Anyone else feel awful after hyperfocusing? (lemmy.sdf.org)

submitted 1 year ago by WatTyler@lemmy.sdf.org to c/adhd@lemmy.world

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Hi all.

I'll try and be succinct but as I'm sure you all realize that's often easier said than done.

I don't feel like I ever hear my fellow ADHDers discuss how negative an experience hyperfocusing can be.

First off, I never feel like I'm 'enjoying' myself when I hyperfocus. It feels a lot like I'm dreaming. Time moves weirdly, all my senses go askew, and it never feels like I'm in-control.

Then when the focus fades for whatever reason, I feel exhausted. I usually have a headache from the hours of intent concentration. Oftentimes I haven't eaten, had a drink or used the toilet. As I start to come out of it I often feel quite confused and borderline hungover.

It gives me such an existential crisis. An activity is either so boring I can't summon myself to engage with it or it's so absolutely engrossing that it feels like the activity is partaking of me rather than the reverse.

And when I come out of it, to an extent I do feel as if I've been consumed. I don't feel happy or satisfied or fulfilled. I feel tired, confused and uncomfortable.

Can anyone relate? Does anyone have any advice?

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[-] Dagge@lemmy.world 4 points 1 year ago

I haven't had any super long hyperfocus sessions, but I do feel somewhat disoriented when I come back. I feel like it has been better since I started my medication, or I haven't done anything that hyperfocus activated for lately xD

My biggest issue is starting with things on my to do-list, especially if they have been there a long time.

Earlier this year I started listening to Hacking your ADHD and tried a few tips/tools he brought up and it's easier when I keep following them, I usually listen in the car in the morning and when I hear things that I think would help me I'm out of luck because it's usually gone by the time I get out of the car, sometimes I remember to write a small reminder to check it out later.

Sorry if there are any mistakes, English isn't my first language.

this post was submitted on 12 Jul 2023

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