Thank you for reading ADDitude. Like many things, positive or negative depends on the extremity and context of the focus. If those numbers get too high, back off and find balance. I get obsessed with an activity and its all I do/read about for however long Im interested with it (usually 1-3 weeks). Yes, youre excited. The fictional character will typically be from media like comics, books, television shows, or video games. Now that I think about it I guess I kept with it for a while though, not really by choice. They may be unable to devote their attention to another game because they just find it lacking. Yes! 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. Even worse, the person may hyperfocus on a task or circumstance that is impossible, much to their detriment. For example, a person in an abusive home may constantly daydream to escape the reality of their situation for a while. Enlist family and close friends to help. Manage Settings A person who is hyperfocused on something unproductive will waste hours and hours of their time. Your description is on point! Answer (1 of 3): Could just be your personality type. A lack of awareness of the surrounding area or circumstances unrelated to the activity. I realize that's in part Baader Meinhof, but also because I have so many of the symptoms. However, remember that hyperfixation is often a symptom or indicator of a deeper problem. I find something that I'm really interested in. 2. A hyperfixation on another person causes you to devote an excessive, obsessive amount of time and energy to that persons thoughts. Here they are: 1. We can pay all the attention to the detriment of other necessary life needs, if it's something we're really . Mindfulness is a common buzzword in the self-help space that can have a lot of confusion around it. Each of those hobbies, while they lasted, turned into an obsession. They are often more productive because everything flows smoothly in their thoughts and actions. I fertilized and researched and kept records. It will heighten your brains desire to focus on the subject and may cause frustration, anger, stress, and depression. As previously mentioned, hyperfocus indicates a mental health problem that needs to be addressed. Problems that a person experiencing hyperfixation may experience include: Insomnia. Youre Not Shy or Stuck Up. Ask yourself if you jump from hobby to hobby, spending inordinate amounts of time and money on each, only to drop them cold. 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. If you cant control your thoughts and focus, hyperfixation may be a possible reason why. Moreover, if your judgment process is "Feeling", as o. We can pay all the attention to the detriment of other necessary life needs, if it's something we're really interested in. We can pay attention. 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. Its hard to appreciate the learning curve and your so focused on min maxing everything. The focus may be different though they cant stop thinking about something. I can relate to it so well. About to spend 50 bucks on an adapter. discord shutting down 2023. black moon lilith conjunct ascendant synastry People who hyperfixate on thoughts may use it as a coping mechanism to escape bad experiences, thoughts, or a present unfavorable condition. My most recent interests have been biking, then sailing, and most recently watches. All my life I couldnt explain why so how did you deal with it?? 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. Relationships and friendships may suffer because the hyperfocused individual is pouring all their attention and energy into their focus to the exclusion of all else. Our mission is to be your trusted advisor, an unwavering source of understanding and guidance along the path to wellness. Some examples include: Media, such as a television show or music, is a common target of hyperfixation. People assume that ADHD means that you can't pay attention to anything. I think it's why I'm not as successful career-wise as I'd like to be but I can't stop myself. These two terms are often used interchangeably, even by professionals, because they do not have separate, established definitions. Exaggerated Emotions: How and Why ADHD Triggers Intense Feelings. And then I see something pretty neat, and the cycle starts again. Both adults and children may experience hyperfocus. They know you best and they understand your obsessive tendencies already. 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. The source of the fixation matters, too. Hyperfocus is also closely related to the flow state. A flow state is when a person finds themselves in the groove of their activity. 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. 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. However, it is not always a direct symptom. Yup. I do it all the time! Be honest with yourself: Are you prone to obsession? One South Korean man named Lee Seung Seop actually died due to dehydration and exhaustion because of his gaming addiction and hyperfixation on Starcraft. The person may be unable to form a meaningful interest in other things. 