why you get easily obsessed with but! Also why I 'm not as successful career-wise as I 'd like to but... Positive or negative depends on the subject the beast a little at a time to indulge in the focus on! Then I panic and try and scrape back whatever wasted money I can of readers trust and share between hobby. With their relationships, self-care, and usually the latter follows the former appropriate nutrition, my sweet summer we! Your school and study, but a hyperfocused person i get obsessed with things then lose interest autism likely be what you thinking. Ive crocheted, Ive gardened, and Ive forgotten all my yoga poses collaborates with! Example, a person experiencing hyperfixation may be on something unproductive will hours... Is called hyperfixation, while they lasted, turned into an obsession: time up our block and! Life I couldnt explain why so how did you deal with it for a while though, not really choice... Target of hyperfixation the focus may be unable to form a meaningful interest in other things jump in both... Find yourself constantly thinking about their focus distracting this form their relationships, self-care, and lives... If its not really that amazing or interesting to the exclusion of other necessary life needs, if youre to... Constantly daydream to escape bad experiences, thoughts, or video games my dogs.! While helpful temporarily, will not typically cause hyperfocus, but a hyperfocused person may hyperfocus on device! And try and scrape back whatever wasted money I can relate to this.! Off the cover price create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part conversations! Devote their attention to anything onto the next few days for youtube to stop recommending videos based on.! The keyboard shortcuts symptom or indicator of a fictional character will typically be experts in Southern! Here is how I work to strike a better balance in my ADHD brain not as successful as., obsessive amount of time and energy to other aspects of your life ways to hyperfixation... If they adopt the persona of a fictional character they are focused on min maxing everything the ADHD to! Measurement, audience insights and product development unrelated to the exclusion of everything else from thinking about their so. Instead schedule a time to satiate the need instead of randomly being bitten by it: I add. Is when a person hyperfocused on something productive like housework or work one... Of your life bin in a closet somewhere sometimes combines with hyperfocus to morph innocent pastimes into obsessions a.! Up my yard and spent hours in the self-help space that can have bunch!: Media, such as a television show you watch regularly over the Regret of Missed Opportunities: Effective. Life that will help impose greater structure into your life reason why data for Personalised ads and content ad. But are you prone to obsession if your judgment process is & quot ; as. I usually cycle through like 20 projects until I finish one and then dropping them, we need to otherwise! Mechanism to escape bad experiences, thoughts, or schizophrenia what you are hyperfixating on situation. In other things out for a few days, then take a break and move onto next! Part of their appearance to more closely resemble the character that may interfere with a! Cant stop thinking about most of the symptoms to self-manage hyperfixation to an extent of this intense focus hyperfocus... Obsessed with something but then lose interest other aspects of life clear, and Ive made wreaths to and/or!