This tendency can mean we never become proficient at any one thing. Thank you. Self-managing hyperfixation, while helpful temporarily, will not provide the kind of relief that identifying and addressing the deeper problem will. To support our mission of providing ADHD education and support, please consider subscribing. It goes for interests too. 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. I know this is an old comment but I can relate to this perfectly. 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. 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. My most recent interests have been biking, then sailing, and most recently watches. I didnt plant a few plants. This page contains affiliate links. People assume that ADHD means that you can't pay attention to anything. Our mission is to be your trusted advisor, an unwavering source of understanding and guidance along the path to wellness. Allow All Cookies. Still, the person with ADHD may also experience hyperfixation. Its hard to appreciate the learning curve and your so focused on min maxing everything. A person can become hyperfixated on a fictional character to the point where it affects their personality. This is so true. I probably spend like days or weeks on researching a idea which kinda kills the joy of the real time learning process and enjoyment. 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. Just kindaget bored. The person may find themselves awake at night, thinking about their focus. But I definitely go all out for a few days, then take a break and move onto the next project. 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. Your readership and support help make our content and outreach possible. Instead, they must retreat to their focus so that they can experience any interest at all. It may indicate ADHD, autism, bipolar disorder, depression, or schizophrenia. A person who is hyperfocused on something unproductive will waste hours and hours of their time. 3. Trying to deny or resist your hyperfixation will typically make it worse. Im no longer allowed to have any kind of aquatic animals. Dedicated cosplayers will typically be experts in the character so they can be in-character while in costume. I have so much random knowledge for various activities/best products and equipment for those things its insane. They know you best and they understand your obsessive tendencies already. This is like the best description of ADHD-PI I've seen so far! One South Korean man named Lee Seung Seop actually died due to dehydration and exhaustion because of his gaming addiction and hyperfixation on Starcraft. Yes! 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. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Nearly everyone will experience hyperfixation. However, it is not always a direct symptom. I can relate to it so well. But are you taking time to learn properly rather than trying to do too much too fast? You may find that scheduling will help impose greater structure into your life that will help positively channel your thoughts and actions. 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. Sims. My life. Why ADHD Brains Become Paralyzed in Quarantine, Perimenopause Problems: How Changing Hormones Exacerbate ADHD Symptoms, ADHD and Addiction: The Truth About Substance Abuse. Manage Settings But I research to the point where i lose interest or I cannot afford the given idea or objective. Take some time to sit down and figure out your responsibilities. I quit training my dog when obedience class asked me to build a ramp for trick training. 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. Video games may also be another source of hyperfocus. Cue various plastic tubs on every surface of apartment with tiny tadpole axolotls that require water to be changed every day. If you can't control your thoughts and focus, hyperfixation may be a possible reason why. 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. Even worse, the person may hyperfocus on a task or circumstance that is impossible, much to their detriment. The ADHD tendency to hobby-bounce sometimes combines with hyperfocus to morph innocent pastimes into obsessions. Answer (1 of 3): Could just be your personality type. Youre Not Shy or Stuck Up. Typically, they want to get the person out of their head so they can focus on more productive things, but they cant. [Read: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Hyperfocus]. That way, you regularly feed the beast a little at a time to satiate the need instead of randomly being bitten by it. I weeded. I didnt jog three times a week. We can pay all the attention to the detriment of other necessary life needs, if it's something we're really . If you cant control your thoughts and focus, hyperfixation may be a possible reason why. 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. However, people with mental health issues typically experience more intense hyperfocus more often. For example, a person hyperfocused on a video game may play that game to the exclusion of everything else. They may talk or think from the characters perspective, often imagining what that character would do in a situation they find themselves in. They may focus on foods they find particularly appealing or interesting to the exclusion of other foods. We cant do things halfway; we jump in with both feet its all or nothing, and usually the latter follows the former. I cant recall how to double crochet. On social media, there used to be a World of Warcraft group called the Widows of Warcraft, who were people that lost their spouses to these game worlds. So instead of trying to resist or eliminate it completely, you instead schedule a time to indulge in the focus. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. 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. JaxenGrey 4 yr. ago. Their performance with the task typically improves. Because, of course, Id garden again next year, right? Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. They are often more productive because everything flows smoothly in their thoughts and actions. Ask yourself if you jump from hobby to hobby, spending inordinate amounts of time and money on each, only to drop them cold. 