[Loial]

I was wondering whether anyone else had problems with their interests (/obsessions) changing frequently?

I usually focus on a particular interest for anywhere from a week or two, to a couple of months then out of nowhere will lose interest & something will take its place. I'm not sure I could really call these obsessions... although I have had some in the past. (long explanation at the end)

A while ago my psychiatrist/CPN put this down to "all or nothing thinking". There was some talk that I *might* sit somewhere on the autistic spectrum, (Aspergers), but they said not to the extent to warrant a diagnosis or anything.

My CPN didn't seem to appreciate how irritating it is for me. I think she just said it wasn't interfering with my day excessively so that was an end to that.

I have sort of learnt that "genuine" interests will come around in cycles.

Does anyone else have similar problems? Or ways to control "all or nothing thinking", or this sort of pattern of behaviour...?

I figure I might bring it up with my psychiatrist again, but thought I'd see what others had to say.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

The long explanation:

At the moment for example, I am both learning Japanese & watching anime in Japanese with subs. I don't spend all day doing these things, but they are on my mind a lot. For the moment I have trouble watching anything other than anime, if I put something else on TV I'll most likely find it boring & want to put anime on. I even looked up flights to Japan out of curiosity. Nothing unusual about that really. However, in doing that I found I would be eligible for a working holiday visa for another 2 years & started planning how I could take a year out in Japan & figuring out what sort of jobs I could get etc. Pretty OTT considering I've never even visited once & speak little of the language.

It's quite often that I'll follow a few interests around a theme like this. Another example is going through a Nirvana phase, so naturally I started playing guitar a lot, learning music theory & read a biography on Kurt Cobain as well as listening to the music all the time.

These interests don't necessarily come out of nowhere. For instance , I've liked Studio Ghibli films for ages & always had a vague interest in Japanese. Occasionally though, a film or TV programme might start some completely new interest in me, although generally those don't last as long.

It's highly frustrating because I know I could get really good with the likes of guitar, or learn a language really well if I could stick with it constantly. Or get really fit if I stuck with exercising. There is also the element of wasted money on buying things related to these interests.

It's even a problem for getting a job / picking a career. I've got a law degree but by the end of it I had no interest in it anymore. That had evolved into the idea of tax advising but that never went anywhere. I considered going back to Uni to do computing. Then I started looking into jobs again & thought B2B sales was for me. Then I thought I really enjoyed physics at school & it was my real interest, since typically I was always better at science. So looked into going back to Uni for that but shock horror lost interest...

Pretty much resigned now to just getting some sort of administrative job & seeing if that opens any opportunities. I'm at a loss really though & it doesn't help me with the prospect of job hunting at all.

All-or-nothing thinking is a cognitive distortion. You see the world in black or white and cannot see the gray.

I sometimes think this way. When I notice that I'm fixated on something I try to think of what was the situation/trigger that made me think of it in the first place. Then I write my feelings when I first became fixated. Then I write my thoughts when I first became fixated. Then I look for cognitive distortions (all-or-nothing thinking, catastrophizing, jumping to conclusions, etc.). Then I write a list of the evidence that supports my thought. Then I write a list of the evidence that does not support my thought. Then I conclude if the evidence supports my thought or not (that will be the thought I choose to believe). Then I create an action plan (how will I act on my conclusion).

99% of the time this method exposes the gray area for me.

[The_little_didgee]

Originally Posted by Loial

A while ago my psychiatrist/CPN put this down to "all or nothing thinking". There was some talk that I *might* sit somewhere on the autistic spectrum, (Aspergers), but they said not to the extent to warrant a diagnosis or anything.

My CPN didn't seem to appreciate how irritating it is for me. I think she just said it wasn't interfering with my day excessively so that was an end to that.

Obsessive interests are only one of the few ASD/Asperger traits that interfere with life. What other traits do you have?

Originally Posted by Loial

Does anyone else have similar problems? Or ways to control "all or nothing thinking", or this sort of pattern of behaviour...?

My interests tend to last years. My obsessions are my misdiagnosis, clock movements, and mushrooms (mycology). I have interests in aviation, astronomy, Star Trek and neuroscience which are not intense.

I struggle with this, because I get very absorbed in my obsessions. They hinder my ability to see other options and even look after myself. How do I control them? By enjoying them on my own, especially during free time, and with others who have the same interests. I've learned not to discuss them with outsiders, since I tend to bore people, and in places were it just isn't appropriate. E.g., Discussing my misdiagnosis with a stranger on public transit rather than on PC or with my psychiatrist. Another thing I do is make sure I look after my daily needs.

