Alex Jafarzadeh
Account director at Red Lorry Yellow Lorry
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October is ADHD Awareness Month, and over the next few weeks, I'm going to deviate a little from my usual semi-regular posts here to share how this often misunderstood condition impacts millions in the workplace. Including me. Like so many of my fellow ADHDers, I didn't get 'official' confirmation until I was well into my thirties. I was only diagnosed in March of this year. Although ADHD is a label that we've been tossing around for most of the 21st century, the awareness of its existence hasn't brought much understanding of its impacts beyond those who live with the condition. Since I was a teenager, it was assumed that I had ADHD, but that just meant I had a hard time concentrating and was prone to hyperactivity. I thought I'd always be this way and would have to power through wherever I could to overcome those characteristics. After I was diagnosed in March, though, that changed. The provider who diagnosed me began to explain the depth and breadth of impacts and impairments that ADHD brings, the comorbid conditions that can result, and the tried-and-tested paths available for me to do better, be better and feel better. I read books, joined communities, embraced new strategies, and, most of all took a new view of how ADHD affects so much of what I do and who I am. Many in the ADHD community talk about having a "user manual" for your brain, and that's what I've been figuring out in 2024. I've spent the last six months feeling joy and relief at the changes I've gone through, reaping the benefits at work and connecting with friends and peers who are themselves at various stages of their ADHD journeys. But I've also reckoned with grief and regret over the last twenty years, which I muddled through without that user manual. It's hard not to question where you might have been if you had known sooner, and that's why I'm choosing to be open and honest about my experience as it relates to work. One of the reasons I've been able to figure out this condition is that so many fellow ADHDers have shared their lived experiences in support groups, subreddits, books and podcasts. Over the next month, I plan on sharing a few thoughts about specific ways ADHD impacted me in the workplace. Whether you take away tips for yourself, get inspired to seek a diagnosis and help, or learn new ways to support your ADHD colleagues/employees, I hope to contribute in some small way to improving our collective understanding of this condition. Also, while I'm choosing to be public with my condition, I understand and respect that only some feel comfortable doing so. These posts and the comment feeds will be public, but my DMs are open if you want to contact me privately. Finally, my posts are based on personal experience only. I am not a medical professional, and my comments should not be taken as medical advice. #adhd #adhdawareness #mentalhealth
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Rebecca Miles
Enterprise IT external comms specialist
1w
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It's great to see you talking about this Alex! For what it's worth - I've always felt that neuro-divergence in the workplace is a real power keg! In fact, I remember reading a study around working teams success rates being much higher when they include at least one dyslexic member, due to the fact they often see things in a way that others don't! While this difference in what dyslexic individuals perceive applies to seeing extra letters in a word, or missing words from a sentence, it applies equally to uncovering ideas in a creative session or viewing a problem from a completely different angle! I thought it was astounding at the time and this discovery completely rewired my preconceptions around dyslexia in the workplace. I am sure the same could likely be said for ADHD.At least we do know that for both ADHD and dyslexia there's a real misconception that some of the more common surface-level characteristics are what define them... a little research goes a long way into unravelling that way of thinking and finding the power that exists within neuro-divergencies in the workplace. I'm hopeful that many workplaces now recognise the need to make space for neuro-divergent working habits in order to harness this power!
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Bertine Bönner
Content and PR Manager at Red Lorry Yellow Lorry
5d
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Thanks for this post, Alex! Well said! I recently read a great article by someone with ADHD who said that she felt other people's brains were like Excel spreadsheets, whereas hers worked more like a mirror ball, throwing colourful lights on many different things at once. I loved that image. And I think diversity is key. We need both Excel sheets and mirror balls ✨
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Guy Walsingham
1w
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Well reasoned and well written Alex. From a work point of view, whatever the strategies and paths you've figured out to feel better are clearly working. We've had great feedback during your time at the lorries from both clients and the team. So, thanks for landing with us and we're looking forward to a bright future.
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Sarah Alonze
Director of Strategy at Red Lorry Yellow Lorry
1w
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Wonderfully written, as usual, and refreshingly honest. Thank you for sharing your story. I hope it encourages others with a similar story to do the same, and for workplaces to embrace the range of differences that employees can bring. You are seen, heard and hugely valued! ❤️
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Faith Bailey
Digital Marketing Specialist
1w
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I love this. ADHD impacted my mental health for so long until I got a handle on it. I can’t wait to read your future posts on this subject, I’m always looking to learn more about how to work with, not against, my brain. Thanks for sharing, Alex! 🫶🏻
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Phil Hayes
Director of sales Cognitopia
1w
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Well said Alex. It is an important subject. The more others understand about it, the better we are as a society. I’ll be looking forward to your future posts.
