Living with ADHD: Karbit Experience

Hello, everyone. So, as everyone knows, I was diagnosed with ADHD.

Everyone around me has already noticed the symptoms. Even without a proper diagnosis, they can feel it. It was not until very recently that I found a blog, Collecting hobbies: the ultimate ADHD hobby, by Sina Eißfeller, which helped me to control my ADHD further.

I am so lucky to be able to support myself with the income I currently have. Knowing that the hedonic treadmill runs around. I’m glad I can explore more hobbies as my career grows.

There are indeed some hobbies that stay here, while some others are just gone, eradicated by time. Seeking hobbies is part of seeking identity. Knowing that this behavior is part of my ADHD, I feel a bit relieved. Especially because the fact that this had already happened to someone out there who is also having ADHD symptoms, and doctors and researchers have been studying this.

Stealing from the relationalpsych website:

• Hyperfixation: locking in scenario, it was said to be common in individuals with ADHD. From my experience, this has already happened several times for me in my lifetime, like when:
  • Learning new topics in competitive programming
  • Joining a competitive programming competition
  • My early days of work
  • How I aced most of my university courses.
• The ‘Hangover’: The abrupt loss of interest following a period of hyperfixation, often accompanied by feelings of burnout, emptiness, shame, or confusion.
  • This has also happened to me nowadays with competitive programming.
  • After some Hololive concerts, I felt so empty I didn’t wanna touch the album or gallery, or even watch any vtubers anymore. I’m thinking of deleting my social media, and… start over.
  • After doing anything in particular, that feeling just destroyed my interests, and that makes me feel like a Karbit.
• Why it Happens: Likely due to a combination of dopamine depletion, mental exhaustion, the novelty wearing off, or the brain shifting focus.
• Impact: This cycle can lead to unfinished projects, wasted resources, self-criticism, and challenges in maintaining long-term goals or hobbies.
  • The problem with my life is that I never have long-term goals or hobbies that are finished. All my hobbies are postponed and/or never fully touched again after the first time I tried them.
  • I noticed there are some exceptions regarding cosplaying, maybe because the feeling of meeting new people and getting a new experience is very novel.
  • Dressing in an unusual way, alternative fashion is very… distinctive, giving me a sort of prick to my heart.
• Management: Strategies include self-awareness, pacing, setting boundaries, planning transitions, self-compassion, and seeking professional support.
  • Self-awareness is crucial. Ever since I’ve confirmed my ADHD verdict, I’ve read articles, research papers, and even YouTube videos on how some ADHD people with ADHD can still thrive in life. It helped, and will still do, I believe.
• Reframing: While challenging, hyperfixation can be a strength when understood and managed, leading to deep learning and skill acquisition.
  • That is why I love myself, given a sustained motivation and dopamine levels. I’m very functioning, I’m very open to learn new things and bringing people with me. I really want them to feel the same experience of having this crazy happiness, when facing something new and novel.

References

• Cleary, M., Le Lagadec, D., Thapa, D. K., & Kornhaber, R. (2025). Exploring the impact of hobbies on mental health and well-being: A scoping review. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 46(8), 804–814. https://doi.org/10.1080/01612840.2025.2512006

• Claney, C. (2025, May 12). ADHD and the ‘hyperfixation hangover’: Why you lose interest suddenly. Unpacking the highs and lows of ADHD hyper focus and the common drop off in interest. Relational Psych. https://www.relationalpsych.group/articles/adhd-and-the-hyperfixation-hangover-why-you-lose-interest-suddenly

• Schaffner, A. K. (2016, September 5). How to escape the hedonic treadmill and be happier. PositivePsychology.com. https://positivepsychology.com/hedonic-treadmill/