Chasing that dopamine

When i was diagnosed and i started looking into different symptoms one that i connected with on a personal level was “Chasing that Dopamine”. I realized my whole life i always chased either a hobby or a person that brought be happiness and would stop doing personal things in my life that required attention. Currently i am starting to fall for a guy friend, we became super close like mirrored souls. But in the past I’ve hyper focused on a guy because it gave me a dopamine rush; something to consistently think about to excuse the procrastination in my life. Since then I’ve learned to see the signs and be able to have balance. But with this guy, i am falling for him fast, I’m scared this is just me hyper focusing again or chasing that dopamine rush. Im still getting things done in my personal life, but i think about him all day when we’re not together, takes up my thinking space. Anyone have any similar experiences or advice that could provide me some clarity or solutions? Thanks <3

1baseballmomof3

I currently work with a guy (and formerly with a different) that is ADHD unmediated and I call it “Shiney Object Syndrome”. We work with ever evolving technology and they jump from 1 shiney project to another, never completing anything and leaving a mess for others to clean up. I also understand the fixation on things/people/men. It’s not easy! I will say, take a step back and be sure you have a “non-negotiable list” of characteristics that YOU need or don’t want in your life. Make sure he checks all the boxes before jumping in. The last thing you want to do is ruin your friendship over the “hunt”.

headintheclouds

Thank you so much for your reply! It definitely has been like that! But you’re definitely right about making that list. I have to be sure im not lowering my boundaries or needs to accommodate things for someone .

martin777

It’s hard for me to say if this is normal for everyone or just ppl with ADHD, but to me it seems normal that when you’re in love you think about that person and want to be together. I also get your point of chasing dopamine as I have and am doing my fair share of it too. I think what you should try to find out is the difference between being in love and using it as an excuse. It is ok to think about someone a lot, it is ok to be in love and I think it is normal, that it is distracting on a certain level in the beginning. If you acknowledge it and see it for the positive thing it is and don’t use it as an excuse to procrastinate on your tasks, then all should be fine.

headintheclouds

Thank you! Definitely makes sense! I guess it’s all about adjusting my mental perspective of the situation and falling into a healthier routine :)

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