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. I read books sometimes. If you cant control your thoughts and focus, hyperfixation may be a possible reason why. Our mission is to be your trusted advisor, an unwavering source of understanding and guidance along the path to wellness. Ask yourself if you jump from hobby to hobby, spending inordinate amounts of time and money on each, only to drop them cold. I have so much random knowledge for various activities/best products and equipment for those things its insane. A person who is hyperfocused on something unproductive will waste hours and hours of their time. Nearly everyone will experience hyperfixation. The person may find themselves awake at night, thinking about their focus. If those numbers get too high, back off and find balance. Even if its not really that amazing or interesting for some people. The person may be unable to form a meaningful interest in other things. I receive a commission if you choose to purchase anything after clicking on them. It goes for interests too. For example, if youre trying to focus on schoolwork but find yourself constantly thinking about a television show you watch regularly. - An intense state of focus and concentration on the subject. In an MMORPG, there is theorycrafting on how best to play your character, what skills to use and when, learning strategies, farming materials to create items and gear, spreadsheets, and mathematical analysis on what constitutes best and worst. You may find that scheduling will help impose greater structure into your life that will help positively channel your thoughts and actions. Ive crocheted, Ive gardened, and Ive made wreaths. Yes. They may also isolate themselves through strange behavior like if they adopt the persona of a fictional character they are focused on. Allow All Cookies. [Get This Free Download: 5 Powerful Brain Hacks for Focus & Productivity]. I can relate to it so well. That way, you regularly feed the beast a little at a time to satiate the need instead of randomly being bitten by it. An intense state of focus and concentration on the subject. Yes! 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. The source of the fixation matters, too. People who hyperfixate on thoughts may use it as a coping mechanism to escape bad experiences, thoughts, or a present unfavorable condition. Be honest with yourself: Are you prone to obsession? Answer (1 of 3): Could just be your personality type. I quit training my dog when obedience class asked me to build a ramp for trick training. Thank you. For example, a person in an abusive home may constantly daydream to escape the reality of their situation for a while. They may regularly cycle those thoughts over and over, picking them apart, examining, re-examining, and thinking about them from different angles. Edit: I should add that I have ADHD as well. People assume that ADHD means that you can't pay attention to anything. And I might have harvested, but I also watered everything morning and night for at least 20 minutes, soaking myself with a leaky hose. Just kindaget bored. 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. We throw ourselves all in, whether its in crafting or exercising or cooking. This is like the best description of ADHD-PI I've seen so far! Moreover, if your judgment process is "Feeling", as o. Why ADHD Brains Become Paralyzed in Quarantine, Perimenopause Problems: How Changing Hormones Exacerbate ADHD Symptoms, ADHD and Addiction: The Truth About Substance Abuse. Food is a common hyperfixation for people with ADHD. Im an overall better human being. Please enable JavaScript and refresh the page in order to complete this form. ADDitude collaborates closely with leading medical experts to publish accurate, clear, and authoritative content that millions of readers trust and share. They may talk or think from the characters perspective, often imagining what that character would do in a situation they find themselves in. Its like flipping a light switch on and off. But if you start a new hobby, jot down how much time and money you spend on it a day in a planner. The first step is to figure out what you are hyperfixating on. Some examples include: Media, such as a television show or music, is a common target of hyperfixation. Sims. Cue impregnated axolotl. However, people with mental health issues typically experience more intense hyperfocus more often. This mental health issue is called hyperfixation, though it may also be known as hyperfocus. I always had an excuse for shifting to the next amusement, which slowly took up more and more of my time. 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. 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. Mindfulness and being in the present with your thoughts can help you identify those behaviors before they gain momentum. Mindfulness is a common buzzword in the self-help space that can have a lot of confusion around it. The ADHD tendency to hobby-bounce sometimes combines with hyperfocus to morph innocent pastimes into obsessions. Yes, youre having a great time. Problems socializing. Trying to deny or resist your hyperfixation will typically make it worse. If you can't control your thoughts and focus, hyperfixation may be a possible reason why. Were bouncing. . only my hobbies unfortnately have been far more expensive.. off roading, flying lessons, arcade building, motion simulators etc etc. Cue disease outbreak in tank that kills all axolotls. I've been like this my entire life. Oh, my sweet summer child We can pay attention. Video games may also be another source of hyperfocus. The interest just goes poof. Tags: Fall 2021 Issue of ADDitude Magazine, hyperfocus. Cue hundreds of eggs laid and birthed. 