For example, a person hyperfocused on a video game may play that game to the exclusion of everything else. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Here they are: 1. 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. And then I see something pretty neat, and the cycle starts again. Some of us cant do things halfway; we have to jump in with both feet. Allow All Cookies. Id collapse if I ran up our block, and Ive forgotten all my yoga poses. There are ways to self-manage hyperfixation to an extent. They are often more productive because everything flows smoothly in their thoughts and actions. For example, a person hyperfocused on their romantic partner may constantly try to direct conversations with others back to the subject of their partner. I weeded. If you can't control your thoughts and focus, hyperfixation may be a possible reason why. Press J to jump to the feed. I get intensely into something but then I'm over it in the next few days. Like many things, positive or negative depends on the extremity and context of the focus. Are your expectations realistic? 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. Hyperfixation is often thought to be a symptom of mental illness, but that isnt always the case. Something sparks me as a fun idea? The fictional character will typically be from media like comics, books, television shows, or video games. People assume that ADHD means that you can't pay attention to anything. 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. So instead of trying to resist or eliminate it completely, you instead schedule a time to indulge in the focus. You know you need to do your school and study, but you just cant because of these other thoughts. On the other hand, defining characteristics of ADHD are distractibility and a short attention span. Some examples include: Media, such as a television show or music, is a common target of hyperfixation. Hyperfocus is also closely related to the flow state. A flow state is when a person finds themselves in the groove of their activity. Ive crocheted, Ive gardened, and Ive made wreaths. 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. The interest just goes poof. However, you may also consider thoughts you dont want. We cant do things halfway; we jump in with both feet its all or nothing, and usually the latter follows the former. Trying to deny or resist your hyperfixation will typically make it worse. The hyperfocused person will likely find their focus distracting. My dog remains very, very well-trained, but he needs a refresher. This shouldnt be too difficult because it will likely be what you are thinking about most of the time. However, it is not always a direct symptom. Their performance with the task typically improves. Depression and ADHD often feature insomnia. This mental health issue is called hyperfixation, though it may also be known as hyperfocus. The person may have difficulty finding any interest or satisfaction in other things. 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. We can pay all the attention to the detriment of other necessary life needs, if it's something we're really . They may also isolate themselves through strange behavior like if they adopt the persona of a fictional character they are focused on. [Get This Free Download: 5 Powerful Brain Hacks for Focus & Productivity]. 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. Thats a key difference between a hobby and an obsession: time. This is so true. I didnt plant a few plants. For example, a person in an abusive home may constantly daydream to escape the reality of their situation for a while. This is like the best description of ADHD-PI I've seen so far! SUPPORT ADDITUDE Just kindaget bored. The ADHD tendency to hobby-bounce sometimes combines with hyperfocus to morph innocent pastimes into obsessions. I always had an excuse for shifting to the next amusement, which slowly took up more and more of my time. Yes, youre excited. 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. For example, if youre trying to focus on schoolwork but find yourself constantly thinking about a television show you watch regularly. Thank you. Its better to be hyperfocused on schoolwork than on a video game. We throw ourselves all in, whether its in crafting or exercising or cooking. 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. Your description is on point! My aquascaping phase was 3 years ago. All Rights Reserved | Contact Us | Advertise | Privacy Policy, Why You Get Easily Obsessed With Things But Then Lose Interest. Video games may also be another source of hyperfocus. Cue hundreds of eggs laid and birthed. 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. But are you taking time to learn properly rather than trying to do too much too fast? 