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Jacob Bentzen
Senior content manager @ RLYL ✏️ > 🗡
1w
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Well said, Alex!
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Justine Graham
ADHD family coach + CEO [Certified ADHD Coach & Psych(BA)]
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When I was first diagnosed with ADHD, I couldn’t quite believe it. I hardly told anyone for months. At my assessment, I was given medication (which would be a journey of trial and error for a year), told I shouldn’t take it if I got pregnant, and that it wasn’t chronic medication, so my medical plan wouldn’t cover it.What I wasn’t told: ✔️ That if I understood how my brain worked, I could use strategies to work with it and change my life. ✔️ That my nervous system rarely rested and I needed to protect it. ✔️ That my fear of rejection and low self worth was intrinsically tied to my ADHD - but could be worked on for more self-acceptance.✔️ That pills don’t teach skills.✔️ That there was a community of people like me who were there to support each other. I was not alone. ✔️ That my diagnosis was a good thing which would change my life for the better. ✔️ That I had strengths I could harness and use to my advantage.✔️ That I did not have an attention deficit - I have to regulate my attention, motivation, emotions and my nervous system because my brain filters out way less than most do. ✔️ That I needed to put in boundaries to protect my energy, because ADHD burnout is real due to the points above. ✔️ That support from professionals who aren’t specialised in ADHD may not help me progress If you have self-diagnosed, waiting for an official diagnosis or you’ve been diagnosed and feel like everything is a bit much, you are not alone. How you can connect: 1️⃣ You are welcome to follow me and connect in conversation: Justine Graham 2️⃣ Join me, for a 6 week group coaching ‘ADHD reset’, where you will learn more about setting up structures in your life that will help you thrive with ADHD & connect with a community where you belong. Join the founding cohort (spaces are limited). Please feel free to reach out for a chat to find out more or sign up here: https://lnkd.in/dnh7NRsX 3️⃣ If you would like to find out about my 1:1 packages, let’s set up a discovery call to chat (2 spots currently available): https://lnkd.in/eKS-K5DH4️⃣ If you want to connect for some banter and problem-solving with other ADHDers, I will be holding a free workshop on Wed 8th May, to show you how to get past procrastination and get started on anything you’ve been putting off: https://lnkd.in/dBVTExby
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David Ava Pakozdi
Consultant at Frontier Economics
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I’m everything, everywhere, all at onceIt’s been 1 year today when I was diagnosed with ADHD. It’s like looking back from a mountain to the valley, on a path I still don’t know where it’s leading to - but it’s my path.There are often contradictory feelings that set in after a diagnosis, starting with relief (finally the explanation!) and sadness (what if I had been diagnosed earlier?). In my case it was followed by the most severe depression of my life (when you realise the struggle never ends).But this is not the end of my story. Fortunately, I had amazing friends, access to medication, therapy, and brilliant ADHD coaching. These gave me the validation that yes, many things are hard but also the confidence that I can overcome a lot. As I was embarking on using my brain in ways I never quite did and getting out of depression at the same time, strangely it was 28 years of undiagnosed ADHD that helped: you become extremely resilient when you grow up working "too hard" to compensate for executive function deficit. It’s not always a good thing, but sometimes it does the job.And this is still not the end of my story, and those of other ADHDers. Because after realising that I can in fact do the “easy” things like submit an insurance claim without spending ages on it, I am also more comfortable doing more of what my brain is in fact designed for: working under pressure, in urgent, tricky situations, towards tight deadlines, seeing the world, signing up to long-distance swimming events on a whim, volunteering probably too much (the famous ADHD empathy!), swimming in too cold water, and doing a bit of off-piste skiing. This is where your brain has a natural advantage.To paraphrase award-winning comedian Deborah Frances-White (from the Guilty Feminist podcast and fellow ADHDer): it’s foolish to set a vending machine out of order just because it’s dispensing golden tiaras :)This is a shout-out to fellow ADHDers. First, change is difficult and is extremely gradual. But when you look back on it, it’s purely magical. Second, continuing with Frances-White's thoughts: ADHD is indeed a disorder: Your brain is disordering the world’s expectation of how it should be. You are everything, everywhere, all at once (like Oscar-winning director Daniel Kwan)#neurodiversity #mentalhealth
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Jessica Summers
Coaching ADHD & HSP to commit to what they love and be profitable
