Tag: ADHD Paralysis

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Savings and Sanity

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Alright, you bargain-hunting badasses, let’s dive into the wild world of couponing with ADHD and bipolar mania. It’s like extreme sports for your wallet, but with more paper cuts and less adrenaline!


The Hyperfocusing Phenomenon: When Coupons Are Your Crack

Picture this: You’re drowning in a sea of Sunday papers, eyes darting like a caffeinated squirrel, hunting for that mythical 50% off coupon. Suddenly, time goes all wibbly-wobbly, and you emerge hours later, covered in newsprint and victory. Welcome to hyper focus hell, population: your impulsive ass! Strategic planning your every shopping trip to try and master your finances can be fun and advantageous, but it starts at minute one, giving us that sweet savings dopamine that washes over us when we find an amazing deal. And then we realize, we’ve been staring at the computer looking at these numbers for three hours. Three hours to save $2.00 doesn’t seem cost effective. Managing our time blindness here needs to be a priority. Set alarms and get up when they ring!


For us ADHD and bipolar folks, couponing isn’t just a hobby—it’s a full-contact Olympic sport. That dopamine hit when you score a killer deal? It’s better than sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll combined. Who needs a cape when you’ve got a binder full of BOGO coupons, am I right?

The Blessings: Saving Money Like a Boss
Let’s talk perks, you penny-pinching prodigies. Saving money feels fucking fantastic. You’re stacking coupons like a Jenga master on steroids, comparing prices like you’re cracking the Da Vinci code. Every cent saved is a middle finger to capitalism, and honey, that’s a beautiful thing.
Plus, you’re basically getting a Ph.D. in Bargain Economics. Warren Buffett, eat your heart out—we’re the real financial geniuses here. And outsmarting those retail giants? It’s like being Sherlock Holmes, if Sherlock was obsessed with clearance aisles instead of crime scenes.

The Curses: When Couponing Becomes Your Cruel Mistress
But hold onto your discount pants, because there’s a dark side to this bargain bonanza. Ever found yourself knee-deep in expired coupons at 3 AM, wondering where your life went wrong? Welcome to the hyperfocus hangover, baby. Your to-do list is gathering more dust than your grandma’s china, your relationships are more neglected than that gym membership you bought in January, and your bedroom looks like a paper mill exploded. And let’s not even start on the bipolar spending sprees. It’s all fun and games until your closet looks like you robbed a discount store blindfolded.

The Final Verdict: It’s Complicated AF
So, is couponing a blessing or a curse for us neurodivergent deal hunters? It’s both, darling. It’s about finding that sweet spot between saving money and keeping your sanity. Set boundaries tighter than your budget, use alarms (because your time-blindness isn’t doing you any favors), and remember: self-care is the ultimate BOGO deal.
Couponing isn’t just about hoarding deals—it’s about harnessing your hyperfocus for good. So clip on, you beautiful disaster, and may the savings be ever in your favor!
Stay sassy, stay savvy, and for the love of all that’s discounted, try not to buy another 50-pack of toilet paper just because it’s on sale. Your bathroom can’t take it anymore. Take care of yourselves and each other!

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The Circus In My Head… A Manic Shitshow of Thoughts…

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I don’t hide where I’m at, smack dab in the middle of a mixed episode and HATING my brain SO MUCH. My mania is making me feel like I don’t have a brain in my head, I can’t retain anything. Imagine your brain is a circus, and the clowns are on a fucking bender. That’s what it’s like living with this bipolar bullshit, especially during these delightful episodes. My mind goes into hyperdrive, spewing out ideas faster than a fucking fire hose. It’s a shitshow, I tell ya.

When the mania hits, it’s like someone cracked open a can of crazy in my skull. Thoughts come barreling in like a herd of rabid elephants, trampling over any semblance of sanity. Business plans, artistic endeavors, get-rich-quick schemes—you name it, my brain vomits it out in rapid-fire succession. It’s a damn three-ring fuckery of creativity and chaos.

The ideas keep coming, faster than I can process them. It’s like trying to catch a swarm of angry bees with a butterfly net. By the time I’ve grasped one brilliant concept, ten more have already buzzed off into the ether. Some are pure gold, others are just steaming piles of shit, but who has the time to sort it all out?

