Surviving to Thriving with ADHD in the Workplace

What is ADHD? A Brief Dive into the Neuroscience #

I’d like to start by unpacking what ADHD—Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder—actually is. It’s a neurodevelopmental disorder that I was diagnosed with, but it’s so much more than a label. From a neuroscience perspective, ADHD is linked to imbalances in neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine in the prefrontal cortex of my brain. This affects my executive functions like attention, impulse control, working memory and emotional regulation.

The Unique Strengths ADHD Brings Me #

Creativity #

One of the incredible upsides to my ADHD is my creativity. Research has shown that those of us with ADHD often excel in creative thinking and problem-solving. I find that this creativity allows me to approach tasks and problems from unique angles that others might not consider.

Passion #

When I’m interested in something, I’m all in. My passion drives me to delve deeply into subjects, and this high level of enthusiasm can be contagious to those around me.

Interest in Justice #

I’ve always had a strong sense of justice and fairness. This drives me to advocate not just for myself but for others who may not have a voice.

Helping Others & Developing People #

Because of my own experiences, I have a heightened ability to understand and empathise with people who face challenges. This makes me an effective mentor or coach, helping others to unlock their potential.

The Challenges I Face #

Cognitive Challenges #

Although ADHD brings me many strengths, it’s not without its challenges. Processing verbal information can be especially difficult for me. This isn’t because I don’t understand the subject matter, but because my working memory and attention can be inconsistent.

Emotional Regulation #

Another hurdle is emotional regulation. It’s an ongoing challenge and something that I have to be conscious of in my interactions both professionally and personally.

Stigma and Microaggressions #

One of the less visible but equally damaging aspects of having ADHD is the feeling of being stigmatised. I’ve faced microaggressions and unintentional marginalisation from people who expect me to act in a neurotypical way.

Administrative Tasks #

Don’t even get me started on administrative tasks; they’re nearly impossible for me to initiate due to the difficulties I have with attention and working memory.

How I Cope #

Self-Compassion #

The first step in my coping strategy is being kind to myself. I cannot act in a neurotypical way, and that’s fine.

Research and Tools #

I invest time in researching solutions to the challenges I face. For instance, I use the Todoist app to help me manage my tasks and to counteract my working memory issues as it allows me to store tasks that come to mind before I forget them.

Asking for Help #

Lastly, I’m not afraid to ask for help. I’ve learned to explain my situation so that people can assist me in ways that are genuinely helpful. I hope this article offers both a personal insight into living and thriving with ADHD and some scientifically-backed information. Thank you for reading!