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You know them when you meet them.There’s another ADHD coach works in my town. Ok. What of it, you might say.Well, this town is in Bulgaria and it’s rare thing to find one ADHD coach let alone two.We meet for the first time, sit down, and it takes us about 5 mins before we’re talking hormones, RSD (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria) the torment of social media. For a brief moment in our lives, no fear about ‘oversharing’ 😊We share our traumas, we share our surprising (to us) successes.There is no hint of competition. We are aching at each other’s pain. We dance dizzily from one topic to another mid-sentence, so happy that we don’t have to apologise for this ‘constellational thinking’ 🌌We just know stuff about each other without being told. We know each other’s struggles, each other’s blind spots.We know we could talk all night. But unfortunately we can’t. I have pings from home wanting food to be brought back. I can barely look at my phone because I am so absorbed in this universe we’re creating together.We know we want to support each other. We also know that friendships take more than this brief explosion and I think we’re curious about that. Together we talk about the lesson of sustainability in business. The hardest lesson for ADHDers. To keep going past the deep shame and trauma of RSD, past the loss of interest, into the digging deep and not budging phase.We are both deeply committed to this stage and so we (and our businesses) are growing. This is what we both care about- helping others through this too and:🌍Being seen🌍Admitting you want something🌍Weathering the RSD when it begins to happen (pre-failure to the lay-person)🌍Simplifying our Offerings to be easily accessible (to ourselves most of all, and to others too)And…KEEPING GOING 🚀An ADHD diagnosis isn’t the right thing for everyone. But last night, with Anne Dupal, we both realised that the diagnosis had given us a voice. A way to reference our experiences. A way to find those others who care about lifting others up. Who are demoralised from never being able to fully carry out what they feel they are here to do.A way to growFollow me and ring the bell for more uplifting and practical sharings#adhdcoach #togetherwearestrong #adhdawareness 🌟💪🧠
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WARN International Limited
483 followers
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What is having ADHD like for you? I always had in the back of my mind a feeling that I was different to others, but could never quite work out what it was. Initially, I thought it was a selfish personality, then a lack of social skills, an inability to control anger, and maybe it was being an introvert.Having a diagnosis can be positive and negative. It can bring comfort by knowing what the challenge is which allows us to focus on finding a solution, conversely, there can be many solutions or no solution whatsoever.As I researched my book on anxiety the topic of ADHD kept appearing, so I took an online test. Wow, it showed a high degree of sensitivity and specificity for adult ADHD with a score of 22. Over 14 is a strong indicator. What the online diagnosis confirmed is what I had always suspected. When telling those close to me about the diagnosis, “I think I have ADHD”, all have immediately replied, “You think!” I choose not to have a formal diagnosis, at my age I have managed it for many (many) years and learned to use it to my advantage. The ability to think differently to find a solution is extremely helpful in business. Divergent thinkers are a gift for any organisation and should be utilised more often, as diverse thinkers see things others cannot. Looking at issues from various angles, i.e. thinking outside of the box, is all they have ever known. That's how we get through life.With my ADHD comes several traits – OCD, a strong inner critic, perfectionism, and a large amount of imposter syndrome - which makes for a very busy brain struggling to harness the overthinking.Recently I was the closing keynote speaker at a large conference and the organisers had a graphic illustrator construct a cartoon of the hour-long address. My immediate thought when first viewing the cartoon - this is exactly what it looks like inside of my head, all of the time 😊. There is a lot going on at any single moment. Having learned to harness the energy has taken a lifetime, yet it need not take you as long. If you suspect you have ADHD, then go to a reputable website and complete the survey. If confirmed, then you have a unique talent and you can learn to harness that talent in your life. None of us are made from the same mould, for we are all unique. If you are a divergent thinker, then know that you are unique and very much a treasure.Let's talk!#mindhealth #mentalhealth #neurodiverse #adhd #neurodiversity #workplacewellbeing #diversity #inclusivity #personalgrowth #personaldevelopment
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Graham Summerscales EMCC - ICF certified Executive ADHD Coach
Executive ICF accredited ADHD specialist Coach, helping ADHDers in business find their gold. Coaching & Training leaders, and teams to be more effective, resulting in increased performance.