In the midst of this mental maelstrom, I inevitably drop the ball. Brilliant ideas slip through the cracks, overshadowed by the constant barrage of thoughts. It’s like trying to pick out a needle in a haystack made of needles. Frustrating as hell, let me tell ya.
Sometimes, I’ll have a moment of clarity, a flash of pure genius that could change the world. But by the time I’ve finished patting myself on the back, that stroke of brilliance has already been flushed down the toilet of my mind, lost forever in the swirling vortex of mania.

So, how do I deal with this shitstorm of thoughts? Well, I’ve tried journaling, but half the time, I can’t even read my own damn handwriting. Routines and schedules? Yeah, right, like that’s gonna tame this wild beast of a brain. Nah, my coping strategy is simple: embrace the chaos, ride the wave of insanity, and hope I don’t drown in the process.

Look, living with bipolar disorder is a fucking rollercoaster ride through the depths of hell and the heights of mania. The racing thoughts are just one twisted loop in this crazy-ass journey. But you know what? I wouldn’t have it any other way. Sure, it’s a shitshow, but it’s my shitshow, and I’m gonna own it with all the creative, energetic moxy and humor I can muster.
So, buckle up, folks, and get ready for the ride of your life. It’s gonna be a wild one, but at least we’ll have a few laughs along the way. And who knows? Maybe amidst all the chaos, I’ll stumble upon the next million-dollar idea. Or maybe I’ll just end up talking to myself in a padded room. Either way, it’s gonna be one hell of a fucking adventure. Buckle up! Til next time gang, take care of yourself, and each other.

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ADHD Paralysis: When Even Your To-Do List Needs a Nap

JoLeave a comment

I know this happens with several different conditions, so I wanted to address it but it seems most prevalent with ADHD, so tonight we are diving into ADHD paralysis.

So who’s been here you know those moments when you’re supposed to be doing something important, but your brain decides to take an impromptu siesta instead? Yeah, that’s the wild world of ADHD paralysis in all its glory. It’s like your brain is a computer running too many damn programs at once, and suddenly, everything just crashes into a flaming pile of fuck-it-all.

Picture this nonsense: You’ve got a mountain of work to tackle, deadlines looming like hungry wolves at the door. But instead of diving in like a reasonable human being, you find yourself staring blankly at the screen, lost in a vortex of distraction and self-loathing. That’s ADHD paralysis in its full, unfiltered glory. It’s that frustrating feeling of being simultaneously overwhelmed and underwhelmed by the simplest of tasks, like your brain is playing a cruel joke on you.

For another example: You need to clean your damn room. Sounds easy enough, right? Wrong, you sweet summer child. For the ADHD brain, cleaning isn’t just a chore; it’s a Herculean feat requiring divine intervention and a partridge in a pear tree. You start with the best intentions, but then suddenly find yourself engrossed in a forgotten childhood photo album, three hours deep into a nostalgia spiral, and your room still looks like a tornado hit it after a night of binge drinking.

But fear not, my fellow hot messes, for there are ways to combat this sneaky paralysis and emerge victorious (or at least semi-functional). First off, embrace the power of breaking tasks into bite-sized chunks. Instead of staring down the behemoth of “clean the entire fucking apartment,” start with something manageable like “put away the dishes” or “tackle Mount Laundry, you filthy animal.”

Next up, leverage the magic of timers and alarms. Set yourself a time limit for each task, preferably with a snazzy countdown soundtrack to keep things interesting. It’s amazing how much more motivated you can become when you’re racing against the clock (even if you’re just racing against your own tendency to get distracted by shiny objects and squirrels, no offense George!).

Now, here’s a tip: Don’t be afraid to call in reinforcements, you stubborn as. Whether it’s a supportive friend, understanding family member, or a professional who specializes in wrangling ADHD brains, there’s no shame in asking for help. In fact, sometimes a fresh perspective or a gentle (or not-so-gentle) nudge in the right direction is all it takes to break free from the paralysis and get back on track. Let your loved ones know when you’re stuck in that funk, and let them be your lifeline to sanity and productivity.

And for all you wonderful, well-meaning loved ones! If you want to help someone with ADHD without turning into a helicopter parent or a nagging pain in the ass, here’s the lowdown: First, educate yourself about ADHD and its symptoms so you actually know what the hell you’re dealing with. Then, practice patience and understanding – remember, they’re not trying to piss you off on purpose. Help them set up organizational strategies like calendars and checklists, but don’t micromanage every damn thing. Encourage self-care and breaks when they’re overwhelmed, and most importantly, be their cheerleader. Positive reinforcement can work wonders. And for the love of all things holy, listen without judgment. Create a safe space for them to express their frustrations and emotions. Your support can make a world of difference without smothering their progress.

