situational ADD

[anotheranon]

Ran across this article whilst perusing the Addiction, Anxiety and Depression treatments blog. At first glance the author seems to be describing yet another mental health "fad" or time management strategy, but I think there may be something a bit more to this...

What the article describes as "attention-deficit trait" (ADT) sounds awfully familiar - I've called it "situational ADD", as it's less about difficulties filtering what's already in your head as it's about processing Too Much Stuff(TM) trying to get in there! I push myself into that state at costuming cons and the like, guzzling coffee to keep up and running myself ragged in an attempt to do and see as much as possible in a short amount of time.

However, I can only multitask furiously like that for short amounts of time (a long weekend seems to be my limit). Avoidance of overload is why I've rejected my work's offer of a Blackberry, and why I don't distribute my cell phone # widely/why I screen most land line calls (admittedly, the latter two also because of irrational phone-phobia, but there you go). I'm not always successful - much as I love 'em my multiple mailing lists and LJ tend to be huge time sinks if I'm not careful. I think that's what most of December was about - slacking off away from the screen (admittedly watching another, but at least it was Buffy :P)

Maybe I don't pity the ADTers - some people really thrive on constant pressure and if so, that's great for them. But I do think each individual has a point at which they just have to stop and it's good to figure out where that is and plan/organize accordingly.

Comments

[nminusone.livejournal.com]

I'm kind of in a hurry so this may be cryptic.

The filter that blocks external stimuli is the same that blocks internal stimuli. There are other factors at work but the key is, those 2 syndromes are almost exactly the same thing under my model.

> admittedly, the latter two also because of irrational phone-phobia, but there you go

Most irrational phone-phobia I've run into is based on exactly the same thing. Subsequent to her meds C. actually used the phone voluntarily not too long ago.

[anotheranon.livejournal.com]

Most irrational phone-phobia I've run into is based on exactly the same thing.

Not so in my case. Mine is based on the concious fear that I'm interrupting someone while they're trying to do something else, and by the fact that I'm never sure when to shut up - no visual cues that the other person wants a turn at talking so I fall into either awkward silence or silly babbling :P

[nminusone.livejournal.com]

If it's based on valid fears, how is it irrational?

[anotheranon.livejournal.com]

Irrational because I should just get over it - planes won't crash, kittens won't die, friendships won't end just because I'm nervous on the phone :P Besides, who knows, with practice I might get good at it!

[jlsjlsjls.livejournal.com]

***holds up right hand and crosses heart with left*** I solemnly swear that if you ever call while something is boiling on the stove, I have company, I'm racing out the door to an appointment/date, a bookcase is starting to topple, or some similar event, I will be delighted to hear your voice, but will also tell you, politely, that it's not a good time and I'll call you back. And should you chance to call while I'm in the shower or have my hands covered in gunk, you're the answering machine's responsibility.

Does that help?

P.S. I know we're not exactly frequent fliers when it comes to phoning, but I can assure you that you don't SOUND nervous. :-)