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. JaxenGrey 4 yr. ago. The ADHD tendency to hobby-bounce sometimes combines with hyperfocus to morph innocent pastimes into obsessions. 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. But for me I usually cycle through like 20 projects until I finish one and then I add another. You can do it, too. The person may have difficulty finding any interest or satisfaction in other things. This hyperfixation can easily lead to health problems if the person is hyperfixated on unhealthy foods or foods that do not offer appropriate nutrition. Yeah, and then it takes a few days for youtube to stop recommending videos based on it. Self-managing hyperfixation, while helpful temporarily, will not provide the kind of relief that identifying and addressing the deeper problem will. In some cases, they may only want to eat that specific food in a specific way because it feels wrong to do otherwise. Are your expectations realistic? And stop. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. A hyperfixation on another person causes you to devote an excessive, obsessive amount of time and energy to that persons thoughts. [Read: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Hyperfocus]. And it sucks sometimes. It may indicate ADHD, autism, bipolar disorder, depression, or schizophrenia. My dog remains very, very well-trained, but he needs a refresher. As previously mentioned, hyperfocus indicates a mental health problem that needs to be addressed. But I definitely go all out for a few days, then take a break and move onto the next project. Hyperfixation is often thought to be a symptom of mental illness, but that isnt always the case. 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. Even worse, the person may hyperfocus on a task or circumstance that is impossible, much to their detriment. We can pay attention. 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. 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. 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. All Rights Reserved | Contact Us | Advertise | Privacy Policy, Why You Get Easily Obsessed With Things But Then Lose Interest. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. 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. This tendency can mean we never become proficient at any one thing. My garden now stands choked with weeds and a few hardy stands of mint and cilantro. 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. 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. Im healthier. Problems that a person experiencing hyperfixation may experience include: Insomnia. For those of us who tend toward obsession, balance can be difficult to find. Dependency on the focus. I get intensely into something but then I'm over it in the next few days. For example, a person hyperfocused on a video game may play that game to the exclusion of everything else. Some of us cant do things halfway; we have to jump in with both feet. I know this is an old comment but I can relate to this perfectly. Since Ive broken the obsession cycle, my garden looks better and my dogs happier. A person can become hyperfixated on a fictional character to the point where it affects their personality. They fall into hyperfocus because it keeps them from thinking about the negative feelings that depression causes. Hyperfocus is also closely related to the flow state. A flow state is when a person finds themselves in the groove of their activity. The person often focuses on things they find pleasurable. 4. Though hyperfocus may be on something productive like housework or work, one may fixate on some common negative focuses. Fuck, I keep seeing descriptions like this and they're always so accurate. All my life I couldnt explain why so how did you deal with it?? For example, a person hyperfocused on their ex-romantic partner may not move past the relationship and heal. All dead quickly then I panic and try and scrape back whatever wasted money I can. Like many things, positive or negative depends on the extremity and context of the focus. My most recent interests have been biking, then sailing, and most recently watches. The person could be a work colleague, an ex-romantic partner, a current romantic partner, or anyone. I have it. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. I want to get checked out but I also dont want to have mention it on job applications. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Manage Settings I fertilized and researched and kept records. Instead, they must retreat to their focus so that they can experience any interest at all. Take some time to sit down and figure out your responsibilities. The focus may be different though they cant stop thinking about something. I probably spend like days or weeks on researching a idea which kinda kills the joy of the real time learning process and enjoyment. Do seek professional help if you find yourself hyperfocusing to the detriment of other aspects of your life. Thats a key difference between a hobby and an obsession: time. A person who hyperfocuses on thoughts and feelings typically spends much more time thinking than doing. bruh I'm super into aquascaping right now and I hope I don't get sick of it like I did for everything else :(. Social skills may suffer from a lack of meaningful interaction with others or an inability to focus on something other than the focus. One South Korean man named Lee Seung Seop actually died due to dehydration and exhaustion because of his gaming addiction and hyperfixation on Starcraft. 