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. It will heighten your brains desire to focus on the subject and may cause frustration, anger, stress, and depression. I receive a commission if you choose to purchase anything after clicking on them. Youre Not Shy or Stuck Up. That's also why I have a bunch of useless knowledge on random things. I can relate to it so well. 3. only my hobbies unfortnately have been far more expensive.. off roading, flying lessons, arcade building, motion simulators etc etc. Were bouncing. It may indicate ADHD, autism, bipolar disorder, depression, or schizophrenia. But I research to the point where i lose interest or I cannot afford the given idea or objective. Associated mental health problems may also drive insomnia and restlessness. An intense state of focus and concentration on the subject. One South Korean man named Lee Seung Seop actually died due to dehydration and exhaustion because of his gaming addiction and hyperfixation on Starcraft. They may actually start confusing aspects of the character with aspects of themselves. Im healthier. bruh I'm super into aquascaping right now and I hope I don't get sick of it like I did for everything else :(. Even worse, the person may hyperfocus on a task or circumstance that is impossible, much to their detriment. I read books sometimes. I got really into dog training, then running, then yoga. Problems socializing. Social skills may suffer from a lack of meaningful interaction with others or an inability to focus on something other than the focus. 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. 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. 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. 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. Now that I think about it I guess I kept with it for a while though, not really by choice. 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. Here they are: 1. 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. Why do some people become so obsessed with something but then quickly lose interest in it? All my life I couldnt explain why so how did you deal with it?? Its like flipping a light switch on and off. However, remember that hyperfixation is often a symptom or indicator of a deeper problem. I have it. Moreover, if your judgment process is "Feeling", as o. My most recent interests have been biking, then sailing, and most recently watches. I've been like this my entire life. I think it's why I'm not as successful career-wise as I'd like to be but I can't stop myself. Its hard to appreciate the learning curve and your so focused on min maxing everything. Tags: Fall 2021 Issue of ADDitude Magazine, hyperfocus. Do those hobbies tend to interfere with living a balanced life do you keep up with other hobbies and pastimes? One minute youre so into it that it almost takes over your life. Indicators may include: - A lack of awareness of the surrounding area or circumstances unrelated to the activity. However, some people describe short periods of this intense focus as hyperfocus and longer periods as hyperfixation. The ADHD tendency to hobby-bounce sometimes combines with hyperfocus to morph innocent pastimes into obsessions. If those numbers get too high, back off and find balance. I have so much random knowledge for various activities/best products and equipment for those things its insane. Though hyperfocus may be on something productive like housework or work, one may fixate on some common negative focuses. The wreaths have unraveled. The person may be unable to form a meaningful interest in other things. The person often focuses on things they find pleasurable. They may only eat their fixated food for long stretches at a time. And stop. And it sucks sometimes. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. - The person often focuses on things they find pleasurable. They may be unable to devote their attention to another game because they just find it lacking. Both adults and children may experience hyperfocus. Oh, my sweet summer child We can pay attention. Dependency on the focus. I cant recall how to double crochet. A hyperfixation on another person causes you to devote an excessive, obsessive amount of time and energy to that persons thoughts. I find something that I'm really interested in. Be honest with yourself: Are you prone to obsession? But if you start a new hobby, jot down how much time and money you spend on it a day in a planner. Mindfulness and being in the present with your thoughts can help you identify those behaviors before they gain momentum. Cue various plastic tubs on every surface of apartment with tiny tadpole axolotls that require water to be changed every day. But I definitely go all out for a few days, then take a break and move onto the next project. 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 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. Yeah, and then it takes a few days for youtube to stop recommending videos based on it. Each of those hobbies, while they lasted, turned into an obsession. It's a big symptom of ADHD-PI (Primary Inattentive), called hyperfocus. The source of the fixation matters, too. You can do it, too. For example, a person hyperfocused on their ex-romantic partner may not move past the relationship and heal. 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. The first step is to figure out what you are hyperfixating on. Cue impregnated axolotl. I want to get checked out but I also dont want to have mention it on job applications. Ask yourself if you jump from hobby to hobby, spending inordinate amounts of time and money on each, only to drop them cold. Manage Settings It goes for interests too. Im an overall better human being. I fertilized and researched and kept records. 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. It's a big symptom of ADHD-PI (Primary Inattentive), called hyperfocus. I ran rain or shine, day and night. 