Julie Legg and Jel Legg discuss ADHD and overthinking – the loops of thoughts that continuously consume the minds of many with ADHD.
They explore how unresolved thought loops can consume time, heighten stress, and create emotional spirals, often blending past regrets with present concerns. Drawing on their personal experiences, they discuss the reasons behind overthinking, its impacts, and practical strategies to break free from these mental cycles. They share relatable insights and actionable tips to manage overthinking and regain mental clarity.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Overthinking Characteristics: Overthinking in ADHD often involves loops of unresolved thoughts, mixing past events with present concerns. It can consume significant time and lead to stress, anxiety, and lost productivity.
- Negative Impacts: This pattern of thought can lead to emotional spirals, including feelings of regret, self-doubt, or depression. Common scenarios include replaying conflicts and imagining perfect responses that were never given, which can prolong emotional distress.
- Coping Mechanisms: Both Julie and Jel note that they act as mutual reminders to stop overthinking, using their shared ADHD experiences to support one another. Recognizing overthinking patterns early and shifting focus to other tasks can help mitigate its effects.
- Reasons Behind Overthinking: ADHD brains often juggle a high volume of thoughts, making it challenging to pinpoint solutions or focus on key issues. Fear of acting on decisions, and a need for validation or certainty, can prolong indecision.
- Suggested Strategies: Break the loop by accepting resolutions rather than revisiting problems repeatedly. Act on decisions early to avoid unnecessary contemplation and mental fatigue. At times overthinking is necessary to be able to process information. It is not a weakness by default for those with ADHD, it’s just part of our ADHD difference.
LINKS
Julie is the author of THE MISSING PIECE: A Woman's Guide to Understanding, Diagnosing and Living with ADHD (Harper Collins, 2024)
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