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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[-] boba_bobble@lemmy.fmhy.ml 7 points 1 year ago

I'll never understand why some people talk about hyperfocus like it's a good thing. Sure, I may have gotten the task done but I also didn't pee, eat, drink, or even move for multiple hours straight. I have issues with stopping when I'm in that state even if I'm experiencing discomfort. I also live alone so there's no one around to help me out of it.

Taking my meds helps a lot. It's funny because I know a lot of us take ADHD meds to help focus more. I guess I do too but it's more like it gives me more control of what I'm focusing on.

this post was submitted on 12 Jul 2023

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