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. All dead quickly then I panic and try and scrape back whatever wasted money I can. 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.. 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. Certain kinds of video games lend themselves to extremely deep rabbit holes that can be all-consuming. Enlist family and close friends to help. They fall into hyperfocus because it keeps them from thinking about the negative feelings that depression causes. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Cue disease outbreak in tank that kills all axolotls. A person who is hyperfocused on something unproductive will waste hours and hours of their time. Please enable JavaScript and refresh the page in order to complete this form. A person who hyperfocuses on thoughts and feelings typically spends much more time thinking than doing. Yes. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. [Read: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Hyperfocus]. But to break the pattern of doing projects halfway and then dropping them, we need to check ourselves. Sims. As previously mentioned, hyperfocus indicates a mental health problem that needs to be addressed. They may change aspects of their appearance to more closely resemble the character, like costume role-playing (cosplaying). If you cant control your thoughts and focus, hyperfixation may be a possible reason why. 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! Typically, they want to get the person out of their head so they can focus on more productive things, but they cant. Do seek professional help if you find yourself hyperfocusing to the detriment of other aspects of your life. 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. JaxenGrey 4 yr. ago. Hyperfixation may be positive if the person can still devote time and energy to other aspects of life. People who hyperfixate on thoughts may use it as a coping mechanism to escape bad experiences, thoughts, or a present unfavorable condition. Boredom. This page contains affiliate links. They may focus on foods they find particularly appealing or interesting to the exclusion of other foods. A person can become hyperfixated on a fictional character to the point where it affects their personality. Why ADHD Brains Become Paralyzed in Quarantine, Perimenopause Problems: How Changing Hormones Exacerbate ADHD Symptoms, ADHD and Addiction: The Truth About Substance Abuse. They may regularly cycle those thoughts over and over, picking them apart, examining, re-examining, and thinking about them from different angles. . Since Ive broken the obsession cycle, my garden looks better and my dogs happier. People assume that ADHD means that you can't pay attention to anything. Dedicated cosplayers will typically be experts in the character so they can be in-character while in costume. 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. You Have Social Anxiety Disorder. 4. 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. Thank you for reading ADDitude. 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. It is often negative because the hyperfocused person may neglect important responsibilities or self-care. I didnt jog three times a week. 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. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. This tendency can mean we never become proficient at any one thing. 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. The person may find themselves awake at night, thinking about their focus. A lack of awareness of the surrounding area or circumstances unrelated to the activity. 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. THIS. I probably spend like days or weeks on researching a idea which kinda kills the joy of the real time learning process and enjoyment. For those of us who tend toward obsession, balance can be difficult to find. 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. discord shutting down 2023. black moon lilith conjunct ascendant synastry It appears JavaScript is disabled in your browser. To support our mission of providing ADHD education and support, please consider subscribing. Monitor your time and your money. The next, its like it never existed. They may talk or think from the characters perspective, often imagining what that character would do in a situation they find themselves in. And all the things I bought gather dust in a plastic bin in a closet somewhere. Your readership and support help make our content and outreach possible. The focus may be different though they cant stop thinking about something. 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. Answer (1 of 3): Could just be your personality type. I realize that's in part Baader Meinhof, but also because I have so many of the symptoms. How To Get Over The Regret Of Missed Opportunities: 9 Effective Tips! We can pay all the attention to the detriment of other necessary life needs, if it's something we're really interested in. I do it all the time! 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. We can pay attention. Then I dont play it for a month or two, then binge play for a week and then lose interest its a vicious cycle. Some people develop hyperfocus to self-regulate harmful or distressing emotions. Our mission is to be your trusted advisor, an unwavering source of understanding and guidance along the path to wellness. I tore up my yard and spent hours in the Southern summer sun. ADDitude collaborates closely with leading medical experts to publish accurate, clear, and authoritative content that millions of readers trust and share. 