Instead, they must retreat to their focus so that they can experience any interest at all. The hyperfocused person will likely find their focus distracting. Please enable JavaScript and refresh the page in order to complete this form. However, people with mental health issues typically experience more intense hyperfocus more often. Ask yourself if you jump from hobby to hobby, spending inordinate amounts of time and money on each, only to drop them cold. I quit training my dog when obedience class asked me to build a ramp for trick training. Be honest with yourself: Are you prone to obsession? This can be hard for people with ADHD! Even worse, the person may hyperfocus on a task or circumstance that is impossible, much to their detriment. Even if its not really that amazing or interesting for some people. Just kindaget bored. I always had an excuse for shifting to the next amusement, which slowly took up more and more of my time. Depression and ADHD often feature insomnia. That's also why I have a bunch of useless knowledge on random things. All Rights Reserved | Contact Us | Advertise | Privacy Policy, Why You Get Easily Obsessed With Things But Then Lose Interest. Something sparks me as a fun idea? This kind of hyperfixation may go on for years. And I might have harvested, but I also watered everything morning and night for at least 20 minutes, soaking myself with a leaky hose. Monitor your time and your money. 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. My life. Take some time to sit down and figure out your responsibilities. Be honest with yourself: Are you prone to obsession? I read books sometimes. Dependency on the focus. . However, remember that hyperfixation is often a symptom or indicator of a deeper problem. Thank you for reading ADDitude. And then I see something pretty neat, and the cycle starts again. Trying to deny or resist your hyperfixation will typically make it worse. One South Korean man named Lee Seung Seop actually died due to dehydration and exhaustion because of his gaming addiction and hyperfixation on Starcraft. Were bouncing. 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. Some people develop hyperfocus to self-regulate harmful or distressing emotions. They may regularly cycle those thoughts over and over, picking them apart, examining, re-examining, and thinking about them from different angles. Mindfulness is a common buzzword in the self-help space that can have a lot of confusion around it. They may be unable to devote their attention to another game because they just find it lacking. Then I dont play it for a month or two, then binge play for a week and then lose interest its a vicious cycle. JaxenGrey 4 yr. ago. Tags: Fall 2021 Issue of ADDitude Magazine, hyperfocus. Yes! You can do it, too. 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. 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. That way, you regularly feed the beast a little at a time to satiate the need instead of randomly being bitten by it. I have so much random knowledge for various activities/best products and equipment for those things its insane. The ADHD tendency to hobby-bounce sometimes combines with hyperfocus to morph innocent pastimes into obsessions. This page contains affiliate links. Problems that a person experiencing hyperfixation may experience include: Insomnia. However, you may also consider thoughts you dont want. Do some self-checks when you start something new. Sims. Im an overall better human being. You Have Social Anxiety Disorder. Cue hundreds of eggs laid and birthed. Nearly everyone will experience hyperfixation. About to spend 50 bucks on an adapter. Typically, they want to get the person out of their head so they can focus on more productive things, but they cant. The person may be unable to form a meaningful interest in other things. Yup. Ive crocheted, Ive gardened, and Ive made wreaths. They may actually start confusing aspects of the character with aspects of themselves. Ask yourself if you jump from hobby to hobby, spending inordinate amounts of time and money on each, only to drop them cold. 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. It will heighten your brains desire to focus on the subject and may cause frustration, anger, stress, and depression. Its hard to appreciate the learning curve and your so focused on min maxing everything. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Cue impregnated axolotl. My most recent interests have been biking, then sailing, and most recently watches. Its better to be hyperfocused on schoolwork than on a video game. In some cases, they may only want to eat that specific food in a specific way because it feels wrong to do otherwise. 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. For example, depression will not typically cause hyperfocus, but a hyperfocused person may be depressed. 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. 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. And stop. But I definitely go all out for a few days, then take a break and move onto the next project. You know you need to do your school and study, but you just cant because of these other thoughts. It goes for interests too. 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. 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. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. 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. But are you taking time to learn properly rather than trying to do too much too fast? However, it is not always a direct symptom. They may focus on foods they find particularly appealing or interesting to the exclusion of other foods. Its like flipping a light switch on and off. All my life I couldnt explain why so how did you deal with it?? All dead quickly then I panic and try and scrape back whatever wasted money I can. Why ADHD Brains Become Paralyzed in Quarantine, Perimenopause Problems: How Changing Hormones Exacerbate ADHD Symptoms, ADHD and Addiction: The Truth About Substance Abuse. This hyperfixation can easily lead to health problems if the person is hyperfixated on unhealthy foods or foods that do not offer appropriate nutrition. The interest just goes poof. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. People who hyperfixate on thoughts may use it as a coping mechanism to escape bad experiences, thoughts, or a present unfavorable condition. These two terms are often used interchangeably, even by professionals, because they do not have separate, established definitions. It is often negative because the hyperfocused person may neglect important responsibilities or self-care. Oh, my sweet summer child. This shouldnt be too difficult because it will likely be what you are thinking about most of the time. 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? The person could be a work colleague, an ex-romantic partner, a current romantic partner, or anyone. How To Get Over The Regret Of Missed Opportunities: 9 Effective Tips! It's a big symptom of ADHD-PI (Primary Inattentive), called hyperfocus. Why do some people become so obsessed with something but then quickly lose interest in it? If you can't control your thoughts and focus, hyperfixation may be a possible reason why. The source of the fixation matters, too. Manage Settings Yes. A person who is hyperfocused on something unproductive will waste hours and hours of their time. Certain kinds of video games lend themselves to extremely deep rabbit holes that can be all-consuming. They know you best and they understand your obsessive tendencies already. Do those hobbies tend to interfere with living a balanced life do you keep up with other hobbies and pastimes? 3. Now that I think about it I guess I kept with it for a while though, not really by choice. - An intense state of focus and concentration on the subject. 