I got the overwhelmed motivation freeze thing happening...

[FirstLight]

I made a list, but that doesn't help.

Gotts do the littlest things to just make my life better...like empty the dishes and clean out the sink. Vacuum, laundry...
Call about a bill and get my taxes done (need a person, I'm fucked). Work on my website to generate some income, or look for a job remotely...Finish my class that I took an Incomplete in...

I need to stop sitting her like a lump. I have taken enough "mental health" days and breaks...I gotta get to the nitty gritty.

Aaaaand, then I freeze.

Ugh, I KNOW it's as easy as turning on music and getting out of my chair.
So why can't I DO it?

I should really talk to my Dr about getting diagnosed with ADHD and treatment... ugh...

[AloeVera]

1. It sounds like ADHD overwhelm.

You're in emotional survival mode, caused by stress, too much information and overwhelm. Managing those emotions becomes your priority, leaving little energy left for taking action. It's a rut ADHD people fall into. And of course thee last thing you want to deal with, on top of all that, is going for an ADHD diagnosis.

While overwhelmed is an adjective, ADHD overwhelm is often used to refer to a symptom of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. For adults with the disorder, it means feeling like your brain is flooded by excessive emotions, information or stimulants that are unable to be properly sorted or prioritized. ADHD overwhelm can essentially lead to you feeling frustrated and upset with yourself, causing you to shut down completely, both mentally and emotionally.

Adults with ADHD are more sensitive to feeling overwhelmed than neurotypical adults. For those with ADHD, there is a difference or disruption of neurotransmitters in the brain that are required to carry out Executive Functions needed to handle tasks. These affected transmitters are needed to stay focused on completing one specific task or initiating a plan of action.

Without the ability to carry out the required functions to handle a situation or task, an adult can experience ADHD overwhelm, causing them to feel stuck.

This site has some good information and strategies. It helps to understand why this is happening, so you're not blaming yourself.

https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/executive-functioning-strategies-blog/adhd-overwhelm-why-it-happens-how-to-control-it

I've dealt with it all my life, it's horrible. I was not diagnosed until my late 50's. Don't suffer needlessly, go for help if you can.

[FirstLight]

2. lucky, my therapist fopr recent trama is multi-tasking with me!

LOL I'm in my mid 50s and I know it's gotten MUCH worse since menopause. Add to that my recent DV trauma and no wonder I'm overwhelmed, right?

I *did* manage a little bit - made the appointment for the tires, got the 80's Alt Rock blasting and did the dishes and vacuumed...

That's all the physical stuff for now... back to creativity mode. If I can take a break and let my "other brain" have some fun, even coloring...that seems to help.

I just keep telling myself..."How do we eat a whole elephant?....one bite at a time!"

nobody can do it but ME! *whew*

[AloeVera]

6. Good for you! Now you might be on a roll..

Once you get started...

Yes, no wonder you're overwhelmed. My heart goes out to you. It happens unfortunately to too many of us. It happened to me. Therapy helped me through it too. I'm a different person now than I was before, much wiser and resilient. You are strong. I wish you healing and joy.

[ShazzieB]

3. OMG, than you so much for this!

I know you posted it for FirstLight, but it's absolutely what I need right now!

I haven't been formerly diagnosed with ADHD, but I'm positive I have it. I figured it out when my daughter was in elementary school and was showing all the classic symptoms of the hyperactive kind of ADHD (couldn't sit still to save her life, etc.). Her teachers complained about her behavior but didn't seem concerned beyond that, so I took matters into my own hands and had her evaluated. And guess what? I was absolute right!

While reading up on ADHD in order to help her, I realized that the description of the non hyperactive type of ADHD fit me to a T. I never had problems being still and quiet in school, but I had a VERY hard time keeping my attention focused on what was going on in class at times. As long as I was interested and engaged, I did great, nut when things got boring and repetitious, it was almost impossible to keep my mind from drifting away. Where my daughter got in trouble for not not able to be still and quiet, I got in trouble for "not paying attention."

And boy, do I EVER have that overwhelm thing in spades, but until now I didn't connect it with ADHD. I think this website is going to be a big help. Thanks again!

[AloeVera]

5. I'm so glad it helped.

You are most welcome!

I'm a big believer in serendipity. It happened that way for me too. The lighbulb went off after reading something. I am also the inattentive type. Exactly as you described yourself, I can hyper-focus like there's no tomorrow IF I am interested or passionate about something. Or on deadline. But give me something boring or meh and I'm gone off to my own world. My Mom is still trying to teach me to cook our ethnic food, 60 years later! It just doesn't register.

My youngest son is more the hyper-active type with inattention. I can relate to your challenges with your daughter. But there is so much more knowledge and help now, fortunately.

There is a lot to learn and it's an adventure. I still fight overwhelm but am getting better. Not so much in the last 2.5 weeks of course but this too shall pass.

Wish you well! Remember, our hyper-focus is our secret weapon!

[XanaDUer2]

4. That's where I am

Frozen in fear, anxiety