In recent years, employees have struggled to come up with excuses for being late to work. However, a new phenomenon called “time blindness” may provide a legitimate reason for tardiness. This concept gained attention after a TikTok video went viral featuring a user known as Chaotic Philosopher, who claimed to be neurodivergent and asked a potential employer about accommodations for people with time blindness. In her emotional video, watched by millions, she criticized a culture that penalizes workers for struggling with punctuality. Although some accused her of faking it and suggested she simply use an alarm, experts assert that time blindness is real and often associated with ADHD.
Smriti Joshi, a lead psychologist at AI mental health chatbot Wysa, explains that difficulties in working memory and attention regulation, common in ADHD, can contribute to a distorted sense of time. While the term “time blindness” is not recognized medically, the NHS acknowledges that individuals with ADHD may experience challenges in organization and time management. Moreover, Sue Smith, a psychotherapist, and spokesperson for the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP), suggests that time blindness can also stem from early childhood trauma or feelings of dissociation.
Psychologist Robert Common describes time blindness as the inability to recognize the passing of time or estimate how long tasks may take. As a result, affected individuals often find themselves rushing to catch buses, missing deadlines, or underestimating the time required for completing tasks. It is important to note that time blindness is not considered a medical condition, but rather a term used to explain the phenomenon of losing track of time.
The symptoms of time blindness include regularly losing track of time, difficulty meeting appointments and deadlines, daydreaming, feeling fixated on a task, overpromising, feeling stuck in the present, and procrastination. Common warns that time blindness can be mistaken for laziness or incompetence, leading employers and others to doubt an individual’s commitment or abilities. Furthermore, children with time blindness may be mistakenly perceived as having learning difficulties or lower intelligence.
However, there are strategies that can help individuals with time blindness. Mapping out daily routines, using visual aids like timers and alarms, and enlisting the support of friends and family can assist in managing time-related challenges. Dr. Elena Touroni, a consultant psychologist, advises being compassionate towards those struggling with time blindness and guiding them towards professional help if necessary.
In summary, time blindness is a real phenomenon often associated with ADHD but can also result from other factors like early trauma. It can lead to difficulties in time management and cause misunderstandings at work and in personal relationships. While some may be skeptical, it is important to approach time blindness with empathy and support those who experience its challenges.
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