What is ADHD Paralysis?

Those with ADHD can often find it difficult to operate in a world that requires intense focus, especially when it comes to jobs and tasks with time restraints. A term becoming more popular today is ADHD paralysis, which encompasses just what it’s like for those with ADHD who feel overwhelmed by their environment and the amount of information given to them.

If this sounds like something you have struggled with, let’s take a look at what exactly ADHD paralysis is, its signs and symptoms, and what you can do to release its hold.

What is ADHD Paralysis?

ADHD Paralysis, although not a term typically used within clinical or academic contexts, is a very real feeling of overwhelm. Needing to get things done but not being able to start, feeling frozen in place, and not being able to order your thoughts is exactly how it feels to be amid ADHD paralysis. This symptom of ADHD makes it extremely hard to keep up with commitments and complete tasks at home, work, or school, and only by understanding what it is, why it happens and the steps to take to address it, can you get back on track when you're in the middle of paralysis.

There are 3 main types of ADHD paralysis:

• Mental Paralysis.

Often referred to as a ‘brain crash’, mental paralysis occurs with a sensory overload when a person is overwhelmed with thoughts, emotions, and information, making them come to a stop and find it difficult to figure out what to do or say next.

• Choice Paralysis.

Also referred to as ‘analysis paralysis’, choice paralysis occurs when a person is faced with too many choices and must make a decision, making them overthink and overanalyse a situation, leading to difficulty in picking an option or implementing a solution.

• Task Paralysis.

Task paralysis mainly comes through fear and hesitation at beginning a task, they may also feel unmotivated and begin to procrastinate to avoid it as much as possible, by zoning out or prioritising other tasks.

Symptoms of ADHD Paralysis.

Making choices and processing information is hard for people with ADHD, due to the impairment of the brain’s executive functions. This is the main reason that ADHD paralysis occurs, and although it manifests differently in people, there are symptoms that ADHD paralysis is generally associated with, including:

• Lack of focus and clarity, also known as brain fog.

• Difficulty making decisions and jumping from one task to another.

• Inability to prioritise, manage or start tasks, even when they are high priority.

• Easily distracted and difficulty making decisions.

• Rapid mood changes and emotional dysregulation.

• Poor time management and time blindness.

• Unable to listen actively and take on information.

This may sound familiar, even to those without ADHD as these symptoms can also be related to procrastination, which we have all felt from time to time. However, ADHD paralysis is something out of a person’s control and makes them shut down, or freeze when overloaded with information, instructions, or tasks.

Ways to Overcome ADHD Paralysis.

Get it all Out on Paper.

Starting your day by getting all your thoughts and actions onto paper, or electronically, can help to get organised. Once down on paper, you can start an elimination process of tasks that can either wait or that aren’t of importance. The ones you have left should be easier to organise into categories or deadlines, which you can then add to your planner or electronic calendar. Using an electronic calendar enables you to set up reminders and alerts for deadlines.

Create Easy Wins.

If you’re faced with a big project filling you with dread and overwhelm, it can help to break it down into smaller, more manageable tasks. Creating smaller sub-tasks that don't take a long to complete can boost your motivation and bring a sense of accomplishment, which is a great way to get you through to the end of the project.

Simplify Your Schedule.

You may have several tasks to complete daily and for someone with ADHD, looking at that full day of tasks can easily lead to overwhelm. Instead, try designating time for just one task, and once that task is completed, designate time for the next task. This can help with time management too, as zoning in on one task at a time can help keep procrastination and ADHD paralysis at bay.

Done is Better than Perfect.

Perfectionism is another trait that people with ADHD carry, and it can be debilitating. When it comes to completing a task, processing too many details can lead to overwhelm, so it’s important to focus on completing the task, not how it will look when it is completed. It is important to ensure you’re on track, so a quick check-through is still needed after each sub-task is completed.

Remove Distractions.

Ensuring your work environment is as distraction-free as possible will ensure that ADHD paralysis stays at bay. That could be working in a room that is free from clutter, is quieter with no background noise, or you could take yourself out and work from a café or co-working space, where you won’t be distracted by tidying or cleaning your home.

Be Kind to Yourself.

As mentioned before, people with ADHD don’t choose to become paralysed by the information they’re trying to process, it is a symptom of their condition, so being kind to yourself when you do feel a freeze moment occurring is important. Instead of remaining in that head space, take yourself out of the situation, get up, and move about. Go out for a walk or do some stretches to free your brain from the grasp of paralysis. It’s also important to take part in things you love, and having an activity that excites you to look forward to after your working day can help you to focus and keep mental exhaustion, burnout, and stress at bay.

Consider Professional Help from an ADHD Clinic.

It is also important to remember you don’t have to go it alone. If you feel it’s difficult to cope with your symptoms of ADHD, then seeking help from a private ADHD clinic in Manchester can help. If you haven’t received a diagnosis but think you may suffer from ADHD, then seeking an ADHD assessment could help you cope with unique challenges.

Beyond: How a Private ADHD Clinic in Manchester Can Help.

Dealing with ADHD symptoms can be extremely tough, however, there is valuable help and advice out there if you know where to look. If you are undiagnosed and think you may have ADHD, Beyond, a private ADHD clinic in Manchester can provide you with the advice and support you need as well as a certified ADHD assessment and diagnosis. 

At Beyond, our clinical team has extensive experience and expertise in ADHD assessment and diagnosis in adults and children and our comprehensive pathway can be achieved in just 4 weeks, or at a pace that suits you. Contact us today.