For people who have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, there are many symptoms that affect their day-to-day life. ADHD can often make someone feel oblivious to time. This phenomenon is referred to as “time blindness.” It can be difficult to live with this, but it can also be hard to navigate through helping someone who has ADHD-induced time blindness. First, what exactly is ADHD?
Insight on ADHD
According to the Center of Disease Control, ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects people in their childhood which can grow into their adulthood. Those who have ADHD tend to have difficulty paying attention, can have trouble controlling their impulses and can also be overly active.
The Mayo Clinic, describes ADHD in adulthood as a bit challenging when it comes to the responsibilities of being an adult. ADHD in adults can lead to difficulty maintaining interpersonal relationships, low self-esteem, and terrible work or school performance due to an inability to focus. Time blindness is a large contributor to issues when it comes to being an adult with ADHD.
Helping Others Manage Time Blindness
The idea of time blindness has been circulating in conversations online lately, but what exactly is it? In a conversation with USA Today, psychotherapist Stephanie Sarkis explained the phenomenon.
“Time blindness is a difficulty with a perception of time, how much time is passed, how much time it’s going to take to do something, and it can be quite impairing to people,” she explained. “It is a real thing that’s been researched.”
Time blindness can manifest in several ways:
- Difficulty with Time Estimation: People with ADHD may underestimate or overestimate how long a task will take, leading to procrastination or rushed work.
- Forgetfulness: Important events, appointments, and tasks are easily forgotten or overlooked, leading to missed opportunities and added stress.
- Impulsivity: ADHD individuals may impulsively start tasks without considering their urgency, leading to disorganization and inefficiency.
- Time-Warping: Hours can feel like minutes or vice versa, making it challenging to maintain focus and complete tasks.
Time blindness can be difficult to manage, but it is important to support someone you love who struggles with it. You can help with making certain tasks easier for them. Establishing a routine is really important for those who struggle with time blindness. You can encourage them to stick to a daily schedule which can help them assess how long their daily tasks will take.
Additionally, you can create a supportive environment and celebrate their successes. Hostile environments and pressure can lead to tremendous amounts of anxiety for people who have ADHD. Celebrate when they are actually achieving their tasks on time but still allow space for mistakes.
Your understanding, patience, and willingness to assist can make a significant difference in helping them manage time blindness more effectively.