Published on 12, July, 2020
Has anyone ever experienced something that has prevented you from pursuing your special interests?
I have found that depression and overwhelm/sensory & cognitive overload stemming from becoming a parent and also having extreme relationship issues, has made me lose interest in absolutely everything. If I am having a good day I might listen to one of my favourite bands or artists but it soon wears off.
I'm wondering, have you ever had a period of time when you've completely stopped pursuing any of your special interests? I used to be extremely interested in learning anything and everything about human nature - psychology, philosophy, culture, etc. Now I feel like my sense of wonder has been shattered, maybe by too much reality/demands on the part of the brain that controls practical, in-the-moment decision-making, at the expense of higher order thinking?
I also have severe memory issues, whereas previously I had a good memory for information.
Sorry not trying to be a downer, genuine question. I'm undiagnosed so I wonder if I can be truly autistic if my special interests are on the back burner.
I experienced genuine "grief" similar to, (but thankfully much less than) when a pet dies, upon quitting a fifty year old special interest, that being "personal aviation".
I think I'm bettter off without it...
That's interesting, what made you quit, if I may ask?
It was like (I imagine) a 20 year infatuation leading to a 30 year bad marriage.
I woke up one day and realsied I was getting nowhere that I wanted to be and not particualrly enjoying making the effort any more.
I see myself as a recovering Aviator.
I no longer seek it out, but if someone was to place one in front of me and say "have a go" I don't know how I'd react.
That's an interesting way of putting it. It must have been hard for you to let it go