🤧ADHD: why we can’t tell when we are getting sick
Not Noticing When We are Sick 😷
~ I was talking with my therapist last week about how it’s hard for me to tell when I’m starting to get sick. In fact, I don’t truly believe I’m sick until I’m already suffering 😂 😷 (It started with a conversation about not noticing when I’m cold or hot.)
🤒 She mentioned that with ADHD, it is possible to ignore the subtle signs that a neurotypical would normally address immediately (fatigue, body aches, change in appetite). She also mentioned it’s part of our neurodevelopment, where we sometimes have low body awareness.
🧐 (In fact, ADHD affects the cerebellum which controls body awareness… T-Rex arms and bad posture anyone? Hand eye coordination off? Spatial awareness be wild?)
👇 Here is a breakdown on why we tend to ignore our body when we are getting sick:
🌀 Distraction: People with ADHD often struggle with focusing and paying attention, which can make it hard to notice subtle changes in their body or symptoms of illness.
🌀 Hyperactivity: The hyperactivity that often accompanies ADHD can mask the fatigue and other symptoms that often come with sickness.
🌀 Emotional Regulation: People with ADHD can have difficulty regulating their emotions and recognizing when something is wrong with their body. They may be more likely to dismiss or minimize their symptoms.
🌀 Executive Function: Executive function difficulties can make it hard for people with ADHD to plan for self-care or prioritize tasks related to their health, like visiting the doctor or taking medication.
💕 If you have ADHD, it's important to be aware of these potential challenges and to pay close attention to any changes in your body or mood. If you notice any unusual symptoms, don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional.
#adhd #adhdawareness #adhdwomen #adhdadult #adhdlife #adhdinwomen #adhdgirls #neurospicy #neurodivergent #mentalhealthawareness
Individuals with ADHD often grapple with the challenge of recognizing subtle signs of illness. Their unique brain structure can result in low body awareness, meaning that issues like fatigue or body aches may go unnoticed until symptoms escalate. This lack of recognition is tied to various factors, such as an increased tendency for distraction, which can prevent individuals from tuning into bodily signals. Furthermore, hyperactivity often masks the physical symptoms of sickness. While neurotypical individuals may recognize the signs of fatigue early on, someone with ADHD might push through these feelings, disregarding them as they become further engrossed in their activities. Emotional regulation poses another challenge; individuals may overlook their symptoms, believing they’re not truly unwell. Additionally, executive function difficulties complicate this situation further—time management and prioritizing health care tasks can be daunting. Thus, the person may struggle to assess their health needs adequately, leading to postponed doctor visits or ignored symptoms. It’s crucial for individuals with ADHD to maintain awareness of their physical and emotional state and seek professional advice when they identify unusual changes, fostering a proactive approach to health management.
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