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ADHD and negative self focus
For many individuals with ADHD, the reality is more complex than just inattention. The opposite is often true: an extreme, poorly controlled fixation on distressing topics.
We call this the Negative Self-Focus.
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#coffeethread #adhd #adhdbrain #adhdawareness #selffocus #mentalhealth #selfcare #adhs #tdah
@adhd_coffee I appreciate this thread.
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Negative self focus traps you in endless rumination loops, deep relational analyses, and paralyzing self-criticism that often extends into existential fears.
It is essential to understand that this is a neurologically conditioned response, not a lack of willpower.
Acknowledge this, you are not alone.
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Why does your mind hold on so tightly? The reason is that ADHD also affects emotional-cognitive self-regulation.
A comb. of dopamine deficiency and high stress can cause your brain to get "stuck" in a problem. The necessary mental flexibility to shift focus away from a worrying topic is reduced. Instead of moving towards a solution, a block remains, leading to a tendency toward self-depreciation.
Be gentle with yourself; your brain is working against switching, not you against yourself
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The negative hyperfocus is often triggered by intense emotions. The high intensity of these feelings - set off by criticism or perceived rejection - captures your brain's complete attention.
This intense internal emotional response becomes the primary trigger that supplies the rumination loop with the necessary energy to keep it running.
Note: I have a thread about emotions and adhd here: https://mastodon.social/@adhd_coffee/115303791275123560
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When emotions have hijacked your focus, the lack of thought filtering comes into play. Your mind finds it difficult to categorize and discard negative information as unimportant. Instead, it is overweighted.
Every input allows a huge, branching "thought tree" to grow, quickly leading to massive cognitive overload. The fixation is an unrestrained, unfiltered reaction to internal stimuli that drains energy endlessly and places the brain in a state of permanent alert.
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This internal struggle has exhausting effects. Hours spent analyzing hurtful statements, meticulously over-interpreting messages, and the lack of rest from the internal monologue are typical signs.
This constant mental overexertion leads to massive exhaustion and often to social withdrawal. Since you isolate yourself, you lack positive external stimuli and validation, which further intensifies the rumination in a vacuum.
Be aware: you are doing heavy, unnoticed mental labor.
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