Oversharing
Do You Ever...?
Do you ever tell someone way more about your life than you meant to? Do you share personal things and later feel embarrassed?
What is it?
Oversharing is when you share more personal information than feels safe or right for the situation. This might include:
- Telling private stories to people you just met.
- Sharing deep feelings or family details with classmates.
- Talking a lot when others are quiet.
- Sharing personal information on social media.
Why does this happen?
Several parts of ADHD mix together:
- Impulsivity: thinking it and saying it quickly.
- Rejection sensitivity: wanting people to like you and feel close.
- Fast, jumping thoughts: one idea quickly leads to a personal story.
- Social fatigue or confusion: working extra hard to guess what’s “too much” is tiring.
Oversharing is usually an attempt to connect.
What can I do?
Think in “levels of sharing.”
- Level 1 (acquaintances): basic facts (hobbies, pets, favorite shows).
- Level 2 (friends): stories, opinions, some personal feelings.
- Level 3 (close friends/family/therapists): secrets, deep feelings.
Use a quick check before sharing.
Ask: “Will I be okay with them knowing this tomorrow?”
Make a “safe topics” list.
Have go-to subjects like games, school, music, and movies when you’re not sure what to talk about.
Ask trusted people to help.
You can say, “Sometimes I overshare. If that happens, can you gently help me change the topic?”
