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Solitude (slrpnk.net)
submitted 2 weeks ago by oeuf@slrpnk.net to c/adhd@lemmy.world

Is it an ADHD thing to need time alone more than neurotypical people do? And if so, how do make sure you get it?

I haven't been diagnosed with ADHD but am starting to suspect that I have it.

One thing I know about myself is that I REALLY struggle if I can't have time alone and it's also the main thing that I know that the people in my life struggle to accept about me. It makes me feel really bad not getting enough time alone and not feeling like it's OK with other people if I take it.

Not sure if this is something people with ADHD relate to. Maybe you guys can tell me?

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[-] Tolookah@discuss.tchncs.de 40 points 2 weeks ago

I thought that was just being an introvert. Being around people is draining. Solo time is recharge time.

[-] Nemo@slrpnk.net 21 points 2 weeks ago

Seconding "it's an introvert thing".

[-] Tolookah@discuss.tchncs.de 23 points 2 weeks ago

It's very tough being an introvert living with extroverts.

On the other hand, introverts spending time together is a bunch of solo tasks in the same room, and wonderful

[-] yakko@feddit.uk 16 points 2 weeks ago

The company of an introvert is a sublime thing, to be among others but not have any demands made of us.

The company of an extrovert is a grand thing, to another extrovert.

[-] monkeyman512@lemmy.world 3 points 2 weeks ago

I wonder if it is masking? You have to spend so much effort masking for other people it is draining. But there are some people you don't feel to need to mask for so being with them can be relaxing.

[-] yakko@feddit.uk 4 points 2 weeks ago

Not in my case, I think. I just don't like people who can't stand silence and need my attention to feel like they exist.

[-] orca@orcas.enjoying.yachts 8 points 2 weeks ago

My wife and I have a friend that’s an introvert like we are. Sometimes he’ll come over and we might play a bunch of Mario Party and Mario Kart, but other times we will all play separately on our handhelds or laptops and chill while something plays on YouTube. Sublime. Don’t need to constantly have a conversation going and there’s no drinking involved.

Yup. You can have ADHD and be an introvert. You can enjoy socializing and be an introvert. You can be loud and be an introvert. Being an introvert simply means that socializing takes energy. It says nothing about how you socialize, or what you do when you socialize. After too much socializing, you’ll feel burnt out and need some alone time to recharge.

[-] adhd_traco@piefed.social 3 points 1 week ago

I'm pretty confident it can be a lot of other reasons too. Stressful triggers, bad mental/emotional states as a result of PTSD, BPD, general anxiety, depression, over-work, etc. with all kinds of time period patterns that aren't necessarily as general and consistent as via an introverted personality.

I find using the concept of a social battery helps dealing with, especially when communicating with other people, as well as knowing your boundaries.

[-] empireOfLove2@lemmy.dbzer0.com 24 points 2 weeks ago

May be more of an AuDHD spectrum thing rather than pure adhd...

Socializing requires executive focus. I have to listen and think about what the person is doing, then figure out how to respond, which needs active thought as I'm (probably) on spectrum. It interrupts my normal brain flow. That gets tiring very quickly when it is already a lot of mental work to maintain task focus while alone.

[-] SpikesOtherDog@ani.social 16 points 2 weeks ago

Now that you explain it, that makes a lot of sense.

In written form I can consume the info and place it into context.

Listening actively, I am managing not just storing and responding, but also engagement, expressions, tone, volume, tangential thoughts (me too), and external information.

[-] Rhynoplaz@lemmy.world 11 points 2 weeks ago

I can relate. I'm definitely an introvert. Definitely ADHD, and possibly mildly autistic.

Do with that information what you will.

Although, when I'm together with people I'm comfortable with (old friends that I have no hesitations about really being myself) I don't feel socially drained. I'm usually the one trying to get them to stay longer than we had planned.

[-] iAmTheTot@sh.itjust.works 6 points 2 weeks ago

That's called being an introvert

this post was submitted on 24 Nov 2025
62 points (100.0% liked)

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