Why Hyperfixations Can Be Healing: Turning Passions Into Coping Skills
Have you ever found yourself diving deep into a hobby, TV show, or niche interest - so much so that it feels like your whole world for a period of time? That’s what many people call a hyperfixation. While the word is often associated with ADHD, autism, and neurodivergence communities, hyperfixations aren’t exclusive to any one group! In fact, they’re a completely human experience, and they can be fun, therapeutic, and even a valuable coping skills.
A hyperfixation happens when your attention locks onto a particular topic, hobby, or interest in a way that feels all-consuming. It could be binge-watching a comfort television show or movie, spending hours researching a historical event, or rearranging furniture and decor in your home for the perfect aesthetic. Hyperfixations can feel like an all-in, immersive experience!
From a mental health perspective, hyperfixations aren’t completely bad. While some might feel guilt or shame for how much time they spend on them, in reality, hyperfixations can provide stability, joy, and a sense of comfort when life feels overwhelming and the world feels like it’s ending.
In therapy, we often talk about coping skills. These are skills that people use to manage stress, anxiety, or difficult emotions. Hyperfixations can actually function as a healthy distract and a grounding technique! Here are some examples:
-Stress relief: getting lost in a favorite hobby provides a break from overthinking and worry
-Predictability, control, and consistency: in a chaotic world, hyperfixations offer something reliable and strucutred
-Mood boost: enjoying something deeply can release dopamine and bring real happiness
-Identity and self-expression: hyperfixations allow people to connect with things they love most, which can in turn strengthen self-confidence
For many neurodivergent individuals, hyperfixations are a natural part and rhythm of life. For others, they may feel more like seasonal obsessions. Either way, they can play a therapeutic role in emotional regulation.
Hyperfixations bring joy! They are often seen as unusual or obsessive, but they’re always part of what makes people passionate, knowledgeable, and creative. Think about how exciting it is to talk to someone who’s really into their latest obsession… their eyes light up, they become more animated, and you can feel their enthusiasm. When you embrace your hyperfixations intead of fighting them, you give yourself permission to experience playfulness and curiosity as an adult. That’s both healing and fun!
If you ever feel guilty about your hyperfixations, here are some ways to reframe them as a healthy coping skill:
Notice the benefits
Set gentle boundaries
Connect socially
Use them intentionally
Celebrate your passions
Hyperfixations don’t have to be something you "fix” or “outgrow.”. Instead, they can be celebrated as fun, therapeutic, and an effective coping skill that brings joy and resilience into daily life. Whether it’s diving into a new book series, curating plaulists, or became an amateur expert in a niche field, your hyperfixations can be a source of comfort and creativity.
If you find yourself leaning on hyperfixations to manage stress, anxiety, or relationship struggles, therapy can help you build an even wider toolkit of strategies that feel supportive and sustainable. At Amara Therapeia, I work with clients who want to better under themselves, navigate emotional intensity, and find healthy ways to cope while embracing what makes them unique.
Schedule a consultation today and let’s explore how your passions, patterns, and personality can become strengths in your healing journey!