So there you have it, folks: a crash course in ADHD paralysis, served with a side of humor and a dollop of hope (and a whole lot of swears). Remember, you’re not alone in this wacky adventure called life with ADHD. With a bit of patience, perseverance, and maybe a strategically placed sticky note or two, you can conquer the paralysis and emerge triumphant. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a room to clean… or at least attempt to clean before getting distracted by the latest internet rabbit hole (or a mischievous but well meaning squirrel!) Til next time gang, take care of yourself and each other!

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Anything executive does NOT sound like something I’d say… though the DYSfunction, yeah that tracks…

JoLeave a comment

Tonight lets talk about something that affects me in each one of my health issues, and many others, chances are if you are reading this it will resonate with you deep down, and all I can say is ‘I feel ya’.

Executive dysfunction refers to the brain’s delightful way of screwing up the cognitive processes that let you plan, focus, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks without losing your mind. These processes are crucial for, you know, actually getting stuff done and functioning like a semi-competent human being. When executive dysfunction kicks in, it can manifest in all sorts of fun ways, like having the working memory of a goldfish, the cognitive flexibility of a brick, the inhibitory control of a toddler, and the decision-making skills of a squirrel on caffeine.

(I know, I’m sorry George, just trying to make other people understand what its like to be you. I know you are a good boy and stay away from caffeine)

Fibromyalgia patients often get the short end of the stick with executive dysfunction, which can royally fuck up their daily lives. Studies show that folks with fibromyalgia perform about as well as a drunk turtle on tasks that measure executive functions like updating, shifting, inhibition, decision-making, and planning. Imagine trying to switch between different sets of rules or stop automatic responses when your brain feels like it’s been run over by a truck. This cognitive impairment is often linked to the severity of pain, psychiatric comorbidities, and other delightful variables like body mass index (BMI) and sleep disturbances. Basically, the brain areas involved in both pain processing and executive functions decide to throw a party, but forget to invite cognitive resources.

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) also get to enjoy the rollercoaster of executive dysfunction. This can show up as difficulties with planning, flexibility, and inhibitory control. Picture an autistic person trying to switch tasks or adapt to new routines—it’s like asking a cat to take a bath. They might also struggle with organizing their thoughts and actions, which can turn completing tasks into a Herculean effort. Executive dysfunction in autism can add a lovely layer of complexity to the social and communication difficulties that are already part of the package, making it even harder to understand and respond to social cues.

Executive dysfunction is basically the middle name of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Individuals with ADHD often have the working memory of a sieve, the inhibitory control of a sugar-high kid, and the cognitive flexibility of a rusty hinge. This can lead to a spectacular mess of disorganized tasks, half-finished projects, and impulsive decisions that make you wonder if they have a death wish. For instance, someone with ADHD might start a dozen projects but finish none, or act on a whim without considering the fallout. These executive function deficits can turn academic, occupational, and social functioning into a daily struggle, making it a challenge to meet the demands of life without constant chaos.

During manic episodes, individuals with bipolar disorder can experience executive dysfunction on steroids. This might include making decisions that are about as well-thought-out as a drunk text, poor impulse control, and planning skills that make you question their sanity. For example, someone in a manic state might blow their life savings on a whim or engage in risky behaviors without a second thought. They may also have the attention span of a gnat, making it impossible to focus on tasks or follow through with plans. These executive function impairments can turn managing bipolar disorder into a circus act, with stability being the elusive tightrope walker.

Executive dysfunction is the brain’s way of throwing a wrench into the lives of those with fibromyalgia, autism, ADHD, and bipolar disorder. It screws with their ability to plan, organize, and execute tasks, leading to a daily struggle to function. Understanding the specific ways executive dysfunction manifests in these conditions can help in developing targeted interventions to improve cognitive functioning and overall quality of life. Because let’s face it, everyone deserves a fighting chance to get their shit together. We need to help each other out, especially reach out if you are struggling, we’re all swimming against the current. Til next time gang, take care of yourselves, and each other!

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R.S.D….elightful!

JoLeave a comment

For years, rejection has been a constant presence and the fear of it hindered many important moments in my life, if only I’d known how common of a thing it was, maybe I could have talked with someone who would have understood, made myself feel a little less isolated. So tonight I wanted to talk a little bit about something I wish I knew then, maybe if someone else is aware of it they could be like OMG ME TOO! And feel at least a little less alone.