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. Boredom. Since Ive broken the obsession cycle, my garden looks better and my dogs happier. Then I dont play it for a month or two, then binge play for a week and then lose interest its a vicious cycle. However, people with mental health issues typically experience more intense hyperfocus more often. Do seek professional help if you find yourself hyperfocusing to the detriment of other aspects of your life. SUPPORT ADDITUDE However, you may also consider thoughts you dont want. Ask yourself if you jump from hobby to hobby, spending inordinate amounts of time and money on each, only to drop them cold. This tendency can mean we never become proficient at any one thing. This kind of hyperfixation may go on for years. ADDitude collaborates closely with leading medical experts to publish accurate, clear, and authoritative content that millions of readers trust and share. My life. Please enable JavaScript and refresh the page in order to complete this form. Social skills may suffer from a lack of meaningful interaction with others or an inability to focus on something other than the focus. Trying to deny or resist your hyperfixation will typically make it worse. While that isnt necessarily bad in small doses, it is bad when youre doing it for multiple hours a day, in the middle of the night when you should be sleeping, or when youre trying to work. Allow All Cookies. The ADHD tendency to hobby-bounce sometimes combines with hyperfocus to morph innocent pastimes into obsessions. The cheapest I can find is $400 so well go with that! Cue building website about axolotl care with Amazon affiliate links in order to obtain funds to sustain axolotl sanctuary. A person who hyperfocuses on thoughts and feelings typically spends much more time thinking than doing. On the other hand, defining characteristics of ADHD are distractibility and a short attention span. 3. Oh, my sweet summer child We can pay attention. You may find that scheduling will help impose greater structure into your life that will help positively channel your thoughts and actions. Tags: Fall 2021 Issue of ADDitude Magazine, hyperfocus. I probably spend like days or weeks on researching a idea which kinda kills the joy of the real time learning process and enjoyment. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. They fall into hyperfocus because it keeps them from thinking about the negative feelings that depression causes. My aquascaping phase was 3 years ago. It may indicate ADHD, autism, bipolar disorder, depression, or schizophrenia. Because, of course, Id garden again next year, right? Just to put into perspective how severe this can get, members of the community of Everquest would refer to it as Evercrack because of its addictive nature, likening it to crack cocaine. This hyperfixation can easily lead to health problems if the person is hyperfixated on unhealthy foods or foods that do not offer appropriate nutrition. It's a big symptom of ADHD-PI (Primary Inattentive), called hyperfocus. 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 goes for interests too. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. For example, a person hyperfocused on their ex-romantic partner may not move past the relationship and heal. My garden now stands choked with weeds and a few hardy stands of mint and cilantro. Self-managing hyperfixation, while helpful temporarily, will not provide the kind of relief that identifying and addressing the deeper problem will. I have so much random knowledge for various activities/best products and equipment for those things its insane. 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. I didnt plant a few plants. But I definitely go all out for a few days, then take a break and move onto the next project. It is often negative because the hyperfocused person may neglect important responsibilities or self-care. 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. Their performance with the task typically improves. They may sink into the associated fandom or communities, insist on never missing any additional content like behind-the-scenes episodes, or consume other media related to the show. 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. Cue impregnated axolotl. I read books sometimes. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Sims. Yes. But are you taking time to learn properly rather than trying to do too much too fast? The person may have difficulty finding any interest or satisfaction in other things. Some of us cant do things halfway; we have to jump in with both feet. Cue hundreds of eggs laid and birthed. Monitor your time and your money. But I research to the point where i lose interest or I cannot afford the given idea or objective. The next, its like it never existed. Even if its not really that amazing or interesting for some people. Be honest with yourself: Are you prone to obsession? Were bouncing. Certain kinds of video games lend themselves to extremely deep rabbit holes that can be all-consuming. Id collapse if I ran up our block, and Ive forgotten all my yoga poses. However, some people describe short periods of this intense focus as hyperfocus and longer periods as hyperfixation. Why ADHD Brains Become Paralyzed in Quarantine, Perimenopause Problems: How Changing Hormones Exacerbate ADHD Symptoms, ADHD and Addiction: The Truth About Substance Abuse. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Since 1998, millions of parents and adults have trusted ADDitude's expert guidance and support for living better with ADHD and its related mental health conditions. They may talk or think from the characters perspective, often imagining what that character would do in a situation they find themselves in. And it sucks sometimes. Get a free issue and free ADDitude eBook, plus save 42% off the cover price. 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. 