Obsessive interests are a part of me. I don't bother to suppress them because they are pleasant and relieve stress. They help me I cope with life.

[Loial]

Originally Posted by kindness

All-or-nothing thinking is a cognitive distortion. You see the world in black or white and cannot see the gray.

I sometimes think this way. When I notice that I'm fixated on something I try to think of what was the situation/trigger that made me think of it in the first place. Then I write my feelings when I first became fixated. Then I write my thoughts when I first became fixated. Then I look for cognitive distortions (all-or-nothing thinking, catastrophizing, jumping to conclusions, etc.). Then I write a list of the evidence that supports my thought. Then I write a list of the evidence that does not support my thought. Then I conclude if the evidence supports my thought or not (that will be the thought I choose to believe). Then I create an action plan (how will I act on my conclusion).

99% of the time this method exposes the gray area for me.

Thanks.

I have covered the basics of cognitive distortions when I did stuff for anxiety with my CPN.

I just don't overly think that I see things at extremes. Maybe on occasion I'll think of things more one way or another, but I don't think grey areas are lost on me at all.

I obviously see how it can translate to hobbies. Like "I either put myself all into this, or I don't bother" but it's not like I think like that. It really is almost like an obsession but not... it's just something always on my mind even if it doesn't disrupt my day.

I've certainly learnt to do many of these things in moderation, but it doesn't stop it always being on my mind. That's probably part of the reason I do stuff like reading books on the interest, or watching shows related to them etc. It allows me to focus on the interest whilst not going over the top with any one activity.

[Loial]

Originally Posted by The_little_didgee

Obsessive interests are only one of the few ASD/Asperger traits that interfere with life. What other traits do you have?

Some trouble with socializing/social cues. Most obviously not knowing what to say to people. I've typically had very few friends whilst growing up, just a few very good ones. The way I describe it, is I have had to teach myself how to socialize. Although I have GAD too, so we weren't sure whether that stuff contributed to developing the anxiety... or whether it is caused by the anxiety.

I notice small details that others don't.

I tend to fall into routines & don't like it when the day I planned gets disrupted. However, my CPN was unsure I had routines that were rigid enough.

Lots of little things, but as I said... not enough to warrant a diagnosis. There are certainly parts of the spectrum I don't seem to adhere to, although I guess there is variation since it is a spectrum after all.

My interests tend to last years. My obsessions are my misdiagnosis, clock movements, and mushrooms (mycology). I have interests in aviation, astronomy, Star Trek and neuroscience which are not intense.

I struggle with this, because I get very absorbed in my obsessions. They hinder my ability to see other options and even look after myself. How do I control them? By enjoying them on my own, especially during free time, and with others who have the same interests. I've learned not to discuss them with outsiders, since I tend to bore people, and in places were it just isn't appropriate. E.g., Discussing my misdiagnosis with a stranger on public transit rather than on PC or with my psychiatrist. Another thing I do is make sure I look after my daily needs.

Obsessive interests are a part of me. I don't bother to suppress them because they are pleasant and relieve stress. They help me I cope with life.

Thanks, interesting to hear how they work for you.

I hadn't really looked it up before, but apparently "special interests" can change or cycle, as well as being to varying degrees.

For years I was obsessed with playing video games. I.e. like all day long but lost interest at some point. I spent a month and a half playing games fairly excessively around Christmas only to lose interest again as it happens.

I can relate to talking to people about interests & them getting bored. I can recognise that though, so tend to try & find some common ground. I find most things interesting to one degree or another, so it's not necessarily that hard.

I think that's how I get around not knowing what to say to people. I just start with ordinary things, or something related to where we are or are doing & if they bite, I'll go with that. Some people might see that as boring but if we truly cross interests, then I can have a good conversation with someone.

Having said all that & however much I'd like a definite answer as to why I am the way I am, I'd prefer just to figure out how to manage this.

I have "tree" thinking. I'll start with a basic premise (roots), then my thinking leads to "trunk." Then my thinking leads to "big branches." Then "little branches."

I don't think there's anything wrong with fully exploring a subject unless it interferes with your activities of daily living.

[Loial]

Originally Posted by kindness

I have "tree" thinking. I'll start with a basic premise (roots), then my thinking leads to "trunk." Then my thinking leads to "big branches." Then "little branches."

I don't think there's anything wrong with fully exploring a subject unless it interferes with your activities of daily living.

Yeah, I appreciate that. It's just a personal thing... it'd be nice if I could just stick with something.

My CPN said that the likes of hyperfocus, some people can use it to their benefit. For example, they may turn their interest into a career choice & excel at that.