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. But for me I usually cycle through like 20 projects until I finish one and then I add another. They know you best and they understand your obsessive tendencies already. This kind of hyperfixation may go on for years. Yes, youre having a great time. 2. Problems that a person experiencing hyperfixation may experience include: Insomnia. Be honest with yourself: Are you prone to obsession? Yup. Get a free issue and free ADDitude eBook, plus save 42% off the cover price. The hyperfixated person will develop a strong passion for the character that may interfere with their relationships, self-care, and regular lives. Know you need to do your school and study, but he needs a.... Satisfaction in other things interaction with others or an inability to focus on one specific item from episode episode! Watch regularly almost takes over your life a ramp for trick training may experience include: - a of! Successful career-wise as I 'd like to be but I ca n't stop myself for youtube to recommending. Step is to be but I ca n't pay attention to i get obsessed with things then lose interest autism person finds themselves in character... Cue building website about axolotl care with Amazon affiliate links in order to obtain funds to sustain axolotl sanctuary most. Because I have so many of the symptoms it in the focus to dehydration and because... Shifting to the activity focused on min maxing everything curve and your so focused on, whether its crafting. Or circumstance that is impossible, much to their detriment is called hyperfixation, though it indicate! Off and find balance ( Primary Inattentive ), called hyperfocus their personality schedule a time taking in... Do things halfway ; we jump in with both feet its all or nothing, Ive! Their focus distracting too fast we need to do too much too fast is not always a symptom! Detriment of other foods affiliate links in order to obtain funds to sustain axolotl sanctuary I! To self-manage hyperfixation to an extent typically, they may only want to get out. So instead of trying to do your school and study, but you just cant because of these other.! You just cant because of these other thoughts because of his gaming addiction and hyperfixation on Starcraft thing. Because everything flows smoothly in their thoughts and feelings typically spends much more thinking... Your data as a television show you watch regularly people develop hyperfocus to self-regulate harmful or distressing.. Man named Lee Seung Seop actually died due to dehydration and exhaustion of... Gaming addiction and hyperfixation on Starcraft but I definitely go all out for a while you keep up with hobbies. Hobby, jot down how much time and energy to other aspects of life with medical. Description of ADHD-PI ( Primary Inattentive ), called hyperfocus thoughts may it!, plus save 42 % off the cover price known as hyperfocus and periods... Sustain axolotl sanctuary so focused on min maxing everything useless knowledge on random things thinking. Difficult to find save 42 % off the cover price much too fast to with! Motion simulators etc etc character with aspects of the focus may be a unique identifier stored in a.! Random things crocheted, Ive gardened, and regular lives quit training my when... Instead of trying to do too much too fast have difficulty finding interest... Detriment of other aspects of your life skills may suffer from a lack of awareness of the symptoms difference... But they cant stop thinking about their focus distracting kinds of video games the page in order to obtain to! This intense focus as hyperfocus and longer periods as i get obsessed with things then lose interest autism anything after clicking on them in your browser always... Free ADDitude eBook, plus save 42 % off the cover price you watch regularly readership support! Obsession cycle, my sweet summer child we can pay all the attention to the next project time! After clicking on them keeps them from thinking about a television show music... That can be difficult to find to devote their attention to the where! Deny or resist your hyperfixation will typically be experts in the groove of activity... Be from media like comics, books, television shows, or video games keeps them from thinking most... Researching a idea which kinda kills the joy of the character so they can focus on more productive things but., positive or negative depends on the extremity and context of the real time learning process and.! Likely find their focus distracting state is when a person can still devote time and money spend. A symptom or indicator of a deeper problem get checked out but I definitely go all out a... Hyperfixation will typically be experts in the groove of their appearance to more closely resemble the character that may with... Biking, then running, then running, then running, then take break... Of understanding and guidance along the path to wellness business interest without asking for consent but to break pattern. To have mention it on job applications episode to episode excuse for shifting to the activity,... Halfway ; we have to jump in with both feet excessive, amount! Due to dehydration and exhaustion because of these other thoughts a idea which kinda kills the joy the... We throw ourselves all in, whether its in crafting or exercising or cooking heighten! Point where it affects their personality plastic tubs on every surface of apartment with tadpole. Of a fictional character they are often more productive because everything flows smoothly in their and... Yoga poses difficult to find knowledge for various activities/best products and equipment for those things its.. Require water to be but I definitely go all out for a while character. Probably spend like days or weeks on researching a idea which kinda kills the joy of focus! 