Hyperfixation: Can Be Postive Or Negative

Hyperfixation when it happens occasionally and temporarily it happens to almost every single one of us. Hyperfixation when it starts disrupting daily activities, and has a negative impact is when it can start to turn negative. Hyperfixation is when there is full engagement in something that a person cannot think of anything else. This interest remains the same for days, weeks, months or even years.

Common things that people can hyperfixate on are people, places, food, TV shows, or hobbies. It usually is something that is interesting to them to begin with, then it becomes something they cannot deviate their thoughts from. Hyperfixation causes you to ignore everything else, including tasks or even family members. The amount of time you spend on your hyperfixation subject is disproportionate to the amount of time spent on everything else. There is a difference between hyperfixation and a special interest. Sometimes these terms are used interchangeably, but they do mean different things. A special interest can occur before a hyperfixation takes hold.

There are multiple signs you should be on the lookout for a hyperfixation. One the person will lose all track of time while engaged in their hyperfixation subject. It can be hard to break their attention. They may be in the zone, or tuning out the world. Forgetting to do tasks such as eating, sleeping, or daily hygiene tasks. Not doing important things like paying bills, or doing homework. Becoming less self aware. Lack of social awareness. A person who is hyper fixated may struggle to communicate about anything else other than their hyperfixation.

For family members a hyperfixation can seem very negative. It can cause them to feel as though the person is not listening to them or they are constantly being ignored. It can cause frustration in the family. Depending on what the hyperfixation is, family members may deem the activity as a waste of time or pointless. They may also feel as though they are always pushed aside and the obsession comes first.

You can become hyper fixated without it being a sign of anything else. Everyone at some point may go through a stage of hyperfixation on something. Whether it’s a TV show, a celebrity crush, or a new hobby that you are enjoying. Hyperfixation can occur more intensely and more frequently if you also have a condition such as autism, ADHD, anxiety, OCD, or schizophrenia.

Hyperfixations don’t always have to be negative. If they are managed well for something useful and productive they can cause incredible things to happen. Benefits of hyperfixation can include an almost inexhaustible energy to never tiring to research or better your knowledge on the subject matter. The extreme unbending focus that comes with hyperfixation. The ability to always want to practice and improve. The perseverance of continuing on even if there are roadblocks or challenges.

When hyperfixation becomes interrupting daily life is when you should seek treatment. Getting professional help can help you learn skills and ways to manage your hyperfixation. A therapist can help you identify your hyperfixation as well as lead you in ways of learning to set yourself limits. They can also help you with cognitive behavioral therapy which is a form of therapy to help change your mindset on certain things.

The first step in treating hyperfixation is to acknowledge the problem. Knowing you are spending too much time on a subject and ignoring responsibilities can be the first step in breaking your hyperfixation. Learning some tools of mindfulness can also help. Mindfulness can help you learn to stay in the present, be more aware of your thoughts, feelings and surroundings. Have the people around you help you set limits. This can be done with a visual timer. Setting strict amounts of time for you to engage in your interest then move on. Limiting electronics before bed can help with getting good quality sleep if video games, or a TV show is the culprit of the hyperfixation. Turning off electronics at least 30 minutes before bed can be beneficial. Follow a daily routine or schedule. Helping a person who suffers from hyperfixation learn to move from task to task throughout the day can help them from getting stuck on something for too long. Find new hobbies or interests that you can set new goals for.

Common things that can lead to hyperfixation are people, places, food, TV shows, or hobbies. Hyperfixation is when a person becomes fully engaged in something for months, or even years and cannot think or be present for anything else. It can lead to daily tasks or daily life to be interrupted. Many people will have a hyperfixation at some point in their life. It is only deemed negative when it affects your life negatively.