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ADHD stories - Activation: Getting started on a task that just seems insurmountable. I have been at my desk this morning since 5:30am; this is attempted #5 writing this blog. Writing is my nemesis as I struggle to get activated. It’s the one thing that I loathe, because I know I must dig deep to find the strength to complete this task. Generally, this is a weekly thing so you would think it would get easier, but the trouble is there’s always too much going on in my head to find the space to focus on writing. Activation is a big deal for someone with ADHD - Dr Thomas Brown describes in his model ‘AFEEMA’ - Activation is the, ‘Organising, Prioritising and Activating Tasks’. This is quite straight forward, and for most I guess it can be, but for someone with ADHD it can feel like we are trying to push treacle up a hill.So, to get me started I must create at least one of four things, NOVELTY, DEADLINE, ACCOUNTABILITY BUDDY, REWARD. There is always too much distraction for me, so to help me focus I must ensure that I clear the ‘clutter’ in my environment; if I don’t, I feel the ‘clutter’ in my mind - once I have done this my brain can have a clear space to focus on the job in hand. I appreciate that to you, this is just another task to complete, and you would be right, but the question is, “as an ADHDer, how do I overcome this seemingly unattainable task?” The novelty answer is - I sneak off to my COFFICE (my creative word for a coffee house I use as my office). I take my noise cancelling headphones, grab a coffee and get down to the task (this works for me which is great!). However, too many people gathered around me can be a distraction, but their gentle hum of background ‘noise’ is dampened by my headphones which thankfully reduces the distraction to a minimum which means they can be getting along with their business whilst I get along with mine – perfect!Giving myself a deadline is my affective way to get activated on my boring task of the week and with my VA Gill as my accountability buddy, and the gentle reminder of her daily update, it’s enough to give me the nudge I need to get me kick started, get the job done and meet that deadline.Finally, my reward for completing the task – my treat to myself – cake!I would be interested to learn about the creative ways you find effective, especially what gets you activated on those seemingly boring tasks you find difficult? All About Change#adhd #adhdawareness #novelty #deadline #accountability #reward #coffee #cake #organising #prioritising #activation #tasks #clutter
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Simon Akers FCIM FRSA CMktr
Founder @ Archmon, Marketing Consultancy | Strategy/CMO/Leader | Chartered Marketer | RSA & CIM Fellow | Adwanted Future 100 2022 | TFM Marketing 100 Index 2024 | Writer/Speaker/Mentor | ADHD / ND | Front Of Mind
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I want to say something about ADHD. But not in the way that many do.When I first got diagnosed 2 years ago I was happy to share my diagnosis here. It was cathartic, it helped me make sense of the previous 39 years, including some exceptionally acute anxiety and depression, with the darkest of days, and it helped me communicate with ex colleagues and friends in some weird self-justification ‘hope I make sense now’ type way.But I have pulled back talking about it a bit specifically the last few months. Primarily because I want to talk about business stuff more and be recalled for my work and skills and offerings.But also because there seems to be a lot of noise in the space, with some making a name for themselves as ADHD voices. Which is fine of course; there are some who espouse some great insight and wisdom and they should. But like another adhder I spoke to recently, I don’t want to add to the noise!Because I’m tired of the pithy memes and the glorification of the condition. The superpower moniker and so forth. The social media fetishisation fuelling the (dangerous for all) self-diagnosing ‘I’m a bit adhd’ gang. Yes we have some pros, but with it the cons. It’s a disability too. It can be a struggle and people don’t talk about it enough. Internal and external manifestations. Different specific or combination types. Honestly, I was relieved at first after diagnosis, it gave have me clarity and a framework, but sadly I spent a lot of the last few months in a real funk, feeling crap about it. Panicking about speaking about it and sometimes wishing I’d never said anything, wishing I wasn’t part of what is now a big noise (definitely the ADHD RSD underbelly talking there). And wishing I’d known before, and perhaps my employed career could’ve been more linear and I wonder if I’d have found it easier, and the feelings of sensitivity and failure and everything would be understandable. I still think to this day how many folk my head says definitely hate me, thankfully I usually quell that and think of those I know definitely don’t.But I’m here to have these chats. Normalise and celebrate. Educate and empathise. It’s multi faceted. As for neurodiversity in general, it is something that needs more understanding and support. I’ve been working on something the last few months and will be talking about it more about this soon (neurodiversity that is!)- as I never want people feeling the way I’ve felt.But meanwhile. If you know anyone with ADHD, talk to them and find out more (we love to delve into things right!) - don’t assume or typecast. Please. We’ve so much iceberg under the surface.