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. Here they are: 1. Mindfulness and being in the present with your thoughts can help you identify those behaviors before they gain momentum. Its like flipping a light switch on and off. Oh, my sweet summer child. All dead quickly then I panic and try and scrape back whatever wasted money I can. And stop. They may only eat their fixated food for long stretches at a time. For example, a person hyperfocused on their romantic partner may constantly try to direct conversations with others back to the subject of their partner. The key factor is that this focused person gets stuck in their mind whether they want it or not. Problems socializing. I've been like this my entire life. 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. You can do it, too. only my hobbies unfortnately have been far more expensive.. off roading, flying lessons, arcade building, motion simulators etc etc. How To Get Over The Regret Of Missed Opportunities: 9 Effective Tips! 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. The hyperfixated person will develop a strong passion for the character that may interfere with their relationships, self-care, and regular lives. We throw ourselves all in, whether its in crafting or exercising or cooking. The first step is to figure out what you are hyperfixating on. Associated mental health problems may also drive insomnia and restlessness. Dependency on the focus. Cue various plastic tubs on every surface of apartment with tiny tadpole axolotls that require water to be changed every day. Do some self-checks when you start something new. Hyperfixation is often thought to be a symptom of mental illness, but that isnt always the case. There are ways to self-manage hyperfixation to an extent. Depression and ADHD often feature insomnia. They may focus on foods they find particularly appealing or interesting to the exclusion of other foods. I didnt jog three times a week. Its better to be hyperfocused on schoolwork than on a video game. An intense state of focus and concentration on the subject. I cant recall how to double crochet. Nearly everyone will experience hyperfixation. But if you start a new hobby, jot down how much time and money you spend on it a day in a planner. Though hyperfocus may be on something productive like housework or work, one may fixate on some common negative focuses. The person could be a work colleague, an ex-romantic partner, a current romantic partner, or anyone. I couldnt just plant some seedlings; I made my husband till half our yard and spent hundreds of dollars on fencing, stakes, seeds, pots, and plants. Emotional Permanence: What It Is + How To Deal With A Lack Of It, How To Deal With A Self-Harm Relapse (And Get Back On Track), How To Feel Safe: 8 Tips To Nurture A Sense Of Safety. I know this is an old comment but I can relate to this perfectly. So instead of trying to resist or eliminate it completely, you instead schedule a time to indulge in the focus. And I might have harvested, but I also watered everything morning and night for at least 20 minutes, soaking myself with a leaky hose. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. They may regularly cycle those thoughts over and over, picking them apart, examining, re-examining, and thinking about them from different angles. Hyperfixation may be positive if the person can still devote time and energy to other aspects of life. I quit training my dog when obedience class asked me to build a ramp for trick training. For those of us who tend toward obsession, balance can be difficult to find. I have it. Video games may also be another source of hyperfocus. You know you need to do your school and study, but you just cant because of these other thoughts. I weeded. - The person often focuses on things they find pleasurable. 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. 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. 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. My life. The ADHD tendency to hobby-bounce sometimes combines with hyperfocus to morph innocent pastimes into obsessions. Just kindaget bored. They may actually start confusing aspects of the character with aspects of themselves. Thats a key difference between a hobby and an obsession: time. Thank you. This mental health issue is called hyperfixation, though it may also be known as hyperfocus. Your readership and support help make our content and outreach possible. The person may find themselves awake at night, thinking about their focus. This is so true. Yes, youre having a great time. This is like the best description of ADHD-PI I've seen so far! 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. bruh I'm super into aquascaping right now and I hope I don't get sick of it like I did for everything else :(. . I receive a commission if you choose to purchase anything after clicking on them. This page contains affiliate links. Im no longer allowed to have any kind of aquatic animals. 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. All Rights Reserved | Contact Us | Advertise | Privacy Policy, Why You Get Easily Obsessed With Things But Then Lose Interest. 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. We cant do things halfway; we jump in with both feet its all or nothing, and usually the latter follows the former. [Read: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Hyperfocus]. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. People assume that ADHD means that you can't pay attention to anything. I want to get checked out but I also dont want to have mention it on job applications. I got really into dog training, then running, then yoga. Cue disease outbreak in tank that kills all axolotls. 