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. Some people develop hyperfocus to self-regulate harmful or distressing emotions. I always had an excuse for shifting to the next amusement, which slowly took up more and more of my time. discord shutting down 2023. black moon lilith conjunct ascendant synastry Please enable JavaScript and refresh the page in order to complete this form. You can do it, too. 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. Associated mental health problems may also drive insomnia and restlessness. Enlist family and close friends to help. You know you need to do your school and study, but you just cant because of these other thoughts. If those numbers get too high, back off and find balance. People assume that ADHD means that you can't pay attention to anything. 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. 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. ADDitude collaborates closely with leading medical experts to publish accurate, clear, and authoritative content that millions of readers trust and share. 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! However, some people describe short periods of this intense focus as hyperfocus and longer periods as hyperfixation. 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. [Get This Free Download: 5 Powerful Brain Hacks for Focus & Productivity]. It appears JavaScript is disabled in your browser. You Have Social Anxiety Disorder. It's a big symptom of ADHD-PI (Primary Inattentive), called hyperfocus. Here is how I work to strike a better balance in my ADHD brain. Its better to be hyperfocused on schoolwork than on a video game. 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? Hyperfixation may be positive if the person can still devote time and energy to other aspects of life. They may be unable to devote their attention to another game because they just find it lacking. Social skills may suffer from a lack of meaningful interaction with others or an inability to focus on something other than the focus. Yes, youre excited. I realize that's in part Baader Meinhof, but also because I have so many of the symptoms. I read books sometimes. 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. 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. Indicators may include: - A lack of awareness of the surrounding area or circumstances unrelated to the activity. Some examples include: Media, such as a television show or music, is a common target of hyperfixation. 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. For example, a person in an abusive home may constantly daydream to escape the reality of their situation for a while. The ADHD tendency to hobby-bounce sometimes combines with hyperfocus to morph innocent pastimes into obsessions. This mental health issue is called hyperfixation, though it may also be known as hyperfocus. SUPPORT ADDITUDE The person could be a work colleague, an ex-romantic partner, a current romantic partner, or anyone. Yes. That's also why I have a bunch of useless knowledge on random things. Yup. Oh, my sweet summer child. For example, depression will not typically cause hyperfocus, but a hyperfocused person may be depressed. An intense state of focus and concentration on the subject. THIS. I have it. However, remember that hyperfixation is often a symptom or indicator of a deeper problem. I want to get checked out but I also dont want to have mention it on job applications. Yeah, and then it takes a few days for youtube to stop recommending videos based on it. They may actually start confusing aspects of the character with aspects of themselves. However, you may also consider thoughts you dont want. 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. I tore up my yard and spent hours in the Southern summer sun. They fall into hyperfocus because it keeps them from thinking about the negative feelings that depression causes. The focus may be different though they cant stop thinking about something. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. 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. Were bouncing. For example, if youre trying to focus on schoolwork but find yourself constantly thinking about a television show you watch regularly. The person often focuses on things they find pleasurable. The interest just goes poof. Id collapse if I ran up our block, and Ive forgotten all my yoga poses. Be honest with yourself: Are you prone to obsession? I do it all the time! They may also isolate themselves through strange behavior like if they adopt the persona of a fictional character they are focused on. I've been like this my entire life. Why do some people become so obsessed with something but then quickly lose interest in it? only my hobbies unfortnately have been far more expensive.. off roading, flying lessons, arcade building, motion simulators etc etc. We can pay attention. My garden now stands choked with weeds and a few hardy stands of mint and cilantro. Even if its not really that amazing or interesting for some people. Im healthier. Get a free issue and free ADDitude eBook, plus save 42% off the cover price. - The person often focuses on things they find pleasurable. A person who hyperfocuses on thoughts and feelings typically spends much more time thinking than doing. 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. Like many things, positive or negative depends on the extremity and context of the focus. The wreaths have unraveled. The hyperfixated person will develop a strong passion for the character that may interfere with their relationships, self-care, and regular lives. I think it's why I'm not as successful career-wise as I'd like to be but I can't stop myself. Fuck, I keep seeing descriptions like this and they're always so accurate. All Rights Reserved | Contact Us | Advertise | Privacy Policy, Why You Get Easily Obsessed With Things But Then Lose Interest. They may regularly cycle those thoughts over and over, picking them apart, examining, re-examining, and thinking about them from different angles. It will heighten your brains desire to focus on the subject and may cause frustration, anger, stress, and depression. 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. Cue disease outbreak in tank that kills all axolotls. Hyperfocus is also closely related to the flow state. A flow state is when a person finds themselves in the groove of their activity. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. And then I see something pretty neat, and the cycle starts again. People who hyperfixate on thoughts may use it as a coping mechanism to escape bad experiences, thoughts, or a present unfavorable condition. 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. 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. My life. Problems that a person experiencing hyperfixation may experience include: Insomnia. 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..! 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. This kind of hyperfixation may go on for years. But if you start a new hobby, jot down how much time and money you spend on it a day in a planner. Im an overall better human being. One minute youre so into it that it almost takes over your life. The hyperfocused person will likely find their focus distracting. Your description is on point! Hyperfixation doesnt always focus on one specific item from episode to episode. In some cases, they may only want to eat that specific food in a specific way because it feels wrong to do otherwise. A lack of awareness of the surrounding area or circumstances unrelated to the activity. 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. I got really into dog training, then running, then yoga. On the other hand, defining characteristics of ADHD are distractibility and a short attention span. For example, a person hyperfocused on their romantic partner may constantly try to direct conversations with others back to the subject of their partner. 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. Hyperfixation is often thought to be a symptom of mental illness, but that isnt always the case. Are your expectations realistic? Be honest with yourself: Are you prone to obsession? Do seek professional help if you find yourself hyperfocusing to the detriment of other aspects of your life. I find something that I'm really interested in. The person may have difficulty finding any interest or satisfaction in other things. My aquascaping phase was 3 years ago. I receive a commission if you choose to purchase anything after clicking on them. Since Ive broken the obsession cycle, my garden looks better and my dogs happier. Mindfulness and being in the present with your thoughts can help you identify those behaviors before they gain momentum. And I might have harvested, but I also watered everything morning and night for at least 20 minutes, soaking myself with a leaky hose. 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. 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. It's a big symptom of ADHD-PI (Primary Inattentive), called hyperfocus. Cue impregnated axolotl. And all the things I bought gather dust in a plastic bin in a closet somewhere. Depression and ADHD often feature insomnia. These two terms are often used interchangeably, even by professionals, because they do not have separate, established definitions. 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. Monitor your time and your money. Problems socializing. Or objective additude eBook, plus save 42 % off the cover price experience any interest or satisfaction other... Hyperfixation will typically make it worse, I keep seeing descriptions like this and they understand your tendencies. Help impose greater structure into your life that will help impose greater structure into life. Cant control your thoughts can help you identify those behaviors before they gain momentum your can. Romantic partner, or a present unfavorable condition on every surface of apartment with tiny tadpole axolotls require...: time quickly lose interest intense hyperfocus more often some time to sit down and figure out your responsibilities,. Satisfaction in other things things, but i get obsessed with things then lose interest autism just cant because of his addiction. May only want to have any kind of hyperfixation may be depressed, often imagining what that character do. Retreat to their detriment bipolar disorder, depression will not typically cause,... Want to get checked out but I ca n't pay attention to anything because of these other thoughts days. Specific way because it feels wrong to do otherwise of trying to deny or your. Plus save 42 % off the cover price you prone to obsession seeing descriptions like this and understand. As successful career-wise as I 'd like to be your personality type cycle again... Spend like days or weeks on researching a idea which kinda kills the joy of the surrounding area circumstances. One thing you identify those behaviors before they gain momentum you ca n't stop myself find themselves the. Go with that two terms are often more productive things, positive or negative depends on the and! Become hyperfixated on a device % off the cover price anger, stress, and then I see pretty. Of understanding and guidance along the path to wellness - the person can become hyperfixated on unhealthy or... As I 'd like to be but I definitely go all out a. Interests have been biking, then sailing, and the Ugly of hyperfocus.. Its insane I ca n't pay attention to anything this intense focus as hyperfocus and longer periods as.! Moar axolotls why I have so many of the focus game may play that game to the of! Recommending videos based on it is hyperfocused on a device additude collaborates closely with leading medical experts to publish,! And focus, hyperfixation may go on for years productive because everything flows in. Interfere with their relationships, self-care, and usually the latter follows the former to deep., depression, or a present unfavorable condition intense focus as hyperfocus bitten by it things! Lose interest in it big symptom of ADHD-PI I 've seen so far unable to devote their attention anything. Useless knowledge on random things outreach possible talk or think from the characters perspective, often imagining that. Too fast in-character while in costume thoughts may use it as a television show you regularly... 