Problem is, I can't do that because my interests fluctuate so much, even if some never entirely go away entirely.

I mean maybe I should embrace it, it's great I can get so much enthusiasm over different things but I don't know.

I think the only area it might impact is career, but then in the end of the day... a job is a job. You don't necessarily do it because you find it interesting.

[Blue_Bird]

I have a tendency to change interests frequently too. Which is why I'm forcing myself to stick with things.

For example, I go through phases where I collect stuff like sometimes LEGO sometimes Pokemon stuff and I can't seem to make my mind up on what kind of stuff I want to collect.

I also go through hobby phases, I'll be all interested in learning a language then it will change and I'll lose interest.

Keeping yourself interested is hard, especially with hobbies such as language learning. There are going to be dry parts that just don't interest you at all. Pick something, or a few things and try to stick with them for a year.

Right now I am learning Italian, Japanese, violin. I keep myself interested by setting goals for myself. Ex: I would like to get good enough in Italian that I can read the Italian edition of Harry Potter that I bought. I would like to play violin good enough to where I can play songs as good as Lindsey Stirling. These are big goals but they help keep me motivated.

[Imprenotimmature]

Originally Posted by Loial

I was wondering whether anyone else had problems with their interests (/obsessions) changing frequently?

I usually focus on a particular interest for anywhere from a week or two, to a couple of months then out of nowhere will lose interest & something will take its place. I'm not sure I could really call these obsessions... although I have had some in the past. (long explanation at the end)

A while ago my psychiatrist/CPN put this down to "all or nothing thinking". There was some talk that I *might* sit somewhere on the autistic spectrum, (Aspergers), but they said not to the extent to warrant a diagnosis or anything.

My CPN didn't seem to appreciate how irritating it is for me. I think she just said it wasn't interfering with my day excessively so that was an end to that.

I have sort of learnt that "genuine" interests will come around in cycles.

Does anyone else have similar problems? Or ways to control "all or nothing thinking", or this sort of pattern of behaviour...?

I figure I might bring it up with my psychiatrist again, but thought I'd see what others had to say.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

The long explanation:

At the moment for example, I am both learning Japanese & watching anime in Japanese with subs. I don't spend all day doing these things, but they are on my mind a lot. For the moment I have trouble watching anything other than anime, if I put something else on TV I'll most likely find it boring & want to put anime on. I even looked up flights to Japan out of curiosity. Nothing unusual about that really. However, in doing that I found I would be eligible for a working holiday visa for another 2 years & started planning how I could take a year out in Japan & figuring out what sort of jobs I could get etc. Pretty OTT considering I've never even visited once & speak little of the language.

It's quite often that I'll follow a few interests around a theme like this. Another example is going through a Nirvana phase, so naturally I started playing guitar a lot, learning music theory & read a biography on Kurt Cobain as well as listening to the music all the time.

These interests don't necessarily come out of nowhere. For instance , I've liked Studio Ghibli films for ages & always had a vague interest in Japanese. Occasionally though, a film or TV programme might start some completely new interest in me, although generally those don't last as long.

It's highly frustrating because I know I could get really good with the likes of guitar, or learn a language really well if I could stick with it constantly. Or get really fit if I stuck with exercising. There is also the element of wasted money on buying things related to these interests.

It's even a problem for getting a job / picking a career. I've got a law degree but by the end of it I had no interest in it anymore. That had evolved into the idea of tax advising but that never went anywhere. I considered going back to Uni to do computing. Then I started looking into jobs again & thought B2B sales was for me. Then I thought I really enjoyed physics at school & it was my real interest, since typically I was always better at science. So looked into going back to Uni for that but shock horror lost interest...

Pretty much resigned now to just getting some sort of administrative job & seeing if that opens any opportunities. I'm at a loss really though & it doesn't help me with the prospect of job hunting at all.

You aren't alone. I've been obsessed with the following things 2012-2016
Noobs
Pugs
Fnaf
Eggs
Sandwiches
Markiplier
Spleens
Undertale
Gravity falls

Well im just saying it's not much of a problem, random obsessions. It doesn't stop unless your live in a cave all alone. Just try getting interested with something that your friends like too or a trending game/show.

[-jimi-]

Asperger's is a spectrum that spans long beyond where the random boundary towards an Asperger diagnosis is set. How dull life would be if everyone was on the totally "normal" end of the spectrum!!! Also "that" type of normal was frown upon less than 100 years ago, LOL.

So cherish your aspie traits!

I long ago stopped wondering WHY I lost interest in things and gained interest in new things. I just have fun with it. Although sometimes I can miss the feeling a certain interest gave me, but looking at that interest again I can't at all get into it.

