ADHDifference - OVERTHINKING

ADHDifference

Julie Legg and Jel Legg discuss ADHD and overthinking – the loops of thoughts that continuously consume the minds of many with ADHD.
They chat about those situations when overthinking has its place, and when overthinking has negative implications such as depression, anxiety, and stress. They discuss how as a couple they combat overthinking using diversion techniques, and personal tips they use as individuals.
Topics discussed in this episode:

• Time wasting and procrastination.
• Is overthinking an issue, or just a normal process of finding resolution for an ADHD brain?
• Overthinking and underthinking.
• Rejection sensitive dysphoria, ghosting and defence mechanisms.
• Diversion therapy.

Key takeaways:

• Overthinking is normal, everyone does it from time to time. It is more likely to be a frequent occurrence for those with ADHD and can have negative implications that impact time management, decision making, stress, depression, and anxiety.
• Finding resolution to an unsolvable problem or puzzle can be futile. Diversion therapy or distractions can help shift obsessive thinking to another task or area of interest.
• You can only control what is within your control.
• Turning your attention to something that you can solve or achieve, even if challenging, will provide a dopamine hit reward.
• 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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