[0x0x0x2345]

I love programming (that’s why I’m on hacker news) but when I get into the zone it makes me feel… “wired” is the best way to describe it is or “switched on”. After I find it difficult to socialise, make conversation and switch off - and it contributes to a feeling of loneliness.

I know others get this feeling but for me it’s much longer lasting and stronger. The half-life is around days not hours and so it also impacts my weekends.

I then find it difficult to feel connected with my friends and partner and I hate myself for it.

In contract on holidays, I feel bubbly, the conversation flows and overall I am a much more sociable person.

The feeling of being wired is specifically linked to deep thinking when programming or doing maths. I don’t get it when I “work hard” for example writing. It impacts my thoughts, mind, mood and composition.

Does anyone else feel like this?

[mike00632]

Yup. Programming and math can put me into a state of mind where it is hard to socialize with people. It takes hours or days to come out of that state of mind.

[haxiomic]

Absolutely, I can be a completely different person one week to the next depending on my work

I’ve found it helpful to explain the difficulties of programmer brain to others as being like trying to talk to me while I’m on the phone to someone. I can do it, but it’s not comfortable and I might not make you feel as connected as I’d want you to