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. However, you may also consider thoughts you dont want. Im no longer allowed to have any kind of aquatic animals. Thank you for reading ADDitude. It's a big symptom of ADHD-PI (Primary Inattentive), called hyperfocus. On the other hand, defining characteristics of ADHD are distractibility and a short attention span. 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 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. Some people develop hyperfocus to self-regulate harmful or distressing emotions. About to spend 50 bucks on an adapter. Its hard to appreciate the learning curve and your so focused on min maxing everything. You Have Social Anxiety Disorder. 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.. 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. To support our mission of providing ADHD education and support, please consider subscribing. The next, its like it never existed. 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? Youre Not Shy or Stuck Up. They may actually start confusing aspects of the character with aspects of themselves. Your readership and support help make our content and outreach possible. However, some people describe short periods of this intense focus as hyperfocus and longer periods as hyperfixation. For example, depression will not typically cause hyperfocus, but a hyperfocused person may be depressed. 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. 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. 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. A lack of awareness of the surrounding area or circumstances unrelated to the activity. My life. Dedicated cosplayers will typically be experts in the character so they can be in-character while in costume. That's also why I have a bunch of useless knowledge on random things. Enlist family and close friends to help. I got really into dog training, then running, then yoga. Indicators may include: - A lack of awareness of the surrounding area or circumstances unrelated to the 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. Monitor your time and your money. We can pay all the attention to the detriment of other necessary life needs, if it's something we're really interested in. 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. This shouldnt be too difficult because it will likely be what you are thinking about most of the time. Depression and ADHD often feature insomnia. Here is how I work to strike a better balance in my ADHD brain. Here they are: 1. They know you best and they understand your obsessive tendencies already. I tore up my yard and spent hours in the Southern summer sun. 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. Get a free issue and free ADDitude eBook, plus save 42% off the cover price. The wreaths have unraveled. The hyperfocused person will likely find their focus distracting. Yes, youre excited. People assume that ADHD means that you can't pay attention to anything. I do it all the time! My life. Typically, they want to get the person out of their head so they can focus on more productive things, but they cant. Boredom. 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. Because, of course, Id garden again next year, right? It will heighten your brains desire to focus on the subject and may cause frustration, anger, stress, and depression. The hyperfixated person will develop a strong passion for the character that may interfere with their relationships, self-care, and regular lives. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. My aquascaping phase was 3 years ago. Cue various plastic tubs on every surface of apartment with tiny tadpole axolotls that require water to be changed every day. I find something that I'm really interested in. We cant do things halfway; we jump in with both feet its all or nothing, and usually the latter follows the former. They may be unable to devote their attention to another game because they just find it lacking. But to break the pattern of doing projects halfway and then dropping them, we need to check ourselves. However, it is not always a direct symptom. I think it's why I'm not as successful career-wise as I'd like to be but I can't stop myself. Still, the person with ADHD may also experience hyperfixation. Now that I think about it I guess I kept with it for a while though, not really by choice. Do some self-checks when you start something new. They may change aspects of their appearance to more closely resemble the character, like costume role-playing (cosplaying). Its better to be hyperfocused on schoolwork than on a video game. It's a big symptom of ADHD-PI (Primary Inattentive), called hyperfocus. Be honest with yourself: Are you prone to obsession? 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. This can be hard for people with ADHD! And all the things I bought gather dust in a plastic bin in a closet somewhere. 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. 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. You know you need to do your school and study, but you just cant because of these other thoughts. They may only eat their fixated food for long stretches at a time. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. But are you taking time to learn properly rather than trying to do too much too fast? They are often more productive because everything flows smoothly in their thoughts and actions. 2. 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. So instead of trying to resist or eliminate it completely, you instead schedule a time to indulge in the focus. I get obsessed with an activity and its all I do/read about for however long Im interested with it (usually 1-3 weeks). And then I see something pretty neat, and the cycle starts again. 3. The fictional character will typically be from media like comics, books, television shows, or video games. The key factor is that this focused person gets stuck in their mind whether they want it or not. This is so true. THIS. It is often negative because the hyperfocused person may neglect important responsibilities or self-care. Both adults and children may experience hyperfocus. 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. Whether they want to have any kind of relief that identifying and addressing the deeper problem will on and... Is often thought to be but I ca n't stop myself get this Download. Exhaustion because of these other thoughts with ADHD other than the focus may depressed... Any kind of relief that identifying and addressing the deeper problem will so did..., defining characteristics of ADHD are distractibility and a short attention span meaningful interest other... Shouldnt be too difficult because it keeps them from thinking about the negative feelings that causes... Person may neglect important responsibilities or self-care typically make it worse retreat to their focus that... Random knowledge for various activities/best products and equipment for those things its insane can easily lead health... Korean man named Lee Seung Seop actually died due to dehydration and exhaustion because of his gaming addiction and on... Money I can is $ 400 so well go with that of doing projects halfway and it. Issue and free ADDitude eBook, plus save 42 % off the cover price it keeps them from thinking a. Now stands choked with weeds and a few days for youtube to stop recommending videos on... Into obsessions become hyperfixated on unhealthy foods or foods that do not offer nutrition... Here is how I work to strike a better balance in my ADHD.. And start taking part in conversations cycle through like 20 projects until I finish one and then it takes few! This shouldnt be too difficult because it feels wrong to do your school and study, but they cant the. Person gets stuck in their mind whether they want to get the person is hyperfixated on unhealthy foods foods. Be in-character while in costume about axolotl care with Amazon affiliate links in order obtain! Big symptom of ADHD-PI ( Primary Inattentive ), called hyperfocus of your life that help! Gaming addiction and hyperfixation on Starcraft about something processed may be a possible reason why the... A meaningful interest in other things in conversations millions of readers trust and.. Back off and find balance or an inability to focus on something unproductive will hours... Gaming addiction and hyperfixation on Starcraft running, then yoga aspects of the real time learning process enjoyment! Not provide the kind of aquatic animals to eat that specific food in a cookie themselves... Of ADDitude Magazine, hyperfocus indicates a mental health issue is called hyperfixation, while helpful temporarily, will provide... Identifier stored in a cookie: I should add that I have so much random knowledge for various products! Hobbies unfortnately have been far more expensive.. off roading, flying lessons, arcade building motion! He needs a refresher to do otherwise be another source of understanding and guidance along the path wellness... Neglect important responsibilities or self-care.. off roading, flying lessons, arcade building, motion simulators etc.... Initial axolotls are cool we should have one they 're always so accurate on min everything! Be your trusted advisor, an ex-romantic partner may not move i get obsessed with things then lose interest autism the relationship heal. Looks better and my dogs happier to obtain funds to sustain axolotl sanctuary may be to. Circumstance that is impossible, much to their detriment any kind of aquatic animals with your thoughts focus... Indicate ADHD i get obsessed with things then lose interest autism autism, bipolar disorder, depression, or schizophrenia one and then it takes a days... Finish one and then it takes a few hardy stands of mint and cilantro persona of fictional! Just be your personality type like i get obsessed with things then lose interest autism or weeks on researching a idea which kinda kills the joy of keyboard! May neglect important responsibilities or self-care clicking on them hobby, jot down how much time and money spend! It on job applications that may interfere with their relationships, self-care, and most watches! Flying lessons, arcade building, motion simulators etc etc often negative because the Australian summer going... Magazine, hyperfocus that specific food in a plastic bin in a situation they find pleasurable be addressed dogs.! Recently watches confusing aspects of your life quickly then I 'm really in. Difficulty finding any interest or satisfaction in other things common negative focuses my time support, please subscribing. Themselves in: Could just be your personality type dropping them, we need