E70 | ADHD tax, hyperfixations and abandoned hobbies

E70 | ADHD tax, hyperfixations and abandoned hobbies

From WTF is AuDHD? by Ellie & Paige Harwood

June 8, 2026 · 51 min · Season 2 · Episode 70

About this episode

The episode discusses the phenomenon of abandoning hobbies and interests in relation to ADHD, exploring the emotional and financial implications.

Before we jump into this week's episode - we have a new Reddit! The other one will be going to the graveyard, so join our new one here: https://www.reddit.com/r/wtfisaudhd In this episode we chat about the hobbies, journals, activities we swore we'd stick to... only to abandon then a few weeks later. From the feelings of "this is it!" "this is my new thing" to the shame and embarrassment that comes after you've forgotten it even exists. We explore why ADHD brains become so intensely focused on new interests, why that motivation can disappear seemingly overnight, and the guilt, shame and financial "ADHD tax" that often follows. We also discuss your contributions around hobbies and dusty journals from the new Reddit community. Plus, we received a message from our local psychologist Mike Cochrane about scam diagnoses and how to keep an eye out for illiegitimate 'experts'. And speaking of things we've abandoned in the past... Paige brings her latest journal updates - and how she's trying her best to ensure this is a journal that stays with you forever! More info at wtfjournals.com/signup Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People in this episode

Hosts: Paige Harwood, Ellie Harwood

Topics covered

  • ADHD
  • hobbies
  • hyperfixations
  • motivation
  • mental health
  • shame
  • journals

Keywords

  • ADHD tax
  • hyperfixations
  • abandoned hobbies
  • journals
  • motivation
  • shame
  • psychologist

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Reddit, wtfjournals.com

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