Living with a Brain Without a Filter
Many describe ADHD as living with a brain without a virus filter. Where every stimulus from the world around you and your own body demands attention. And competes for your brain’s processing space. Can you relate to it?
Then it may be no surprise that you feel overwhelmed by completely ordinary things. Or that you can go crazy when others move, chew, or breathe.
Or that it’s difficult to handle sensory or visual impressions while trying to maintain focus on what you should be doing right now.
When the brain’s filtering functions are impaired, one easily becomes stressed and overwhelmed in social situations.
This (lack of) filter, is one of four “ADHD Profile” components in the 24/7 model.
One might be picky, meticulous about food and sensitive to tastes and textures. Or experiencing cold or heat, differently than most others.
This sensory or perceptual sensitivity is typical for people with autism. Many with ADHD actually recognize a lot in this too, even without having an autism diagnosis.
Always on High Alert: The Unfiltered Reality
Living with ADHD is sometimes described as living with a body and a brain that is always set to the highest alert 🚨.
Like you’re lacking a filter needed to sift through a constant stream of information from the surroundings.
Where everything seems equally important and everything competes for your attention.
Of course, it becomes impossible to focus when thoughts, sounds and bodily sensations crowd your brain.
Even if a brain on high alert may have been a survival advantage for our ancestors. In a world of smartphones, high-speed communication, and constant distraction.
It’s rarely something that will increase your well-being or productivity.
Get to Know Your ADHD Brain
Instead, your ADHD brain has a radar that’s either set to capture every detail, whether it’s the humming of a fluorescent lamp, the smell from the kitchen or police sirens outside the window. Or if it’s completely turned off and doesn’t pick up on anything.
This can feel both overwhelming and frightening. And can ultimately lead to mental fatigue and constant stress.
Even though you can’t choose how strong your brain’s virus filter should be. There are many things you can do to strengthen it and protect yourself from becoming overwhelmed.
Just like many other aspects of ADHD, it’s about getting to know your unique ADHD brain.
When you know more about what strengthens your resilience and how to avoid your kryptonite.
You can make smarter choices in everyday life.
Here you’ll find all the components of the 24/7 model.
Curious on more? Read also A Stone Age Brain in a TikTok World?
Lotta Borg Skoglund
MD PhD & Letterlife Co-founder
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