For many with ADHD, even minor incidents of perceived rejection can trigger an overwhelming flood of negative emotions that feel utterly unbearable. This phenomenon, known as rejection sensitive dysphoria or RSD, causes what should be a mild feeling of disappointment or sadness to escalate rapidly into intense emotional agony.

The dysphoria from RSD is described as a “wounded” feeling, where the emotional pain and hurt from the rejection consumes every thought. It’s not just being sad or upset – it’s a visceral, physical sensation of being acutely injured by the rejection. Small critiques or casual teasing that would roll off most people’s backs can send the ADHD brain spiraling into self-loathing, anxiety, depression and even anger or lashing out.

This emotional dysregulation and inability to keep emotions within a normal range is thought to be hard-wired into the ADHD brain. The regions that regulate emotional responses and pain perception may be wired differently, causing the brain to treat perceived rejection as incredibly painful, personal attacks rather than minor slights. What feels like a subtle social cue to others is processed as deep, searing rejection.

ADHD brains are also more sensitive to dopamine levels, the neurotransmitter linked to motivation and reward. So rejection feels more punishing, with the sting of failure and negative reinforcement hitting harder. This hypersensitivity fuels the RSD response, where any critique or rejection is blown out of proportion into something viscerally agonizing.

While everyone dislikes rejection, the RSD reaction goes far beyond the typical human experience. It’s a level of emotional turmoil described as “unbearable” and “devastating” by those who suffer from it. Managing these intense emotions is one of the most disruptive and impairing aspects of living with ADHD.
Til next time gang, you know what to do.

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Emotional Yo-yo AKA Don’t like my attitude? Give it 3 minutes, it’ll change

JoLeave a comment

I had a topic picked for today, for days really, but it’s deeply personal and today I’ve already cried over three commercials and once cuz I was pissed off, so I’m going to wait on that one, I feel too vulnerable. So instead, why don’t we talk about one of the middle symptoms in my ven diagram of my illnesses (its also a common comorbidity of autism, so I am getting it from all sides folks) its called Emotional Dysregulation.

What IS emotional dysregulation? Emotional dysregulation is like having your emotions go on a rollercoaster ride without your consent. You know, it’s when you struggle to keep those feelings in check and end up reacting in ways that might seem a bit over-the-top to others. It’s like your emotions are playing tug-of-war with you, making everyday situations feel like a big deal. And it’s not just about feeling all the feels, but also struggling with how to respond appropriately. Think of it as your emotional volume knob stuck on high, making it tough to keep things chill when you need to. And hey, it’s often buddies with executive dysfunction, so they like to hang out together, but we’ll dive into that one another time.

In Bipolar Mania, this is going to be like someone put a rocket booster in your brain and lit the fuse. One minute you’re feeling energetic and euphoric, making grandiose plans to start 17 new business ventures. The next, you’re sobbing uncontrollably because a Geico commercial reminded you of that goldfish you killed in 3rd grade. Your moods careen so violently, loved ones get whiplash just watching. It’s a real hoot when the mania convinces you that you’re a world-renowned painter, so you “decorate” the living room walls with your…unique…art. Its ok guys, mine just makes me think I write anything worth reading LOL.

In ADHD you are going to recognize this as more like having a nuclear meltdown at the sight of a mildly inconvenient traffic jam. You go from 0 to rage monster in 3.5 seconds over something as minor as the remote being lost. Then just as quickly, you’re cackling at internet memes, having completely forgotten what set you off. Your emotional outbursts are so disproportionate and fleeting, it’s like watching a moody toddler control the weather. Things that are of vital importance RIGHT NOW suddenly don’t seem like a big deal especially after thinking of all the work involved. Its not that I’m lazy its just there are days when I think all the thoughts and there are days where I will work myself to exhaustion and bleeding to avoid thinking ANY thoughts. Its a delight really lol.

Fibromyalgia brings a special kind of emotional chaos. You wake up feeling somewhat human, but by noon, the brain fog has you zoning out mid-sentence while describing your weekend. Nobody I’m talking to can possibly be more pissed at me zoning out than me, so often times I will catch myself and not say anything, because when I do then the person I’m talking to just gets annoyed at me whereas my way I only annoy myself. Though it does mean I miss whole convos, so eventually it comes out that I totally spaced it so I guess either way I’m pissing people off. By 2pm, you’re snapping at loved ones over the slightest noise because everything is exacerbating your body’s pain signals. But then a good cry sesh has you feeling marginally better, so you impulsively buy yourself 10 shirts because they are a good deal in bulk. An emotional rollercoaster where the only consistent thing is inconsistency.