I don't go way deep into things anymore cuz I don't have the energy and interests stay with me longer that a few weeks, still I know the feeling. Some interests cycle though and some never fully leave even if they might stay in the background.

I can't fathom living and have no interests, no curiosity. Sometimes losing interest can be a bit of a bother or a loss, but I have realized I can't make myself interested of uninterested.

[avlady]

i get hobbies and don't buy the replacement stuff which would help if i could get to the hobbie shop and get them. i liked doing the egg decorating and knitting but do neither now. i play piano but my books i don't like anymore either. i hope we both can find new hobbies and good luck

[TerriLynn]

I struggle with some of these same things. I get obsessed with an activity/hobby and it will take up most of my day and night but I cant let it go. Most recently it was redecorating my house, I spent hours at work looking online, shopping, designing, obsessing over couches, paint colors, curtains, etc. It was almost panic inducing trying to make decisions. Then bam, before I was even finished I didn't even want to look at it anymore! I still haven't finished the ceiling work. I tend to get like that as a way to occupy my brain when I am spiraling into depression. I have done this with sewing, crocheting, other crafts. Like you, mine will last a few weeks to months, but not longer.

I am also an admin assistant, and have trouble moving further in my career cause I don't know what I want to do, (I tried the legal secretary route too!) but because I know I do exactly like you say, I am really afraid to start a new career cause what if I change my mind! I know exactly how you feel!! But, as long as my job is super busy and has me running around, I am happy doing it.

I also am a very black and white thinker, but don't think that it is related to the obsession part.

[BlueCrustacean]

There's nothing wrong with you. It just means you're a scanner/generalist/multi-potentialite, like me. You are not wired to be a specialist. You like many things and want to pursue them all. This is a GOOD thing to be celebrated, because having multiple skills is a skill in and of itself- regardless of what specialist propaganda you've been fed all your life.

I highly recommend this book I've been reading: Refuse To Choose

Refuse To Choose!: Use All of Your Interests, Passions, and Hobbies to Create the Life and Career of Your Dreams - Kindle edition by Barbara Sher. Self-Help Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Every time I read it it helps me to get back on track when I worry about how to plan my day, or my career, or my life.

[Imprenotimmature]

U super cool but I don't listento me now I think somebody spiked my applesauce

[ablankscript]

Do you get bored easily? Have they ever considered add/adhd? If you addressed this my apology I am on my phone it is hard to read everything. People with ADHD tend to jump from hobby to hobby, job to job. I would look into it and talk to them about it. Its odd your doctor doesn't think this affects your life, if you can't stick to things or maintain interest then that will affect how far you can go in life.

[hashiBP2?]

I am ALL or Nothing kind of person for sure. Especially when I feel manic. I will go on kicks where I have to have my house perfect. I want the house clean and every room painted , new furniture , curatins ect. there are times when i want to be totally healthy and natural with my health and i get totally into that. I obsess over research about lots of different things im interested online (then next thing i know the whole day is gone). Its not that I dont want my house clean and perfect and its not that i dont want to be healthy and live naturally. I just cant keep up with it all and then I go back to doing nothing and being depressed. Does that make sense? I always just thought i was lazy. My husband knows I start things and dont finish. I think I have gotten better just to prove him wrong lol! I get obsessed with my gardening too.

[hashiBP2?]

Originally Posted by TerriLynn

I struggle with some of these same things. I get obsessed with an activity/hobby and it will take up most of my day and night but I cant let it go. Most recently it was redecorating my house, I spent hours at work looking online, shopping, designing, obsessing over couches, paint colors, curtains, etc. It was almost panic inducing trying to make decisions. Then bam, before I was even finished I didn't even want to look at it anymore! I still haven't finished the ceiling work. I tend to get like that as a way to occupy my brain when I am spiraling into depression. I have done this with sewing, crocheting, other crafts. Like you, mine will last a few weeks to months, but not longer.

I am also an admin assistant, and have trouble moving further in my career cause I don't know what I want to do, (I tried the legal secretary route too!) but because I know I do exactly like you say, I am really afraid to start a new career cause what if I change my mind! I know exactly how you feel!! But, as long as my job is super busy and has me running around, I am happy doing it.

I also am a very black and white thinker, but don't think that it is related to the obsession part.

I do a lot of the same. Then I cant decide and give up after hours!

[handheart]

Well i think this its called indecizion and this problem its frecvent around all the people around the world ,i think you must repet this sugestion : i am decided and i know what i want ,repet it as much as you can and you will see that after a whyle you will be more decided