Ever feel like you woke up tired...and then stayed tired?
Same, friend. Welcome to the intersection of ADHD and chronic fatigue -- where your brain's running a marathon and your body never got the memo.
What Is a Dopamine Crash, Anyway?
ADHD brains thrive on dopamine -- the brain's favorite feel-good neurotransmitter. But here's the plot twist: we don't produce or regulate it the same way neurotypical brains do.
This means every task, decision, or even small social interaction can drain our already limited supply.
You know that foggy, drained, can't-keep-your-eyes-open feeling that hits you after a super productive morning?
That's not laziness -- that's a dopamine crash.
Why Am I Always Tired?!
Chronic fatigue in ADHD isn't just about being sleepy.
It's a full-body, soul-deep exhaustion that comes from:
- Masking your symptoms to seem "put together"
- Decision fatigue from a hundred micro-choices before noon
- Mental hyperactivity (you're sitting still but your brain's doing cartwheels)
- Sleep struggles difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling rested
So if you've ever had a full night's sleep and still woke up feeling like you've been hit by a mental dump truck...you're not alone.
Tips to Ride the Dopamine Crash Wave
Let's be honest: we can't avoid dopamine crashes entirely -- but we can soften the blow:
1. Break big tasks into baby tasks
- Dopamine loves small wins. Create checklists with easy wins like "open laptop" or "drink water."
2. Eat before you're starving
- Your brain needs fuel. Regular snacks = fewer crashes.
3. Keep a low-effort "crash kit" handy
- Cozy blanket, noise-cancelling headphones, your favorite snack, a comfort show, or a fidget toy.
4. Schedule breaks like they're sacred
-Your energy isn't infinite -- honor your need to rest.
5. Reframe the fatigue
- Instead of spiraling into guilt, try telling yourself: "My brain did a lot today. This exhaustion is a signal, not a flaw."
A Gentle Note from One Tired Brain to Another
You're not lazy. You're not doing it wrong.
You're living with a brain that burns bright -- and fast.
Give yourself permission to rest without explanation.
Your productivity does not define your worth, and your exhaustion does not mean you've failed.
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