Now take all three of those delightful experiences and put them in a blender – that’s the big mood gumbo you get with comorbid bipolar, ADHD and fibromyalgia. One second you’re manically rearranging the furniture and rapidly rambling business plans. The next you’re lashing out at your spouse for daring to breathe too loudly near your full-body ache-fest. Throw in some weepy fibro fog where you forget what you’re upset about, and baby, you’ve got a stew going!

And lets not forget I’m navigating around a moody autistic teenager thats dealing with her own emotional dysregulation. In her that can present as intense outbursts or all out shutdowns, difficulty calming down, they already struggle to self soothe, this just highlights and exacerbates it. They might struggle to express emotions appropriately, its often a big deal and takes a while to settle. Sensory overload is also a problem, if overwhelmed everything is amplified by ten. Stimming is a big indicator, and for most kids that sounds or repetitive movements and also a rigidity and difficulty with flexibility can be considered emotional dyregulation.

For the blissfully unacquainted, just imagine a rollercoaster designed by a schizophrenic rocket scientist who’s ingested every mind-altering substance known to humanity. Ups, downs, loop-de-loops and sudden screeching emotional halts that make no sense. That’s the bipolar/ADHD/fibromyalgia brain on a good day! But don’t worry, we’re sure the burning desire to both achieve world domination and take a 5-year nap will balance itself out…any minute now. Until next time gang, take care of yourself and each other. (Oh I forgot to say, when I was taking my trash out I saw a real life George. He says ‘hey’ lol)

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Fibro never comes to the party alone…

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I thought it was time we talked about the elephant in the room, or more accurately the elephant on our chests. I’ve been long time friends with depression and anxiety starting way back before I knew Fibro existed. My Bipolar already had me familiar with both but it intensified in recent years as the pain from fibro and other life events try to confuse and confound me, the endless cycle with one thing triggering the other until I reach the point where I just sit paralyzed with so much to do but no idea where to get started, so I just don’t. Which of course makes it worse. *sigh*

Ah, the delightful dance of depression and anxiety with fibromyalgia symptoms, like a twisted tango of torment! Imagine this: You wake up feeling like you’ve been hit by a truck, which, by the way, you suspect would be less painful. Your body is screaming, “Hello, pain!” and your brain is like, “Ah, another fabulous day in Fibro-land.”

So, you drag yourself out of bed, shuffle to the kitchen, and attempt to make breakfast. But wait, what was I doing again? Ah, yes, eggs. Suddenly, your brain decides it’s on vacation and leaves you with a fog thicker than pea soup. You burn the eggs, set off the smoke alarm, and now you’re both in pain and feeling like a culinary failure.

Meanwhile, anxiety’s tapping its foot impatiently in the corner, like, “Come on, can we panic now?” It sees your pain and raises you a healthy dose of worry about the day ahead. “What if I can’t handle work today? What if people notice I’m not okay? What if…what if…what if?” It’s like having a hyperactive squirrel in your brain, constantly running on its little anxiety wheel.

And depression? Oh, depression’s the life of the party! It’s like that one friend who shows up uninvited, crashes on your couch, and refuses to leave. “Why bother getting out of bed? Everything sucks anyway,” it whispers in your ear, while you try to muster the energy to brush your teeth.

But here’s the kicker: depression and anxiety aren’t just content with their own shenanigans; they love to stir the pot of fibromyalgia symptoms. The more you hurt, the more anxious you get about the pain never ending. The more anxious you get, the more your muscles tense up, the more depressed you feel about never being able to escape this merry-go-round of misery.

So, there you have it, the delightful trifecta of fibromyalgia symptoms, depression, and anxiety, all wrapped up in a package of pain and panic. It’s like a rollercoaster ride through Dante’s Inferno, with extra fog and fewer laughs. Ah, the joys of chronic illness!

We will talk more in depth about what to do with these feelings, trying to stop yourself from being anxious and depressed, easier said than done yes, but its going to be the best way to cut off this cycle. I want to hear strategies people! Even little ones, what helps when your so anxious you feel like your insides are itching and clawing their way out? Share with the class if you have any tips or trick to share. Sleep is important too gang, so I’m going to crash, goodnight all, stay kind to yourselves and each other!