Indecisiveness is a common problem for people with ADHD. Obviously each ADHDer has their own unique experience of the disorder, but this struggle isnβt unrelated to the disorder and clearly it resonates with a lot of us. And that makes perfect sense. Letβs think about it.
Impulsiveness: You might think this symptom would make it easy to make an instant decision but when you are confronted with a ton of options it actually it can be much more like realizing you want a bunch of different things and now itβs harder to pick just one. Wow that option looks exciting I really like the sound of thatβ¦ But this is an old favorite of mine and Iβll miss it if I go with something elseβ¦ And Iβve always wanted to try that thing will I regret it if I donβt?β¦ I want so many things but I must choose only one and now Iβm confused
Hyperfixation: ADHD is largely due to an inability to regulate focus. Which means we can also get really focused on something for a prolonged period of time. Such as the pros and cons of several options. The chicken is good but I had chicken for lunch, pasta could be good if they hold the capers, I havenβt had chili in a long time but I donβt know whether it would be really spicy here or not. On and on and on. Well past when others are done we still are thinking through every little thing.
Difficulty Planning: Without time blindness and with the ability to more readily form a long term plan someone who does not have ADHD may feel confident in deciding one thing in relation to others, reasoning that this falls in line with their long-term goals or for smaller day-to-day choices deciding that next week theyβll get the other option. ADHDers often live more in the moment, but we are aware of the future. Itβs What do I want most now?β¦ I want to go with what makes me happy, but what about the most practical option? What is the truly best option for me and how do I even tell? Thinking this through doesnβt come as naturally to me.
Low Self-Esteem & Self-Doubt: ADHDers almost universally have issues with their self-image from years of being judged for being different than everybody else. Naturally we begin to doubt ourselves and thus our choices. And many of us cope by trying to pretend we donβt care or by trying way to hard to please someone else, or both. This leads us to trouble choosing too. Iβm so worried Iβll make the wrong choice and ruin everything like I always seem to do. I donβt trust myself so how can I make a decision?... What makes the most sense in order to fit in with the culture? I have trouble figuring this out sometimes. Will I look silly if I do what I love?β¦ I want to make everyone else happy, everyone has their own preferences, but deep down I want something totally different. Iβve got to make sure everyone is pleased with me I hate being a disappointment. Iβve got to make the absolute best choices for everyone on everything. Iβm stuck because itβs nearly impossible. And what about that thing I like just this once, but no. Or maybe. Well I guess everyone likes this generic thing. Wait no, Dave said he thought it was gross. Ahh! This choice reflects on me and I must make sure it is excellent.
All of that is plenty stressful without having to deal with emotional dysregulation and low stress tolerance. But ADHDers frequently deal with those symptoms as well.
Emotional Dysregulation & Low Stress Tolerance: The pressure of a situation where you know a choice must be made can be a lot. And after a long day, or in a stressful environment like a bright store or crowded restaurant, or in front of people that you like and want to think highly of you, or for a whole host of other reasons you can end up feeling all !!!!
