10 Things I Thought Everyone Experienced, But Were "Just" My ADHD

After diving into research about ADHD and hyperfocus, I realized that many things I assumed were universal experiences actually weren't—they were unique to my ADHD!

1. A Mind in Overdrive: My brain is constantly racing with 20 different conversations and thought processes at any given moment. It's like having a Ferrari engine stuck in a Ford Pinto.

2. Overplanning Everything: I meticulously plan every situation down to the smallest detail, which brings a lot of anxiety. The idea of spontaneously going to an outdoor pool with my kids is overwhelming—my mind immediately starts panicking about what snacks, supplies, and logistics I'll need to consider.

3. Impulse Shopping for Every Scenario: I often find myself impulsively shopping to prepare for any possible situation. I tell myself, "If I buy all new colored pencils, coloring books, and snacks, my kids will behave perfectly on the flight."

4. Predicting Story Endings: When listening to someone tell a story, I'm already calculating every possible ending. By the time they finish, I'm not surprised—"Ah, it was ending #527."

5. Seeking a Dopamine Hit: When my stress levels skyrocket, I crave a dopamine hit. The moment my cherry cola touches my lips, my heart rate drops, and I can breathe again. People with ADHD are more prone to substance abuse, and while I’m grateful I only reach for a cola, there have been times when a sip of that peanut butter whiskey sounded tempting.

6. People-Pleasing Due to Rejection Sensitivity: I worry that if I don't finish all my food at a restaurant, the chef will notice and get mad at me. If I say no to a request, I fear I'll upset someone. As a people-pleaser, my Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD), a common comorbidity with ADHD, means I've always put others' needs before mine.

7. Sensory Overload: I can't filter out noises around me. In the car, I hear the kids, the music, my husband, passing cars, and the wind on the windows—all at the same volume, which overwhelms me.

8. Caffeine Calms Me Down: I can have a shot or two of espresso and then fall asleep. For people with ADHD, caffeine calms the brain much like stimulant medication.

9. Hyperfocus: When I'm really interested in something, I hyperfocus. Decorating a cake means sitting at my kitchen island for an entire day, often forgetting to eat, drink, or even use the bathroom.

10. Anxiety About Being Late: My fear of being late makes me arrive extremely early. I factor in potential traffic, parking, and countless other variables. I break down every step—15 minutes for traffic, 30 to drive there, 15 to find parking, and 15 to walk—so I end up standing outside my appointment an hour early.

Bonus: As soon as I get going, I lose track of time, so here it is:

1. Overthinking Conversations: While talking to someone, I constantly think about how to stand, what my facial expressions portray, and when to make eye contact. I'm counting, "Okay, eye contact for 5, 4, 3, 2, 1...phew, break...but not for too long. Am I oversharing again?"

The more I research and understand ADHD, the more I realize how unique my experiences are. The voices in my head become clearer, helping me understand myself better.