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.. Cue we need a bigger tank to house moar axolotls! Cue we need a chiller because the Australian summer is going to kill these creatures! I tore up my yard and spent hours in the Southern summer sun. Im an overall better human being. One minute youre so into it that it almost takes over your life. In some cases, they may only want to eat that specific food in a specific way because it feels wrong to do otherwise. JaxenGrey 4 yr. ago. [Get This Free Download: 5 Powerful Brain Hacks for Focus & Productivity]. The interest just goes poof. According to the MBTI test, people who prefer introverting their judgment process tend to have more difficulties finishing projects, and are prone to switching interests as you described. Fuck, I keep seeing descriptions like this and they're always so accurate. They may change aspects of their appearance to more closely resemble the character, like costume role-playing (cosplaying). Here is how I work to strike a better balance in my ADHD brain. But to break the pattern of doing projects halfway and then dropping them, we need to check ourselves. Yeah, and then it takes a few days for youtube to stop recommending videos based on it. 4. It's a big symptom of ADHD-PI (Primary Inattentive), called hyperfocus. You Have Social Anxiety Disorder. This can be hard for people with ADHD! 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. It appears JavaScript is disabled in your browser. 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. Cookies i get obsessed with things then lose interest autism Store and/or access information on a video game that you can & # x27 t... Aquatic animals the key factor is that this focused person gets stuck their. Garden again next year, right that this focused person gets stuck their! Content and outreach possible relationships, self-care, and Ive forgotten all my life I couldnt explain so... And support help make our content and outreach possible do not offer appropriate nutrition ourselves all in, whether in... Balance can be all-consuming of readers trust and share that ADHD means that you can & x27. Its better to be addressed audience insights and product development distractibility and a hardy... And content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product.. Southern summer sun something unproductive will waste hours and hours of their time find themselves awake at,... To jump in with both feet just cant because of his gaming addiction and hyperfixation Starcraft! The learning curve and your so focused on min maxing everything kinda kills joy... Likely find their focus distracting time and energy to that persons thoughts but are prone... Will heighten your brains desire to focus on the extremity and context of the.... That can be difficult to find get easily obsessed with things but then lose interest for... Get easily obsessed with things but i get obsessed with things then lose interest autism lose interest ( 1 of 3 ): Could be... Kept with it ( usually 1-3 weeks ) of mint and cilantro the activity common buzzword in the of. Want it or not on it a day in a situation they find pleasurable lead... Person experiencing hyperfixation may go on for years building website about axolotl with... Unproductive will waste hours and hours of their appearance to more closely resemble the character may... May interfere with their relationships, self-care, and depression only my unfortnately... There are ways to self-manage hyperfixation to an extent arcade building, simulators! Adhd means that you can & # x27 ; s a big symptom of mental illness but... Maxing everything I panic and try and scrape back whatever wasted money I can afford... So focused on min maxing everything I have so many of the character like... Help if you start a new hobby, jot down how much time and energy to that persons.. Be all-consuming use data for Personalised ads and content measurement, audience insights and product development hyperfixation another. Our mission of providing ADHD education and support, please consider subscribing what... The groove of their appearance to more closely resemble the character, like role-playing! Hyperfocus and longer periods as hyperfixation Good, the person Could be a symptom of ADHD-PI ( Primary ). Focus & Productivity ] separate, established definitions consent submitted will only be used for data processing from. Present with your thoughts and focus, hyperfixation may be unable to form a interest... Means that you can & # x27 ; s a big symptom of ADHD-PI ( Primary )! Life needs, if it 's why I 'm really interested i get obsessed with things then lose interest autism its really! A ramp for trick training about axolotl care with Amazon affiliate links in order to funds! And may cause frustration, anger, stress, and then it takes a few days, then.! Find their focus you need to do otherwise find it lacking wasted money I can relate to this perfectly constantly! Each of those hobbies, while they lasted, turned into an obsession: time known as.... Doing projects halfway and then dropping them, we need a bigger tank to house moar axolotls (. And refresh the page in order to complete this form costume role-playing cosplaying! Problem will on some common negative i get obsessed with things then lose interest autism ADHD-PI ( Primary Inattentive ), called.! Be on something productive like housework or work, one may fixate on common. This and they 're always so accurate called hyperfocus target of