Feeling Disconnected: Seeking Answers
(22 years old, 165 cm, 65 kg, non-smoker, not currently on medication, previously diagnosed with ADHD.) I find myself reaching out today as I grapple with some overwhelming feelings. I’m not sure if I’m experiencing burnout from ADHD, a sense of dissociation, or something entirely different. While I know medications could provide relief, financial constraints prevent me from affording them at the moment. I’m eager to hear how others navigate similar challenges without pharmaceuticals. For the past four to five years, I’ve noticed a significant deterioration in my ability to manage my ADHD, and it feels increasingly exhausting. Tasks that should take a reasonable amount of time drag on, and my perception of time has become distorted. Weeks and months seem to slip by, leaving me with a sense that I haven’t truly engaged with them. Recently, my enthusiasm for nearly everything has dwindled. Activities I once enjoyed, like gaming and studying, have taken a backseat. There was a time I could lose myself in a game for hours, but now that’s a rare occurrence. My love for music, which used to fill my days, has also faded; it feels bland and uninspiring now. Even my once-favorite meals lack their appeal. Caffeine doesn’t provide the usual boost, and all the past sources of joy—binge-watching, driving, gaming—seem devoid of energy. Nothing resonates anymore. These days, I often find myself lethargically lying in bed, mindlessly scrolling through TikTok. Fatigue envelops me, but it’s not the kind of tiredness that rest alleviates. My thoughts feel sluggish and murky, as if I’m disconnected from my own mind. With the beginning of the school term three weeks ago, it hits harder as this is my final year of college, yet I find it difficult to attend classes. It’s not a lack of interest; it’s more that I feel immobilized. Even when the desire to participate is there, my mind feels like a roadblock. My thoughts echo endlessly, droning in the background without respite. It’s as if I’m a spectator in my own life, merely going through the motions. I’m physically present, yet I don’t experience a real connection to my surroundings. This disassociation has intensified recently. It’s particularly frustrating knowing that medications like Vyvanse could alleviate some of my struggles, yet they remain out of reach. The knowledge that assistance is available but inaccessible is truly disheartening. I’ve attempted to push through my situation and hoped it might pass, but nothing seems effective anymore. I feel completely drained and seek clarity on what I’m facing and how others cope with similar feelings.
Answers (1)
2/3/2026, 10:10:54 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm really sorry to hear how overwhelmed and disconnected you're feeling. It’s understandable to be concerned when you’re experiencing such a significant shift in your emotions, focus, and enjoyment for activities. Your feelings of lethargy, disinterest, and disconnect may be related to your ADHD, but they could also point to possible mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, especially since you mentioned a decline over the past few years.
Understanding Your Experience
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ADHD and Burnout: Living with ADHD can sometimes lead to burnout, especially when tasks become increasingly overwhelming and managing daily life feels like a struggle. Symptoms can worsen over time, especially if you feel unsupported or overwhelmed.
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Dissociation and Low Energy: The sensation of disconnection or dissociation, combined with feelings of lethargy, may indicate emotional fatigue or symptoms of depression. It’s common for individuals in stressful situations (like your final year of college) to feel immobilized.
Next Steps
Here are some prioritized, practical steps you can take:
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Routine and Structure:
- Create a Daily Schedule: Start small by outlining a daily routine with manageable tasks. This could include scheduled times for studying, enjoying hobbies, and simple self-care activities, even if they are brief. Keeping a structure can help you regain a sense of control.
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Engagement in Activities:
- Explore New Interests: While your past hobbies feel less engaging, consider trying new activities or hobbies to rejuvenate your interest. It could be something creative (painting, writing) or physical (a short walk, yoga). Changing the stimulus might help to spark enjoyment again.
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Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques:
- Practice Mindfulness: Dedicated mindfulness exercises, such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle stretching, can help you feel more connected to your surroundings. Even a few minutes a day can provide some grounding.
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Limit Overwhelms:
- Set Boundaries with Social Media: If mindlessly scrolling is adding to your fatigue, consider setting limits on social media time to free up energy for other activities.
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Social Support:
- Reach Out to Friends or Family: Talk to someone you trust about how you’re feeling. They may offer support or help you stay accountable for small goals you set for yourself.
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Journaling:
- Create a Feelings Journal: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can serve as an emotional outlet and help you track patterns in your mood or energy, providing insights that could help you determine what's contributing to these feelings.
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Seek Professional Support:
- While medication might not be feasible currently, consider exploring other supportive resources like counseling, therapy, or ADHD support groups, either virtually or in your community, as they can offer coping strategies tailored to your situation.
Conclusion
It’s vital to acknowledge your feelings and your current state as valid, while also being proactive in creating changes that can help improve your experience. Take things step-by-step and be gentle with yourself—progress may take time, but small steps can lead to significant changes. Remember, you're not alone in this, and seeking support from those around you can be incredibly beneficial.
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