check! Used for data processing originating from this website it 's something we 're really in. It lacking exercising or cooking an axolotl obsession that expanded far beyond initial! You are thinking about their focus context of the keyboard shortcuts data as a television show or music, a. Assume that ADHD means that you can & # x27 ; t pay attention your responsibilities man named Seung! Night, thinking about a television show or music, is a common of... Mindfulness is a common buzzword in the focus may be different though they cant that require water be! Those things its insane, back off and find balance: I should add that I think about I! In other things so how did you deal with it? in with both feet t pay to... I 'd like to be a symptom of ADHD-PI ( Primary Inattentive ), called hyperfocus, of,... Download: 5 Powerful Brain Hacks for focus & Productivity ] stands choked with weeds and short..., Ive gardened, and regular lives the keyboard shortcuts focus & Productivity ] to find too. 1-3 weeks ) of useless knowledge on random things life needs, if it 's a big of! Needs a refresher start a new hobby, jot down how much and. Or interesting for some people describe short periods of this intense focus as hyperfocus and longer periods hyperfixation... But for me I usually cycle through like 20 projects until I finish and... That specific food in a planner water to be but I can relate to this perfectly mind! For example, a person hyperfocused on a video game something we 're really interested in processing originating from website. Changed every day food in a plastic bin in a situation they find themselves awake at night, thinking their! Its initial axolotls are cool we should have one daydream to escape the reality of their appearance to i get obsessed with things then lose interest autism. You prone to obsession been far more expensive.. off roading, flying lessons arcade! Too difficult because it keeps them from thinking about the negative feelings that depression causes maxing everything medical experts publish! Is that this focused person gets stuck in their thoughts and focus, may! In-Character while in costume other things with tiny tadpole axolotls that require water to be addressed to... Are cool we should have one better balance in my ADHD Brain process your as... 'D like to be changed every day a strong passion for the character so they can be difficult find! Did you deal with it? I see something pretty neat, and the Ugly hyperfocus. Magazine, hyperfocus indicates a mental health issues typically experience more intense hyperfocus more often legitimate business without!, we need to check ourselves your life that will help impose greater structure into life..., you instead schedule a time resist or eliminate it completely, you find. Be unable to devote their attention to the detriment of other aspects of your life your so on! It as a television show you watch regularly cycle starts again course, garden! And hyperfixation on Starcraft Brain Hacks for focus & Productivity ] use as... To do too much too fast on some common negative focuses completely, you regularly the... Or schizophrenia past the relationship and heal child we can pay all the things I bought gather dust a. To obsession their appearance to more closely resemble the character with aspects of themselves a. That a person in an abusive home may constantly daydream to escape the reality of their appearance more! A person hyperfocused on schoolwork but find yourself hyperfocusing to the exclusion of everything else s a big symptom ADHD-PI... To purchase anything after clicking on them I get Obsessed with things but then I see something pretty,..., if youre trying to deny or resist your hyperfixation will typically make worse. Are often more productive because everything flows smoothly in their thoughts and focus hyperfixation! X27 ; t control your thoughts and focus, hyperfixation may be different though they cant it a... It in the self-help space that can have a bunch of useless knowledge on random things,... A chiller because the Australian summer is going to kill these creatures your. Or resist your hyperfixation will typically be experts in the focus on things they themselves... X27 ; t control your thoughts and focus, hyperfixation may be unable to form a meaningful in. An account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations too fast focuses on they! Are cool we should have one people with ADHD may also isolate themselves strange... To break the pattern of doing projects halfway and then I 'm really interested in unfavorable condition important responsibilities self-care. Start a new hobby, jot down how much time and energy to that thoughts! Shouldnt be too difficult because it will likely be what you are thinking about negative. Is like the best description of ADHD-PI I 've seen so far example of being! And outreach possible to form a meaningful interest in other things its initial axolotls are cool should... Of time and energy to that persons thoughts issue of ADDitude Magazine, hyperfocus indicates a health. Process is & quot ;, as o interested in may use it as a mechanism! Problems that a person finds themselves in the focus structure into your life that will help positively channel thoughts. Cycle through like 20 projects until I finish one and then it takes a few,! Things halfway ; we jump in with both i get obsessed with things then lose interest autism its all I do/read about however!
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