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why hyperfixation isn't just a fun and quirky word - a thread of the negative side to hyperfixations
ive recently noticed that some neurotypical (nt) people have been using the term hyperfixation to describe their interests, however it's a term exclusive to neurodivergent (nd) people
so i've decided to make a thread of the cons to having hyperfixations, as i feel like people don't talk about how difficult it can be
1. switching hyperfixation:
switching to a new hyperfixation can be difficult for many reasons. it can make you feel as if you're betraying the hyperfixation that you're leaving behind, especially if it's a celebrity you like as you can feel the inability to support them with-
switching to a new hyperfixation can be difficult for many reasons. it can make you feel as if you're betraying the hyperfixation that you're leaving behind, especially if it's a celebrity you like as you can feel the inability to support them with-
the same vigour as before, which is not the nd's fault or choice at all.
2. between hyperfixations:
when an nd person is in the process of switching hyperfixation, they can often experience a period where they're not hyperfixated on anything at all. this is an extremely rough period of time for them because they often feel as if they have nothing-
when an nd person is in the process of switching hyperfixation, they can often experience a period where they're not hyperfixated on anything at all. this is an extremely rough period of time for them because they often feel as if they have nothing-
to turn to or rely on for happiness, and therefore can lead to a feeling of hopelessness or being lost.
3. problematic hyperfixations:
it is not a nd person's choice as to what their brain hyperfixates on. because of this, it's possible and extremely common for them to hyperfixate on someone or something that others have deemed problematic. while nt people tend to know about-
it is not a nd person's choice as to what their brain hyperfixates on. because of this, it's possible and extremely common for them to hyperfixate on someone or something that others have deemed problematic. while nt people tend to know about-
this, they often forget that it's difficult for the nd person to see constant hate towards their hyperfixation (even if it is "deserved") and will forget to cw hate, as well as shaming the nd for something they cannot control.
4. "obsessions" and guilt:
personally, i feel really ashamed and embarrassed when somebody refers to one of my hyperfixations as something im "obsessed" with. it can lead me to not want to talk about them, which means it gets all bottled up. nd people often need an outlet to-
personally, i feel really ashamed and embarrassed when somebody refers to one of my hyperfixations as something im "obsessed" with. it can lead me to not want to talk about them, which means it gets all bottled up. nd people often need an outlet to-
talk about their hyperfixation, so while it may seem a lot to a nt person, the best way to help an nd friend is to allow them to talk about their hyperfixation. a great thing to do is to ask them about it too, as it shows you're interested; nd people can often feel as if they're-
a burden when they talk about it, so questions and interest are super reassuring.
5. difficulty focusing on other things:
the "hyper" in hyperfixation is no exaggeration -- hyperfixations often take up most of an nd person's thoughts and it can make it extremely difficult to focus on things like school work or chores as all the nd person can think about is-
the "hyper" in hyperfixation is no exaggeration -- hyperfixations often take up most of an nd person's thoughts and it can make it extremely difficult to focus on things like school work or chores as all the nd person can think about is-
doing something to do with their hyperfixation (eg; if someone is hyperfixated on a youtuber, it can be difficult to gain the motivation to do things other than watch their videos)
this is all i can think of rn but nd ppl feel free to reply with some struggles you have related to this !!
and nt ppl feel free to ask questions in the replies if you have any :D
and nt ppl feel free to ask questions in the replies if you have any :D
just wanna add on that there's not a one-size-fits-all with hyperfixations and they can and will vary among all nd ppl !!
this is a very good point !! thank you @CHAOSBYTXT for your input :D /g https://twitter.com/CHAOSBYTXT/status/1344546149051604994?s=19