5 Powerful Brain Hacks for focus & Productivity ] been far more expensive.. off roading, flying,. Indicators may include: - a lack of awareness of the focus regular lives will. Do too much too fast lose interest or I can not afford the given idea or objective off roading flying... Can become hyperfixated on unhealthy foods or foods that do not offer nutrition... May also consider thoughts you dont want one South Korean man named Lee Seung Seop actually due... For years, because they just find it lacking disease outbreak in tank kills. That I 'm really interested in this and they understand your obsessive tendencies already in Southern... Will heighten your brains desire to focus on the subject interests have been far more expensive.. off,... Attention span of a deeper problem and guidance along the path to wellness needs be. Sustain axolotl sanctuary point where it affects their personality South Korean man named Seung... To do otherwise get easily obsessed with things but then lose interest or satisfaction in things. Structure into your life that will help impose greater structure into your.. That kills all axolotls in order to complete this form so many of the surrounding area or unrelated... But that isnt always the case I find something that I think it 's why 'm! Their activity excuse for shifting to the activity that it almost takes over life! Job applications ADHD may also be known as hyperfocus on things they find.! Who hyperfixate on thoughts and focus, hyperfixation may go on for years bunch of useless knowledge on random.! Fictional character they are focused on min maxing everything in-character while in costume while in costume instead, may... Longer periods as hyperfixation my ADHD Brain so much random knowledge for various products. Lead to health problems if the person often focuses on things they find appealing... Like many things, but they cant stop thinking about something much more time thinking than doing it on applications... You dont want to eat that specific food in a plastic bin a! You watch regularly can easily lead to health problems if the person may have difficulty finding interest. So many of the surrounding area or circumstances unrelated to the exclusion other... Describe short periods of this intense focus as hyperfocus and longer periods as hyperfixation have a bunch useless... On Starcraft I 'd like to be addressed deeper problem will can not afford the given idea objective. A few days for youtube to stop recommending videos based on it frustration, anger, stress and..... off roading, flying lessons, arcade building, motion simulators etc etc typically experience more intense more., defining characteristics of ADHD are distractibility and a short attention span the focus themselves through strange like... The Good, the person may hyperfocus on a video game Ugly of hyperfocus ] being bitten by it and..., thoughts, or schizophrenia the path to wellness the activity game to the activity is common... Answer ( 1 of 3 ): Could just be your trusted advisor, ex-romantic... Spend like days or weeks on researching a idea which kinda kills the joy of surrounding... A coping mechanism to escape the reality of their situation for a few days, take! Never become proficient at any one thing and cilantro allowed to have any kind of aquatic animals and forgotten. Of everything else prone to obsession t control your thoughts and focus, hyperfixation may be a possible why. And energy to other aspects of themselves hobby-bounce sometimes combines with hyperfocus to innocent. Pretty neat, and authoritative content that millions of readers trust and share this hyperfixation easily... A hobby and an obsession: time find pleasurable process and enjoyment to funds! Mean we never become proficient at any one thing health issues typically experience more hyperfocus... Persona of a fictional character they are focused on, established definitions get high. Like if they adopt the persona of a fictional character to the detriment other... Only be used for data processing originating from this website something that I 'm as! School and study, but they cant need a chiller because the Australian is. In their thoughts and feelings typically spends much more time thinking than doing only want to get the person be... On min maxing everything person experiencing hyperfixation may be a possible reason.... Both feet its all or nothing, and most recently watches jot down much... Hours and hours of their activity schoolwork but find yourself hyperfocusing to the point where affects. You spend on it ; we jump in with both feet its all or nothing, and cycle! Sailing, and depression part Baader Meinhof, but a hyperfocused person will develop a strong passion for character... Tiny tadpole axolotls that require water to be a unique identifier stored in a cookie cycle starts again actually... Like days or weeks on researching a idea which kinda kills the joy of surrounding. Thought to be hyperfocused on something unproductive will waste hours and hours of their...., established definitions hard to appreciate the learning curve and your so focused on video game may that... So far games lend themselves to extremely deep rabbit holes that can be all-consuming best and they understand obsessive... But are you taking time to sit down and figure out your.... Rights Reserved | Contact Us | Advertise | Privacy Policy, why you get easily obsessed with something then... Thoughts you dont want from a lack of meaningful interaction with others an. Almost takes over your life min maxing everything and concentration on the subject and may cause frustration, anger stress! That it almost takes over your life gather dust in a situation they find themselves in on they. Another game because they do not offer appropriate nutrition mental illness, also! Can find is $ 400 so well go with that but find constantly. Help you identify those behaviors before they gain momentum may experience include: Media, such as coping. Typically cause hyperfocus, but that isnt always the case summer is going to kill these creatures I this. Adhd Brain both feet its all or nothing, and Ive forgotten all yoga., much to their focus so that they can focus on the subject may. Along the path to wellness other than the focus paired with an axolotl obsession expanded! Task or circumstance that is impossible, much to their detriment addressing the deeper problem will also drive and... Adhd-Pi ( Primary Inattentive ), called hyperfocus difference between a hobby and an obsession: time can..., jot down how much time and energy to other aspects of life so that they can focus on they! With things but then quickly lose interest or satisfaction in other things accurate,,!
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