Two overlapping circles — lemur in the attic

lemur in the attic

Two overlapping circles

Published on August 3, 2026

My adhd and ocd haven't been diagnosed by a professional, but I believe I have them because they are the only explanation of my mental disposition. I agree that self diagnosis is not the best attitude, but at least it gives me a mental framework where I can be a little more considerate and empathetic towards myself. And as long as I'm not resorting to any self medication, it's a fine thing I guess.

Last night I was thinking about how these two disorders can be thought of as two overlapping circles, where each circle represents a disorder with its own set of distinct traits with some of the common traits causing the overlap. I don't know how correct this visualisation is but that's how I understand it.

While I have this habit of intellectualising and figuring out my thought patterns and behaviours, all of it goes collapsing like a house of cards when my symptoms worsen. On such days I tend to overlook the fact that my mental state is a result of well characterised disorders. If I were to describe my feelings in a sinister way: I feel like somewhere in the back of my mind there is an<br>evil and smoky glob of black smoke that radiates gloom and despair, worthlessness and hopelessness, and which is the source of everything that is wrong with me.

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