You’re a grownup, right? If something minor is irritating you, shouldn’t you be able to muscle through; to not let the little things bother you?
Maybe most grownups can pull off not paying attention to things that bug them but adults with ADHD aren’t always so lucky.
You see, one of the lovely side effects of living with ADHD is hypersensitivity.
What is ADHD Hypersensitivity?
If you’re hypersensitive there are times you can’t block out stimuli. You just can’t. Touch, smell, sound, light, activity, and taste can ‘stick to us’ in such a way it’s impossible to ignore. No matter how we try.
Things that spark ADHD hypersensitivity seem minor:
– tags in clothes
– the wrong kind of music playing
– strong aftershave on a man sitting nearby in the movie theatre
– uncomfortable clothes – too tight or too itchy
– lights that are too bright
– a loved one gently rubbing your arm
– places like the shopping mall where there’s lots of activity
– tastes or food textures
Most people wouldn’t think twice about any of these things, but if you live with adult ADHD you need to heed the warnings when you’re sensitive to something.
Can you ignore ADHD Hypersensitivity?
Nope. Attempting to ignore whats bugging you usually backfires.
While trying to politely tolerate the annoyance you’re distracted and can’t focus on anything else.
When you reach your limit of tolerance you explode and over-react leaving the unprepared people around you wondering what in the world just happened.
Here’s the hypersensitivity lesson. When something is really bugging you do what you can to get away from it. Trying to muscle through will probably backfire.
ADHD and hypersensitivity go hand in hand. Ignore it at your own risk.
The Last Word in ADD Success
Hypersensitivity hits me often.
I’m sensitive to touch, to sound (particularly music) and to scents.
Why at the last ADHD Coaches Organization conference I frantically dashed out of an interesting workshop hunting for a pair of scissors to cut the tag out of the new blouse I was wearing. The darn thing rubbing on my neck was driving me batty. As hard as I tried to ignore the irritation I couldn’t.
Sometimes when I’m sifting through the racks at our local Goodwill Store I come across clothes with the tags removed. I like to imagine it was previously owned by a soulmate. Some other ADD/ADHD woman who, like me, couldn’t stand itchy tags either.
Tired of struggling with ADHD? You’re in the right place. ADHD Success is loaded with free, practical tips to help you get organized, manage your time, and live more easily with Adult ADHD. Like what you read? Sign up for the newsletter now! No Spam. I promise!
Thank you Dana, this article was just what I needed at this moment of feeling hopelessness. I am a mother with ADHD and am struggling with the emotional deregulation I see in my children. For crying out loud I only found out I had ADHD 6 yrs ago while in treatment for alcoholism that nearly ended me. And now these beautiful little boys are spinning around me like emotional ribbondancers. I just feel so incredibly inadequate.
Hi Sarah, I’m sad to hear you are struggling. I hope you and your boys are getting the support and help you need. ADHD treatment and skill building will help bring stability. Wishing you all the best, Dana