If you’ve been reading my blog (or following me on any form of social media) for any length of time, you might be aware that I struggle with bipolar disorder, chronic depression, and anxiety.
I have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder on three different occasions, but never sought regular therapy or took consistent medication for it… I’ve now learned this is “typical” for bipolar folks.
As for anxiety, I’ve never been “officially” diagnosed with any anxiety disorders, however I’m not sure if this is necessary… Sort of common sense, no?
Anyway, in recent months, it’s become apparent to me, as I’ve been focusing on building my coaching business, that I really have trouble focusing on one thing at a time. This results in working on a ton of different things all day, every day, but never really accomplishing much!
Talk about frustrating, to be so exhausted each day and have spent all your energy working on things, and realize that you haven’t completed anything you set out to do. 🙁
So, I’ve been wondering for about 8 months now, if this is actually Attention Deficit Disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, but I guess I’ve been in denial. More and more though, it’s reared its ugly head and I am fed up, so I have to get it figured out.
I jokingly refer to this problem as “shiny object syndrome,” and it seems so clear to me now, that this inability to focus, in addition to the bipolar disorder, is exactly what has caused me to be so inconsistent with EVERYTHING all my life!!
School, jobs, relationships, my fitness journey, and now my business – Wow, how did I not notice before?! Heck it’s been this way since I was a teen!
Currently, I’m able to stay on track with my health & fitness journey by dabbling in the various fitness programs available via Beachbody on Demand, and participating in my challenge groups each month; but the business aspect is where I am not keeping my head quite above water the way I’d like.
My business is really important to me, because it means I am earning freedom
from my corporate job, and I get to empower others to achieve their fitness and financial goals too! I can’t risk failure just because I don’t know how to cope – Fortunately there are ways of feeling with this stuff!
Last week, I had an initial counseling session with a psychologist and gave him the general overview of these problems. I went in there, thinking I would just talk about my suspected ADD or ADHD, but as he asked a few basic questions, I started to see how the anxiety, bipolar, and attention deficit issues all sort of play off of each other!
Isn’t that incredible, how the different pieces of our existence all come together to create LIFE and you end up with MEMORIES?
I’m so excited to get started and get some answers!
Also, I would love to hear from you if you struggle with ADD, ADHD, or a general lack of focus (aka “Shiny Object Syndrome) 🙂
Until next time,
Coach Nat
Hey Natalie, I believe all of these “disorders” sort of go together. Depression and anxiety runs in my family and as I have looked at my own behavior over the years, I too have a tendency towards ADHD, and complusive tendencies. My daughter is OCD, ADD and both my other daughter struggles with anxiety. I think one reason I didn’t recognize the ADD in myself is because I can get so super hyper-focused on projects. Come to learn that’s common with people with ADD. I also tend to wonder, if the way our lifestyles are changing in general, it may be causing or heightening symptoms of ADD. for me time blocking is very important and turning all distractions off are key or I will do the same as you; busy all day long, exhausted at the end of the day and not accomplish anything. You’re not alone… 🙂
I have family with bipolar and ADHD so I know just what you’re referring to. Even without a “condition”, we can all be hit with shiny object syndrome from time to time. I know I am! I am proud of you for taking the steps to get some clarity on your issues. It will only make you even more awesome than you are already. 😀
I often liken myself to Dory from the movie Nemo who constantly forgets what she’s doing when she gets distracted with something else – my own version of shiny object syndrome.I think we all suffer a bit of that to varying degrees and often more so when life is particularly stressful. I love the name you’ve given it – shiny object syndrome sounds much nicer than s lot of the labels out there.
As I mentioned on Twitter, my subject this week for both my scope and my blog is staying focused. So I was very interested to see your take on the issue.
I know that getting a diagnosis can sometimes help you feel understood; I get that. But I also encourage you as a sister in Christ not to let it control your life. Christ died for it.
My sister-in-law is bipolar so I do have some experience dealing with people suffering from it. I don’t know which is worse, the highs or the lows.
I’m so glad you have your business (and Christ) to focus on. Let me know if I can help! I’m praying for you. 🙂
Thanks so much for your insights! And the cat pictures had me smiling!
My sense is we all are being caught up in the shiny object syndrome because of all the distractions we are faced with 24/7. I don’t officially have any diagnosis, but also find I am doing many things every day and have learned how to work with being this way. I’ve learned through the health and nutrition team I’m aligned with how important it is to have fully balanced nutrition that supports ALL our systems and is designed to support and compliment proper functioning of them all. Especially the brain with health advanced fats. The newest research is pointing to fats as being integral in brain health and focus is part of that. I applaud you for taking the steps necessary to support yourself and to work with yourself and not live in denial of it. All the best with your programs and commitments Natalie!
First things first, Natalie. I LOVE the cat photos and especially the captions. That is a compliment coming from a dog person. 🙂
One thing that I have observed about Shiny Object Syndrome, whether it is with my clients or even with myself, is that somewhere there is an avoidance issue or a fear to take action that will lead to a change. So the person does everything else or tries something new. The best thing to do is to step back and take a deep breath and ask oneself about the value addition that the object might bring in terms of time, money or saved energy. That usually helps to overcome the sudden urge of diverting attention and gets us back on track.
Hey Natalie, like some of other commenters above, I think that it’s all a result of so many changes in the way life is these days. So we’re changing with it. It’s just what it is and we need to be kind to ourselves and do the best we can.
You are a fab inspiration and you should continue with your mission (I know you do!)
You are a brave person to talk about this disease. So many people will benefit from your words…and pictures…and insights.
There is depression in m family and I could be prone. For me, it’s been a matter of beating down negative thoughts -not allowing them one little bit of space.
Keep going girl!
I see so many entrepreneurs caught up with the shiny object syndrome. It’s an epidemic, probably not helped by the distractions of social media.
Good on you for taking action to manage your conditions, your honesty about your challenges and for taking your mission out into the world.
Good for you for getting answers. Getting tested was one of the best gifts to myself. We were trying to dettermine what extent an old head injury was impacting my life. Getting the ADD diagnosis was like getting splashed in the face with cold water. Suddenly, the cause of many of my struggles seemed clear. I wasn’t lazy after all! I just legitimately cant concentrate that well. Getting answers led to coping skills that are making a difference. Keep pushing for the answers that you deserve.
A great blog post, the important here is I think being aware of it all and that you sought help to get better back on track. We all have some sort of problems, however I realize ADD is quite a huge problem for those suffering from it and other similar problems. Anyway, you seem to have it under control. 🙂
I love your light take on this issue. The ability to constantly focus on one thing is difficult for many people. Perhaps you would be better off not trying to put a medical label on it. Shiny object syndrome is funny, so I’d stick with that instead of thinking it is ADD or ADHD. It could be, but we live in a society that loves to call every shortcoming a condition that should be treated one way or the other.
I may adopt shiny object syndrome into my vocabulary. Great post!
To be running ahead of your reality in reality will leave you frustrated and feeling like a failure, for indeed you will be, no matter what your likely genius brain will conjure up as long as you are not treating your diagnosed Bi-Polar aka Manic Depressive condition. Perhaps those as myself who were diagnosed Manic Depressive before it became a Hollywood status symbol (like Sobriety) to be Bi Polar, gives me concrete and understandable words for what I experienced and what is the foundation of all the other “disorders” that jump on and all over me when I didn’t have a foundation for my inexplicable behaviours. I suggest that my therapist put it best; “…to continue working with you until you are diagnosed and treated is like working with an alcoholic who is still drunk.” Good luck darling, take your meds, the world can be remarkably beautiful and stable, maybe not everyday, but it gets so very much better!