Navigating ADHD Paralysis: Personal Insights and Practical Strategies
ADHD paralysis can creep up like a slow burn, and when it strikes, it feels like a match igniting an overwhelming blaze. I often find myself completely overwhelmed by everything around me, yet unable to take any action. This state can be incredibly overstimulating, like pins and needles triggering my senses at every turn. Frustration becomes a constant companion, and I've experienced long periods where I felt stuck in this state. It’s a feeling that's not only depressing but also isolating and quite scary. The result often looks like a tornado has swept through my life, disrupting my normal routines and creating chaos.
For those of you who don’t know or aren't familiar with ADHD, it is most commonly defined and understood as an attention-related disorder or a hyperactivity disorder. If you search Google, the most common definition that comes up is: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic developmental disorder that can affect people throughout their lives. It's characterized by a pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that can interfere with a person's functioning and development.
ADHD paralysis is essentially when the body and mind disconnect a bit, and you feel as though you are in a state of stagnant, stale, and stuck energy. Unable to gain momentum and completely overwhelmed/overstimulated, it most often ends in self-isolation and a spiral/cycle for an uncertain amount of time.
In other blogs, I share my thoughts and opinions on ADHD and how I feel it is widely misunderstood.
An actual representation of what it feels like when the blood rushes to my head and I feel overstimulated by almost everything around me.
I just really couldn’t focus or gain momentum.. at all
The options for everything I had to do were constantly at the forefront of my mind, and I just couldn’t pull out of it.
An Actual Representation of what it feels like when the blood rushes to my head and I feel so over stimulated by the almost everything around me.
Honestly, I have been pretty open about how difficult these past few weeks have been for me. It has felt like a challenge getting out of my head and escaping the brain fog. My laundry piled up, and my room looked like the girl from the Mel Gibson movie Signs, with water glasses everywhere. I felt completely overwhelmed at work, with endless task lists and self-deprecating self-motivation strategies. The spiral just kind of happened, and I found myself unable to pull it together, unable to put my things away, unable to decide what to wear out, unable to commit to going anywhere, or even really talk to anyone. The options for everything I had to do were constantly at the forefront of my mind, and I just couldn’t pull out of it.
This last time around, it took a little longer than I am comfortable sharing here—even if no one is reading my blogs—but there a few things I did and I think anyone can help get through it.
Coping Strategies To Help Break ADHD Paralysis
Identify the State: The first step in regaining momentum is recognizing and acknowledging that you're in a state of ADHD paralysis. It might sound simple, but admitting it to yourself can be incredibly empowering.
Cold Showers: Taking cold showers can shock the system and help wake you up, breaking the cycle of paralysis. It’s a quick and effective way to reset.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking lots of water is crucial. I've noticed that dehydration can exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD paralysis.
Limit Alcohol: Reducing alcohol intake is important, as I’ve found that consuming more alcohol worsens the state of paralysis.
Set Alarms: Setting alarms can be a practical way to prompt yourself to get moving and stay on track. These little reminders can make a big difference.
Buddy System: Having someone to confide in about what you’re experiencing can be incredibly helpful. A buddy system provides emotional support and accountability, which can be crucial in managing ADHD paralysis.
I became very intentional with my commitment to time and responsibilities. I had to clearly define my tasks and schedule, setting strict boundaries for myself: This is what I am doing now, at this time, for this long – do not get sidetracked. It was almost as if I had to regulate myself in an intensely focused manner. I’m not claiming any clinical expertise; I'm just sharing my personal experience and understanding.
Health Resources
In addition to these personal strategies, there are many health resources available that can provide further support. Whether it's seeking professional advice or exploring various therapeutic options, it’s important to find what works best for you.
Work with a professional who specializes in ADHD: Ask for support.
Medication Management: If you’re taking medication, be mindful of your prescription schedule and communicate these episodes with your provider at your regularly scheduled follow-ups.
Health Coaching: Work with a health coach to stay on track and find alternative strategies for managing ADHD and navigating complex conditions like ADHD paralysis.
Nutritional Resources
A lot of research has shown a negative relationship between ADHD symptoms and gluten. While most of the clinical research is geared towards celiac disease, the subjective benefits are relevant to the symptomatic experiences of people with ADHD.
A gluten-free diet significantly improved ADHD symptoms in patients with celiac disease in this study. The results further suggest that celiac disease should be included in the ADHD symptom checklist.
Some research shows, and I have heard on many podcasts (to be linked at a later time), that nutritional deficiencies are often seen in people who have ADHD and/or ADHD symptoms. Some areas to consider: Vitamin D, magnesium, Vitamin B12, Vitamin K2, Fish oil, to name a few.
Disclaimer
AlloKate Integrative Solutions is not offering medical services or clinical advice. AlloKate is a digital experience for blogging and sharing information. I am not a licensed healthcare provider and do not operate independently under any false representation. I am currently employed by a private medical practice, and this blog is independent of that practice, its practices, policies, and reputation. The content of this blog reflects my personal and professional beliefs and instincts. Any clinical information shared will only be done with the permission and informed consent of the relevant practice, provider, and/or group.