@Hutan suggested i post this as a thread in this forum. i first mentioned it in an autism vs. m.e. thread. from memory, the book covers self-help for smart people, research questions, observations, interviews, lists of resources, misopathy, etc. [LINK=amazon]B00MNR7AI8[/MEDIA] . https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23377613-gifted-and-sick . [note: i was sent the final draft, but was unable for health reasons to read it thoroughly or write the foreword. it mentions /the kafka pandemic/.] [edit: amazon links do not work for me on this forum. one more try: www.amazon.com/Gifted-Sick-Intersection-Ability-Neuroimmune-ebook/dp/B00MNR7AI8/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top ]
Thank you @Samuel, I downloaded a reading sample. It's quite affordable, so I shall consider bying it.
I read the first three chapters so far. It’s not exactly solid science (mostly anecdotal stuff), but I find it promising. The best part so far is that the author manages to describe accurately the frustration of being simultaneously over and under stimulated. I’m bored out of my mind, but I don’t have the cognitive capacity to do the activities that would sufficiently challenge me, or at least not for long enough for it to make any difference. The book validates that frustration, and the regret from degrees/projects/jobs that couldn’t be finished at the level you know you should have been able to. Looking forward to reading the rest
What is also addressed - and what touched me personally because that's how I felt during my bad cognitive times, too - is the topic about identity: It's not only as @andypants expressed - feeling incredibly bored but being unable to do something, or feeling overwhelmed by things that were easy in the past, feeling frustrated, "robbed" - for some it's also about who they are and as they view themselves.
Absolutely, I agree this is a big part of it - the loss of or change in identity. The interviews also highlights how you can find other ways to use your talents, or finding other ways to express yourself. Like all the amazing people in here who post and read new studies and help others understand, or motivate people to get involved, become activists, or in other ways try to accomplish what they can with what little energy they have.