There have been times when I’ve been too focused to socialise, and that normally comes from taking my ADHD medication. I could be in a conversation, and in a weird way, it would feel like I’m in a tunnel: everything around me faded, and all that mattered was the person in front. I realise all the focus usually stored for my peripheral vision now lies on this person.
And I don’t just see the forest; I see every tree for what they are. I see this person’s eyes, nose, mouth, ears, hair. Each word that comes from them stands on its own. Even ones that should be insignificant. This can quickly become overwhelming. It can also be upsetting, because I want to move forward in my life, and I do that best when taking my full prescribed dose of medication. But if my medication makes me non-verbal at the pub or whilst I get lunch with friend, then it becomes tricky to find a balance.
But there always is a balance.
Here’s what I found works for me:
- Adjust dose slightly – Taking half my prescribed dose helps me stay functional socially whilst still managing symptoms.
- Time it early – Taking my medicine as early in the day as possible means it peaks when I need to focus for work or study, but it wears off enough by evening allowing me to relax and engage socially.
It’s a delicate balance, and it might take some experimentation find what works for you, but with careful timing and dosing, it’s possible to manage productivity and social connections.
