An ADHD View of Time

If you haven’t heard of time blindness, now is the time. Time blindness destroys self-worth, relationships, careers. And it comes with most ADHD diagnoses.

People typically have an awareness of time that grows stronger as we become adults. When you have ADHD this internal clock lets you down. Frequently. Your perception of time is destroyed.

You aren't aware of time passing, you don't allow enough time to do things, you run late constantly, you miss deadlines.... You lose track of time and how to use it. Sound familiar?

The ability to manage time is an executive function and is essential in life, particularly for adults.

When you can’t do basic things, like turning up to places on time, it has a major impact on yourself and others. No one wants to think of themself as unreliable or uncaring, but that’s exactly what happens with time blindness because you put yourself in these situations all too often.

People with ADHD are prone to living in the now through impulsivity. Time blindness helps them stay there. With the absence of an effective time horizon, they are unaware of the ticking passage of time, priorities, and looming deadlines.

So they continue doing what they want – seeking immediate gratification – for however long they are interested, with no thought of the consequences.

For most people, at some point in time a little voice in their head would get their attention. But with ADHD this internal voice is missing or very weak. There is no internal self-regulation to tell you to stop, move on. So you don’t. You aren’t aware you are running out of time.

There are significant consequences to being unable to organise across time. Relationships with our self and others are built on respect and trust. Attainment of goals comes from completing tasks within timeframes.

When you are time blind all of this is at risk.
And consequences talk to a future self.

We will explore this in our next post.