… without sounding lazy / disorganised. I try really hard to plan and schedule and keep checking the time and I’m not usually late to things but it’s hard to explain to people how much of my mental energy it takes up to estimate time. Have you successfully explained the concept? How would you describe it to a person who can’t relate? Thanks for reading- enjoy a dog I spotted
I’d describe it as trying to work in a sound proof room with no windows. Nothing outside that room is in your radar, only what you’re doing at that exact moment (and that moment can last a long time if you’re in hyperfocus…)
I’ve explained to my sisters that it’s like a very cloudy day or a foggy day: the light is always the same so you don’t know if it’s morning or afternoon unless you check your clock. My brain regarding time passing feels the same. I’m in an endless foggy day. So now, when we have an appointment, they message me to say when they get out of house or work in order to remind me to get ready. Some friends of mine act the same way. This has really helped with time management and relationship’s stability as they understand better and are more flexible about me being late.
This is good!
I have tried so many times to explain it, but people who don't experience time-blindness make it difficult. They always look at me like, "Yeah, another excuse for being lazy and inconsiderate." Then I go through the guilt and self- blaming. I really think there needs to be a bigger push at educating the neurotypical masses about what ADHD truly is, and maybe even re-name it to be more reflective of what the neurodivergent brain is all about.
I’m usually time-blind when focused, like at work. My direct supervisor would get surprised when I’d put myself into meal break penalties (aren’t you hungry? Don’t you realize this comes out of your dept budget?) I explained to her that I often ignore external stimuli when internally stimulated / will literally lose track of time when I’m enjoying myself, because the time flies. That’s when she got it.