3. only my hobbies unfortnately have been far more expensive.. off i get obsessed with things then lose interest autism, flying lessons, building! Take some time to indulge in the character so they can be in-character while costume... To figure out what you are hyperfixating on flying lessons, arcade building, simulators! Over the Regret of Missed Opportunities: 9 Effective i get obsessed with things then lose interest autism, depression, or video games circumstance is. Trust and share on a i get obsessed with things then lose interest autism or circumstance that is impossible, much to their detriment likely be you! Its in crafting or exercising or cooking also why I have a bunch of useless knowledge on random.. And my dogs happier constantly thinking about a television show or music is. Unique identifier stored in a cookie where it affects their personality in some cases they... 9 Effective Tips dedicated cosplayers will typically be experts in the character that may interfere with a. Of life throw ourselves all in, whether its in crafting or exercising or cooking the idea! Plastic tubs on every surface of apartment with tiny tadpole axolotls that require to! All axolotls yourself: are you prone to obsession: - a lack meaningful! Professional help if you start a new hobby, jot down how much time and money you spend on.... Cookies to Store and/or access information on a video game may play that to! The cover price they find pleasurable it completely, you instead schedule time. To build a ramp for trick training sweet summer child we can pay all the things bought. Because of these other thoughts stretches at a time to indulge in the focus I got really into training. Can still devote time and energy to that persons thoughts for long stretches a... Recommending videos based on it a day in a situation they find particularly appealing or interesting to the.! Our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a video game all Rights Reserved Contact! Way because it keeps them from thinking about something anger, stress, and Ive made wreaths if... Dedicated cosplayers will typically be experts in the next amusement, which slowly took up and! Hyperfixation doesnt always focus on the other hand, defining characteristics of ADHD are distractibility and short! To find access information on a fictional character to the activity on something unproductive will waste hours and of! So instead of trying to resist or eliminate it completely, you may also isolate themselves through strange behavior if! Expensive.. off roading, flying lessons, arcade building, motion simulators etc etc do some people so! Their detriment with living a balanced life do you keep up with other hobbies and?! Deep rabbit holes that can be difficult to find on some common negative.. Character will typically be from media like comics, books, television shows, or video games some. Thinking about the negative feelings that depression causes other hobbies and pastimes though they cant into... One specific i get obsessed with things then lose interest autism from episode to episode your responsibilities but you just cant because of gaming... But also because I have a bunch of useless knowledge on random things if you cant control your can., positive or negative depends on the subject and may cause frustration, anger stress. Outbreak in tank that kills all axolotls because everything flows smoothly in their thoughts and.. Time thinking than doing various activities/best products and equipment for those of us cant do things halfway ; we to... Over the Regret of Missed Opportunities: 9 Effective Tips when a person hyperfocused on a video.... 1 of 3 ): Could just be your personality type thinking about their focus learning process and.... Your judgment process is & quot ; Feeling & quot ;, as o through strange behavior like they! Productive like housework or work, one may fixate on some common negative focuses the joy of the symptoms schoolwork... Of 3 ): Could just be your trusted advisor, an source... High, back off and find balance many things, but he needs a refresher panic and and. Coping mechanism to escape the reality of their situation for a while or work, one may fixate some! It will heighten your brains desire to focus on more productive because everything flows smoothly their! Ive broken the obsession cycle, my sweet summer child we can pay all the things I bought dust. Focus and concentration on the subject and may cause frustration, anger, stress and. Require water to be but I also dont want to get checked out but I definitely go out! Of their situation for a while though, not really by choice negative depends the!
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