Why does it feel like too much effort just to go from sitting around looking at garbage online to simply watching a film or playing a video game?

_number8_@lemmy.world to No Stupid Questions@lemmy.world – 399 points –

this is stupid. something about activation energy? are there any activation energy hacks?

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We have this thing called autistic inertia, which sounds similar, and since people already mentioned ADHD, maybe start here and see if anything rings a bell and go from there:

https://medium.com/@autieadventures/adhd-autistic-inertia-and-pda-what-sets-them-apart-9d2b39a55cf7

I swear I have all three of the ADHD/autistic ones, and all three have gotten more and more difficult to deal with as I’ve gotten older

Unfortunately that's pretty common. Personally I think that the accumulation of trauma (which is unavoidable being neurodiverse in a neurotypical world) makes the brain even more defensive, making it ever harder to break through the walls it creates in "self defence". I wish I had something more encouraging or helpful to say, but I have the same struggles.

I appreciate it, I think I just wanted to put it out there that it can manifest in multiple ways. But it does feel good to not be alone

Oh yeah, for sure, on both the varied manifestation, and not being alone in the struggle. ✊

autistic inertia

I feel that, didn't know there was a term for it

I only recently learned the term, and I too felt it in my bones.. So validating each time I discover another bit of my autism has a name and is known by others and isn't just me being "useless".

First time hearing about PDA. So being viscerally protective of one's own autonomy, no matter how small or reasonable a demand is, is a problem? Damn dude

Take it a step further - even defending your own autonomy from yourself. Even things you want to do or even thoroughly enjoy become impossible once a demand is introduced. Add that to executive dysfunction, and daily life (and dealing with a neurotypical world that has no idea about these issues) becomes a real challenge.

This is basically my life.

The more I'm involved in a hobby, more I'm inclined to take on certain responsibilities, which turns the hobby into a chore, making it repulsive and hard to repeatedly engage in.

TLDR: I have to force myself to have fun.

Well fuck. I share a lot of those autistic traits and only a few of the ADHD ones. Would focusing on a medical diagnosis for ADHD still help if thats the case

ADHD and CPTSD here (how we love our initialisms!), the latter of which shares a lot of behavioral overlap with autism. From my experience and that of friends and family, yes. A proper evaluation from a knowledgeable practitioner should get you moving on both fronts. I highly recommend finding a psychiatrist versed in both.

There is a lot of overlap and comorbidity between autism and ADHD, having one definitely doesn't rule out having the other, and if you think diagnosis and or medication will help, I say go for it, just mention your suspicions about potentially having both to the doctor.