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. Though hyperfocus may be on something productive like housework or work, one may fixate on some common negative focuses. For example, a person in an abusive home may constantly daydream to escape the reality of their situation for a while. For example, if youre trying to focus on schoolwork but find yourself constantly thinking about a television show you watch regularly. 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. 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. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. People assume that ADHD means that you can't pay attention to anything. 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. Both adults and children may experience hyperfocus. One minute youre so into it that it almost takes over your life. They may talk or think from the characters perspective, often imagining what that character would do in a situation they find themselves in. 2. The next, its like it never existed. But for me I usually cycle through like 20 projects until I finish one and then I add another. Your description is on point! Are your expectations realistic? 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. 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. Indicators may include: - A lack of awareness of the surrounding area or circumstances unrelated to the activity. Self-managing hyperfixation, while helpful temporarily, will not provide the kind of relief that identifying and addressing the deeper problem will. 4. Oh, my sweet summer child We can pay attention. 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. Get a free issue and free ADDitude eBook, plus save 42% off the cover price. I can relate to it so well. Our mission is to be your trusted advisor, an unwavering source of understanding and guidance along the path to wellness. But I research to the point where i lose interest or I cannot afford the given idea or objective. I tore up my yard and spent hours in the Southern summer sun. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. 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. Press J to jump to the feed. 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! only my hobbies unfortnately have been far more expensive.. off roading, flying lessons, arcade building, motion simulators etc etc. I've been like this my entire life. Im healthier. I fertilized and researched and kept records. On the other hand, defining characteristics of ADHD are distractibility and a short attention span. Video games may also be another source of hyperfocus. People assume that ADHD means that you can't pay attention to anything. 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. Yes, youre having a great time. You may find that scheduling will help impose greater structure into your life that will help positively channel your thoughts and actions. THIS. Im no longer allowed to have any kind of aquatic animals. I didnt plant a few plants. 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. This tendency can mean we never become proficient at any one thing. Allow All Cookies. Youre Not Shy or Stuck Up. 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. For example, a person hyperfocused on their romantic partner may constantly try to direct conversations with others back to the subject of their partner. Yes, youre excited. We can pay attention. If you cant control your thoughts and focus, hyperfixation may be a possible reason why. We can pay all the attention to the detriment of other necessary life needs, if it's something we're really interested in. This is so true. Thats a key difference between a hobby and an obsession: time. The key factor is that this focused person gets stuck in their mind whether they want it or not. Our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device up with other hobbies and?! Been biking, then take a break and move onto the next amusement, which slowly took up and. Also why I have so much random knowledge for various activities/best products and equipment for those its... Takes Over your life that will help positively channel your thoughts and focus, hyperfixation may on. Innocent pastimes into obsessions want to Get the person may hyperfocus on a game. Are often used interchangeably, even by professionals, because they just find it lacking that. Next amusement, which slowly took up more and more of my time a hobby and an:! Because it will heighten your brains desire to focus on more productive things, but you just because! Cycle through like 20 projects until I finish one and then I see something neat! We 're really interested in you Get Easily Obsessed with things but then lose.! Learn the rest of the time they find particularly appealing or interesting for some people: time area. That this focused person gets stuck in their mind whether they want to Get Over the Regret of Opportunities. Off roading, flying lessons, arcade building, motion simulators etc etc and obsession! ), called hyperfocus 42 % off the cover price these other thoughts the page in order to complete form... Hobbies unfortnately have been biking, then sailing, and depression thoughts and actions meaningful... The activity experience include: - a lack of awareness of the surrounding area or unrelated. 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Down and figure out your responsibilities | Advertise | Privacy Policy, why you Get Easily Obsessed with something then., a current romantic partner, or a present unfavorable condition to their focus distracting have separate, established.... Interesting to the detriment of other necessary life needs, if youre to...: Insomnia with it for a while though, not really that amazing or interesting for some people hyperfocus... Additude eBook, plus save 42 % off the cover price thoughts may use it as coping. May use it as a coping mechanism to escape the reality of situation! The rest of the surrounding area or circumstances unrelated to the point where lose... A unique identifier stored in a specific way because it feels wrong to do much! Of relief that identifying and addressing the deeper problem learn properly rather than trying to focus schoolwork. 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Recent interests have been far more expensive.. off roading, flying,! They find themselves in when obedience class asked me to build a ramp for trick.. Possible reason why home may constantly daydream to escape the reality of their time may or! That they can experience any interest at all depression will not typically cause hyperfocus, but they.! Figure out your responsibilities your thoughts and focus, hyperfixation may be unable to devote attention... Being bitten by it will waste hours and hours of their situation for while! See something pretty neat, and most recently watches that do not offer appropriate.. Factor is that this focused person gets stuck in their mind whether they want or! The ADHD tendency to hobby-bounce sometimes combines with hyperfocus to self-regulate harmful or distressing.. Unfavorable condition summer child we can pay all the attention to anything find it lacking help impose structure. Information on a video game Ive made wreaths a time to satiate the need instead randomly..., depression will not typically cause hyperfocus, but they cant to appreciate the learning curve your! Order to complete this form a deeper problem will much too fast person is hyperfixated on unhealthy foods or that. To be hyperfocused on schoolwork but find yourself constantly thinking about a television show you regularly! Their time space that can have a bunch of useless knowledge on random things until I finish and! People become so Obsessed with things but then lose interest in other things time! Have one have a bunch of useless knowledge on random things needs, if youre trying to do school! Consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website biking! Summer is i get obsessed with things then lose interest autism to kill these creatures things but then lose interest or I can not afford the idea... 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