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Curtis Garrett
Retiring from early retirement, I’m eager to join a company focused on AI and IT transformation, enabling humans to focus on meaningful tasks while AI handles complex challenges, fostering happiness and sustainability
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Navigating ADHD in Professional Life: A Personal JourneyAt 57, I was diagnosed with ADHD just a few years ago, a revelation that has shed light on many aspects of my life. For years, I couldn’t understand how others could see the whole picture in their heads, knowing exactly how things should turn out, whether it was a personal matter or business.The hippocampus area of our brains is on fire, and neurons are firing through the branches in our brains, sparking ideas and connections to an exponential number of alternatives, choices, and scenarios until everything just clicks. Once it clicks, the excitement is over. The go-live is done. Documentation, support, and warranty are now your calling! Dopamine levels plummet, and you don’t know why you feel depressed.This journey of understanding ADHD has been enlightening. It explains why the initial phases of a project, where creativity and problem-solving are at the forefront, are so exhilarating for me. Yet, when it comes to the maintenance phase, I struggle with motivation and focus.Medication is a good tool, but not the only tool. Prior to being diagnosed, I achieved great things, going from poverty to a six-figure salary at an amazing company for three decades. My late wife and I were able to raise sixteen children together—biological, fostered, and adopted—and I was able to provide well for my family while achieving great success for our company.It’s important to advocate for your own mental health with a healthcare professional, but also to keep tools in your mental health or professional hygiene tool bag on hand during challenging phases in your career. Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable chunks, using task management tools, and seeking roles that align with your strengths are all strategies that can help.Understanding and embracing ADHD has allowed me to turn what once felt like a hindrance into a unique strength. It’s a continuous journey, but with the right tools and support, it’s possible to achieve great things.P.S. It’s 12pm and I forgot to eat breakfast. One of the medication’s side effects is that if you don’t eat before or shortly after, the struggle is real. Life is beautiful.
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Mian-Li Ong, PhD
Clinical Child Psychologist | ADHD, Anxiety, Mood and Pain Specialist | Trauma-Informed | APA Presidential Citation 2019 | Co-Founder, HGAPS (501c3)
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"Talking to someone with ADHD around money always feels like walking on eggshells."Last week, I had the privilege of participating in a panel with Moonlake Lee Unlocking ADHD - Empowering ADHDers and their families to live life to the fullest, and the experience was both enlightening and deeply moving. The depth and breadth of questions were astonishing, highlighting the complex challenges faced by those with ADHD in managing finances. I just wish we had more time to answer all those questions.As a clinical psychologist with ADHD myself, I see both sides of the story—the frustratingly *obvious* nature of what needs to be done versus the actual challenge of finding the ability to do it. I resonated deeply with the frustration and helplessness expressed in the questions. Why couldn't I, a supposed expert with all the knowledge, just *get to doing it*?Being transparent here -- when I was living in the USA, I often struggled with financial decision-making. To cope with loneliness, I engaged in “retail therapy,” convincing myself that "dressing for the job you want" was a good idea (no, it's not). I would spend whatever was visible in my bank account without much thought. Bad idea.Now, I keep money in places that are harder to access; using an app to allocate funds for different purposes; and of course, having an amazing spouse Merisa Cheong who helps keep (some of) my impulses in check. During the panel, I spoke about how the mind’s eye, heart, voice, and playground -- impact financial management for individuals with ADHD, because of our poor self-control:🧠 Mind’s Eye: Difficulty visualizing the future, which can lead to poor financial decisions in the present.❤️ Mind’s Heart: Impulsive financial decisions driven by emotions.🗣️ Mind’s Voice: Challenges in questioning past and present financial behaviors.🏞️ Mind’s Playground: Difficulty in evaluating all options, deciding on the best sequence of actions to achieve financial goals, and staying organized.Personally, one of the most valuable aspects of the panel was how we worked together to provide a synergistic experience without overlapping. It was truly instructive to see how different experts approached the pervasive nature of ADHD in various aspects of life, offering unique insights and strategies. Kudos to Firdaus and Eugene from Credit Counselling Singapore for sharing practical ADHD-friendly tips in such a "chill" manner, such as limiting the number of credit cards to 1-2; and to Gail Wong, ACC for discussing the emotional aspects of financial investment with such careful thought. Us ADHDers get emotional quick!These topics are incredibly important because ADHD permeates and affects every single part of our lives. I’m grateful for the opportunity to engage in these meaningful conversations and to learn from everyone’s experiences.#ADHD #FinancialManagement #UnlockingADHD #MentalHealth #FinancialTips #CreditCounseling
