Ever since the pandemic started a group of five of us, all retired , solve Wordle,Connections,and Quordle every morning, texting our results. Helps to activate our brains and get the day started.
I really appreciate your nuanced approach to understanding and managing the spectrum of attention problems we can all have.
I would add to your mix that, beyond boredom, some work or aspects of work either lack meaning or go against our core values in some way, creating inner static and/or conflict we naturally would want to avoid.
Also, ADHD can be a symptom of trauma. More trauma in the world at large could also be translating to more ADHD symptoms.
As a teacher, I could only grade and plan at home. Even with my door shut at school during my conference period did not allow my brain to focus. I started HRT, and within 6 weeks the brain fog and vibrations were gone and my focus improved. Even the students commented on my ability to remember information without checking notes. HRT has allowed me to go to sleep faster and stay asleep during the night which has improved my concentration levels.
I was diagnosed at 17 and tried medication (increased anxiety, stopped after a year), but in the end what has helped me MOST has been systems.
When I got to a place where I could recognize and accept my work style, things got easier. I am a Marketing Manager which means I have endless projects. The benefit is having plenty of fresh tasks to jump between. The downside is knowing my overwhelm can come from not being organized about it.
I spend certain days digging into organizing tasks on Monday, answering emails, and admin work as a form of rest days.
For high energy days I let myself hyper focus on a project and often find I get it done in 8 hours 🫣 But then I know it’s best to take the next day to work from home or go back to a working rest activity afterwards so I can recoup without burning out.
I fail a lot but it would have been great to learn these experimental energy-driven systems at 17 before medication.
Great article and much needed! These days it's harder to assess who has ADHD and who is consumed by "normal" distractions coming from our very busy lives in this very busy world! As an expert in the field of ADHD and author of the book, "The Queen of Distraction", I think you're right on. I would add, though, that if the symptoms overwhelm you, it is a good idea to go for an evaluation- by a medical/mental health professional with a good understanding of ADHD in adults (which you certainly seem to have).
It can be tough to find one, especially one who does a thorough evaluation. Would you consider writing another piece on what a solid ADHD evaluation looks like?
Thanks again for covering this very important topic!
PS Non-conventional ways to help with your ADHD often work well, as we (I have ADHD, too) get bored so easily and let our systems lapse. One of the most clever tips I ever heard from a client was this:
She takes a whiteboard marker and writes her to-do and reminder list for the day- on her car windshield- including things like: *planner *briefcase *lunch, etc.
Prepare clothing, shoes, and jewelry BEFORE showering. Saves time getting ready to go--- which I don't do as much now that I'm retired. 😍 Oh! and set up the coffee pot the previous evening
Thank you for sharing the positives of ADHD as well. :)
Ever since the pandemic started a group of five of us, all retired , solve Wordle,Connections,and Quordle every morning, texting our results. Helps to activate our brains and get the day started.
Dr. McBride,
I really appreciate your nuanced approach to understanding and managing the spectrum of attention problems we can all have.
I would add to your mix that, beyond boredom, some work or aspects of work either lack meaning or go against our core values in some way, creating inner static and/or conflict we naturally would want to avoid.
Also, ADHD can be a symptom of trauma. More trauma in the world at large could also be translating to more ADHD symptoms.
Fond regards, Thia
This is an excellent point.
As a teacher, I could only grade and plan at home. Even with my door shut at school during my conference period did not allow my brain to focus. I started HRT, and within 6 weeks the brain fog and vibrations were gone and my focus improved. Even the students commented on my ability to remember information without checking notes. HRT has allowed me to go to sleep faster and stay asleep during the night which has improved my concentration levels.
I was diagnosed at 17 and tried medication (increased anxiety, stopped after a year), but in the end what has helped me MOST has been systems.
When I got to a place where I could recognize and accept my work style, things got easier. I am a Marketing Manager which means I have endless projects. The benefit is having plenty of fresh tasks to jump between. The downside is knowing my overwhelm can come from not being organized about it.
I spend certain days digging into organizing tasks on Monday, answering emails, and admin work as a form of rest days.
For high energy days I let myself hyper focus on a project and often find I get it done in 8 hours 🫣 But then I know it’s best to take the next day to work from home or go back to a working rest activity afterwards so I can recoup without burning out.
I fail a lot but it would have been great to learn these experimental energy-driven systems at 17 before medication.
Great article and much needed! These days it's harder to assess who has ADHD and who is consumed by "normal" distractions coming from our very busy lives in this very busy world! As an expert in the field of ADHD and author of the book, "The Queen of Distraction", I think you're right on. I would add, though, that if the symptoms overwhelm you, it is a good idea to go for an evaluation- by a medical/mental health professional with a good understanding of ADHD in adults (which you certainly seem to have).
It can be tough to find one, especially one who does a thorough evaluation. Would you consider writing another piece on what a solid ADHD evaluation looks like?
Thanks again for covering this very important topic!
Terry Matlen, LMSW
www.ADDconsults.com
PS Non-conventional ways to help with your ADHD often work well, as we (I have ADHD, too) get bored so easily and let our systems lapse. One of the most clever tips I ever heard from a client was this:
She takes a whiteboard marker and writes her to-do and reminder list for the day- on her car windshield- including things like: *planner *briefcase *lunch, etc.
Prepare clothing, shoes, and jewelry BEFORE showering. Saves time getting ready to go--- which I don't do as much now that I'm retired. 😍 Oh! and set up the coffee pot the previous evening