ADHD Paralysis: it’s a thing.
Before we jump onto this topic, let’s start with the bigger problem. We still don’t know how the brain works in its entirety. It is a super computer working at speeds and complexities that we have yet to understand. The challenge comes in now that, if we don’t understand the brain according to a typical blueprint, how could we understand it when it is divergent?
I refer to neurotypicals and neurodivergents in this passage because I firmly believe there is no correct or incorrect way for the brain to function.
Mental disorders and the understanding of them are constantly being changed as doctors, scientists, and therapists learn more. This leaves the neurodivergent population on the back foot, so to speak.
While speaking to other people with mental disorders, and specifically ADHD, one point keeps coming to the surface. This overwhelming fear of doing anything even remotely productive. After researching, the term “ADHD Paralysis" is used to describe this phenomenon.
I am not a doctor or medical professional by any measure but have done enough research to feel confident in my following explanation.
When a neurotypical gets overwhelmed, they tend to take a moment, go for a quick walk, make some coffee, or whatever helps them to refocus. This takes about 10–30 minutes and then they’re back on track. For a neurodivergent, this doesn’t work. Becoming overstimulated doesn’t necessarily happen from external forces. It’s the kind that does it before you’ve even had a chance to try and accomplish anything.
ADHD Paralysis is knowing that you have things to do, knowing they’re important, knowing there’s a deadline or people depending on you, and still physically not being able to get up and complete the tasks. Staring into a void, or binge-watching a series without actually watching it tends to be what happens and what it looks like from the outside. Here are some points I’ve learned that maybe you can use.
- You are not lazy. This is one of the most prevalent comments thrown at people. Laziness is a choice. ADHD Paralysis is not.
- Have a buddy. This can be a partner, friend or family member who knows you very well. You need to be able to be open with them and say you’re in a paralysis and can’t get out. They need to then help you out gently.
- Start really small. As in, take a glass to the kitchen. Put the remotes on the table. Plug your phone in to charge. Usually, starting off with one tiny movement will start to break the paralysis and lead to bigger tasks.
- Don’t be hard on yourself. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. You are not a failure or broken, and definitely, not lazy.
I hope someone can use this advice. And, perhaps, can now understand yourself or others a bit better.
Let’s leave the world a kinder place — through understanding and knowledge.