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The Busy Brain
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Masking ADHD symptoms might help us blend in, but it can lead to burnout, stress, and feeling isolated. So, what can we do about it?We 'mask', not because we want to, but because we feel we have to. This is especially true in environments where being 'different' isn't always seen as a good thing. It's like you're constantly on edge, trying to play a role that doesn't quite fit. And let's be honest, that's no way to thrive at work. 😓🎭𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝗳𝗲𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀:𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲: It all begins with accepting your ADHD as part of what makes you, you. It's not a flaw; it's a different way of thinking and being that can bring incredible creativity and energy to the table. 🌟💡𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸: You'd be surprised how many people are willing to support you if they know what you're going through. Find those colleagues who appreciate the real you and build a support network. 👥🤝𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀: Whether it's requesting a quieter space to work 🤫🌿 or asking for written instructions to complement verbal ones ✍️🗒️, clear communication can help you create a work environment where you don't feel the need to mask as much.𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺: Sometimes, the need to mask comes from misconceptions about ADHD. Sharing knowledge and resources can foster understanding and inclusivity. Ask HR to look into setting up some in-house workshops and get an ADHD expert in to talk to the office. 📚💬𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝘀: ADHD comes with its set of challenges, but it also comes with unique strengths. Highlight your creativity, your ability to think outside the box, and your problem-solving skills. 🎨💭Remember, the more we talk about ADHD openly, the less need there will be for anyone to hide it.Let's embrace our differences and support each other in bringing our whole selves to work. Feeling the strain of masking ADHD at work can be overwhelming, but you don't have to navigate it alone. 🤗💪If you're looking for strategies to reduce the need for masking and embrace your authentic self at work, let's connect. Send me a message or drop a comment below. Together, we can explore ways to make your work environment more ADHD-friendly and empowering.#EmbraceNeurodiversity #ADHDAtWork #AuthenticSelf #WorkplaceInclusion #ADHDSupport
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Lance Burdett
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What is having ADHD like for you?I always had in the back of my mind a feeling that I was different to others, but could never quite work out what it was. Initially, I thought it was a selfish personality, then a lack of social skills, an inability to control anger, and maybe it was being an introvert.Having a diagnosis can be positive and negative. It can bring comfort by knowing what the challenge is which allows us to focus on finding a solution, conversely, there can be many solutions or no solution whatsoever.As I researched my book on anxiety the topic of ADHD kept appearing, so I took an online test. Wow, it showed a high degree of sensitivity and specificity for adult ADHD with a score of 22. Over 14 is a strong indicator.What the online diagnosis confirmed is what I had always suspected. When telling those close to me about the diagnosis, “I think I have ADHD”, all have immediately replied, “You think!”I choose not to have a formal diagnosis, at my age I have managed it for many (many) years and learned to use it to my advantage. The ability to think differently to find a solution is extremely helpful in business.Divergent thinkers are a gift for any organisation and should be utilised more often, as diverse thinkers see things others cannot. Looking at issues from various angles, i.e. thinking outside of the box, is all they have ever known. That's how we get through life.With my ADHD comes several traits – OCD, a strong inner critic, perfectionism, and a large amount of imposter syndrome - which makes for a very busy brain struggling to harness the overthinking.Recently I was the closing keynote speaker at a large conference and the organisers had a graphic illustrator construct a cartoon of the hour-long address.My immediate thought when first viewing the cartoon - this is exactly what it looks like inside of my head, all of the time 😊. There is a lot going on at any single moment.Having learned to harness the energy has taken a lifetime, yet it need not take you as long. If you suspect you have ADHD, then go to a reputable website and complete the survey.If confirmed, then you have a unique talent and you can learn to harness that talent in your life. None of us are made from the same mould, for we are all unique. If you are a divergent thinker, then know that you are unique and very much a treasure.Let's talk!#mindhealth #mentalhealth #neurodiverse #adhd #neurodiversity #workplacewellbeing #diversity #inclusivity #personalgrowth #personaldevelopment
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