One of the ways my ADHD shows up is in how much I write. What starts as a quick thought often evolves into a long message, whether it’s a Facebook post or a question for someone. I end up writing what feels like an essay just to ask a question! Once, I pasted something into Word, only to realize it had become nine pages subhanAllah! It happens so often that I worry about overwhelming others with all my “details,” especially when reaching out to a knowledgeable person. After sending the question or making the post, I often spend weeks feeling embarrassed, convinced that I may have included far too much information, thinking they’d need every single detail.
It’s actually pretty common for people with ADHD to be long-winded in writing and conversations. ADHD often comes with what’s called “hyperverbosity”, a tendency to be really detailed, and it makes sense when I think of these underlying traits:
- Desire to be Understood: Like many with ADHD, I feel a strong need to ensure I’m fully understood. Sometimes, this comes from past experiences of being misunderstood, which makes me want to fill in every possible gap and avoid any misinterpretation. It’s as if every extra word will help clarify my point.
- Difficulty Prioritizing Information: With ADHD, it’s hard to separate the essential from the extra, so I end up including everything. Each detail feels equally important, and cutting things down becomes a real challenge—especially when I worry that something crucial might be lost.
- Interest-Based Hyperfocus: If I’m genuinely interested in a topic, I become so immersed that I start over-explaining. It’s almost like my mind opens up side quests that I’m passionate about, which might not feel relevant to others but seem absolutely necessary to me. This enthusiasm can lead to tangents and lots of extra detail.
- Fear of Forgetting Details: ADHD makes me prone to forgetting things, so writing down every single detail feels like a way to cement my thoughts. It’s like I need all the pieces to make sure the puzzle is complete, even if it adds a lot of extra words.
- Working Memory Gaps: My ADHD also impacts my working memory, which makes it hard to keep track of the main point of my message. Adding extra details helps jog my memory, keeping me connected to my ideas—even if it’s a bit much for others.
The problem is, I don’t enjoy long writing, especially when it comes from others. I used to struggle to finish lengthy posts, explanations, books, or even long lectures. However, I’ve come to realize that engaging with these materials now opens the door to many possibilities, helping me explore the details that I find challenging to structure in my own writing.
Despite this growth, my writing still leans toward being long-winded. Even as I try to be more concise, I find myself caught up in the details. My mind races, and before I know it, I’m overwhelmed by all the thoughts I want to express.
This challenge feels particularly pronounced when I write in English. While my native language feels easier to navigate, English sometimes amplifies my thoughts, making them feel more expansive. Summarizing becomes nearly impossible because I worry I’ll miss something important, leading to an overflow of words. Imagine if I wrote in Arabic and were fluent in the language; I might become a poet. Allah knows best.
These are classic ADHD challenges: hyper-focusing, over-explaining, and struggling with conciseness. It’s also difficult for me to keep up with WhatsApp Groups or Telegram Groups conversations. The rapid messages can be distracting, and I often lose track, so I tend to step back from those conversations.
I’m learning that not every thought needs to be shared in full, and it’s okay to leave some things unsaid. This journey isn’t easy; mastering the art of brevity is a skill I’m still working on. I strive to pause, reflect, and simplify my thoughts, practicing the balance of expressing enough without overwhelming others.
ADHD may bring these challenges, but it also offers me the gift of insight and creativity, even if it takes time to manage. With each step, I’m learning to accept my mind as it is while embracing the possibilities that come from reading, listening and reflection.
With each step, I’m learning to accept my mind as it is while embracing the possibilities that come from reading, listening, and reflection. As I continue this journey, I plan to use my website, learningwithbusybrains.com, as a tool to track my progress and transform my long-winded essays into more concise expressions. This space will not only serve as a reflection of my growth but also as a resource for others navigating similar challenges.
Disclaimer: The experiences and symptoms of ADHD can vary significantly from person to person. While I share my personal journey and insights, it is important to remember that my ADHD may not be the same as yours or others. Please consult with a trusted healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and tailored guidance regarding your symptoms.
