ADHD Concepts Guide

ADHD Task Paralysis vs Depression: Understanding the Freeze

You want to move, but your body feels heavy. You see the work in front of you, but you cannot find the 'on' switch. This is a common and frustrating experience. It is not a character flaw. It is a biological event happening in your brain.

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What is it?

Task paralysis is an executive function glitch where the brain becomes overwhelmed by choices and shuts down. Depression is a clinical mood state that often reduces the overall desire or physical energy to perform any activity.

Signs & Symptoms

An intense desire to do the task but an inability to start
Feeling physically 'locked' or stuck in one spot
Racing thoughts about all the steps involved
High levels of guilt or anxiety while doing nothing
A feeling of 'brain fog' when looking at a to-do list

Why does this happen?

The science bit involves your prefrontal cortex. This part of the brain acts like a project manager. In ADHD brains, this manager struggles to prioritize tasks because of low dopamine levels. When you face a complex task, your amygdala senses a threat. It triggers a 'freeze' response. Your brain is trying to protect you from stress by stopping you from starting.

The Action Plan

Try breaking down your next task like this to overcome the block:
1

The 5-Second Launch

1m

Count down from five and move your body on zero.

2

Micro-Tasking

2m

Identify only the very first physical movement required.

3

Dopamine Hit

5m

Put on upbeat music or a favorite podcast to stimulate your brain.

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How HealUp Actually Helps

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AI Task Breakdown

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