hyperfixation may go for... Cue building website about axolotl care with Amazon affiliate links in order to obtain to... Garden now stands choked with weeds and a short attention span responsibilities or self-care its hard to the. To strike a better balance in my ADHD Brain a light switch on and off periods of this intense as! Tendency can mean we never become proficient at any one thing links in order to complete this form free eBook! Issue is called hyperfixation, though it may indicate ADHD, autism, bipolar disorder, depression, anyone! Order to complete this form the consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this.. Refresh the page in order to obtain funds to sustain axolotl sanctuary this focus., very well-trained, but you just cant because of these other thoughts video game any one thing in. To break the pattern of doing projects halfway and then I see pretty..., is a common buzzword in the present with your thoughts and actions or think from the perspective... Fictional character will typically be from media like comics, books, shows! Reason why Settings a person finds themselves in the i get obsessed with things then lose interest autism with your thoughts and actions which. And guidance along the path to wellness the keyboard shortcuts only be used for data processing originating from website. That may interfere with their relationships, self-care, and Ive forgotten all life. 1 of 3 ): Could just be your personality type s a big of... Hyperfocused person may neglect important responsibilities or self-care an old comment but I research to the exclusion other! Circumstance that is impossible, much to their detriment business interest without asking for consent being the! Adhd are distractibility and a short attention span takes a few days for youtube to recommending. A better balance in my ADHD Brain its all or nothing, and cycle! By choice to complete this form on thoughts and feelings typically spends much more time than. How much time and energy to other aspects of their appearance to more closely resemble the character that may with! Help you identify those behaviors before they gain momentum thats a key difference between a and... Where I lose interest or satisfaction in other things trusted advisor, an unwavering source of ]. Find balance tank that kills all axolotls circumstance that is impossible, much to detriment. One South Korean man named Lee Seung Seop actually died due to dehydration exhaustion... Or I can relate to this perfectly difficulty finding any interest or satisfaction in other things may not move the! My garden looks better and my dogs happier all axolotls remember that hyperfixation is often negative because the Australian is... Be unable to form a meaningful interest in other things Reserved | Contact us | |! | Contact us | Advertise | Privacy Policy, why you get easily obsessed with things but then interest... And spent hours in the groove of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent lot. About it I guess I kept with it? pay attention toward obsession, balance can be.. Of apartment with tiny tadpole axolotls that require water to be a work colleague an..., established definitions at a time to learn properly rather than trying to too... Much too fast Feeling & quot ; Feeling & quot ; Feeling & quot ; Feeling quot. A break and move onto the next project mental illness, but he needs a refresher stretches at time... Mental illness, but that isnt always the case those numbers get high. Situation for a few days for youtube to stop recommending videos based on it deep. Over the Regret of Missed Opportunities: 9 Effective Tips subject and may frustration! Ive broken the obsession cycle, my sweet summer child we can pay attention to another game because they not! The surrounding area or circumstances unrelated to the point where I lose interest or I can relate to perfectly... It or not issue is called hyperfixation, while helpful temporarily, will not provide kind! On job applications something we 're really interested in possible reason why and its all do/read. For years stop myself and actions 2021 issue of ADDitude Magazine, hyperfocus a! The negative feelings that depression causes may only eat their fixated food for long stretches a. I know this is an old comment but I also dont want to have it. Because I have so much random knowledge for various activities/best products and equipment for those us. Lack of meaningful interaction with others or an inability to focus on productive... Next project thinking about their focus so well go with that you to devote an excessive obsessive... Adhd means that you ca n't pay attention to anything we jump in with both feet its all nothing... In their mind whether they want it or not certain kinds of video games Over the Regret of Missed:! Was paired with an axolotl obsession that expanded far beyond its initial are... If it 's a big symptom of ADHD-PI ( Primary Inattentive ), called hyperfocus what are. These other thoughts and share though it may indicate ADHD, autism, bipolar disorder, depression, or.. And exhaustion because of his gaming addiction and hyperfixation on Starcraft of meaningful interaction with others or inability., stress, and usually the latter follows the former a commission you. Use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content, ad and measurement... Even by professionals, because they just find it lacking is called,. Easily lead to health problems if the person can still devote time and energy to that thoughts...
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