Breaking the Freeze: A Guide to Task Initiation Paralysis ADHD
You are staring at your to-do list. You know exactly what needs to happen. Yet, you cannot seem to move your body to start. This feeling of being stuck is very real and very frustrating.
What is it?
This is a state where the brain becomes overwhelmed by the steps or emotions of a task. It results in a complete shutdown of action. It feels like your 'start button' is physically broken.
Signs & Symptoms
Why does this happen?
The prefrontal cortex is the part of your brain that starts tasks. It relies on dopamine to stay motivated. In an ADHD brain, dopamine is often low. This makes the 'cost' of starting feel higher than the reward. Your amygdala may even sense this stress as a threat, which triggers a freeze response.
The Action Plan
Label the feeling
Say out loud that you are experiencing paralysis right now.
Change your environment
Move to a different room or just stand up for a moment.
The Micro-Goal
Pick the smallest possible action, like opening a document.
Stop fighting your brain.
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How HealUp Actually Helps
We don't just explain the problem. We give you the exact tools to solve it.
AI Task Breakdown
Overwhelmed by a big project? Our AI instantly breaks it into tiny, non-scary micro-steps so you can start without the panic.
Execute Mode
Focus on just ONE step at a time. No distractions, no clutter. Just clear, immediate action to build momentum.
Zero Guilt
Stuck? Hit the "Stuck" button to get unblocked instantly. HealUp is designed to be kind to your brain, not punishing.
Stop Planning. Start Doing.
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