Wait what did I come into this thread for again? Oh yeah, ADHD!

[ArraDreaming]

when things are self lead like I write my own list and follow it myself I do much better; to me that’s unstructured yet in the realm of comfortable because someone is telling me what to do and when
but then I cant always complete the whole list UNLESS someone is telling me what to do and when
So it’s like 😶

[Glisten]

@ArraDreamingwhat sort of work do you do?

What is your workplace like?

I struggled a LOT until I started medication.

I love procedures.

[ArraDreaming]

apart from academically being slow i think thats part of why i found school so yard
because they first thing they said to you was do this task, now sit at this table for an hour and do this task you have to finish it and that was so far past me. i may have coped better if they had said here’s 3 work sheets, you have 3 hours to do them someone will keep an eye on you and help you you can get up, go for a walk and come back to it any time in the 3 hours, or take a break, so like setting a limit but giving me the space still

[ArraDreaming]

@Glisten i work in a nursery generally I know what tasks need to be completed by following a list I’d know almost off the top of my head but I like to tick things off, and sometimes it changes and that’s fine too, I have a certain amount of time that I know I need to get it done in but I can do it in the order that works best for that day and I know that when I complete xyz I can then go on my break. sometimes things happen like customers will ask me for help or other staff need to talk to me, or I need to go into the shop and serve customers but then I just pick up my list again and use that to help me.

[ArraDreaming]

so nobody is breathing down my neck but there is still a level of responsibility on me to finish the jobs for the day @Glisten

[Jynx]

It's totally a thing @ArraDreaming - needing structure to function but disliking structure implemented by others! Can be super challenging hey. It's called demand avoidance, and I think has to do with stuff like having your routine or your focus interrupted, feeling a loss of agency, or being told to do something without being given a reason. That link is for autistic demand avoidance but it definitely applies to us ADHDers as well. It used to be called Oppositional Defiance Disorder, but that was super stigmatising so I'm glad it's been given a new name and new research backing it up. 

I like that you've found it helpful to make your own list! That's a reclamation of your sense of agency, knowing you will complete your work within the time given but doing so at your own pace. It's also well documented that for ADHDers need more frequent breaks! They don't have to be long, but being able to take breaks just to refill the dopamine tank a little can go a long way for our ability to focus. Do you get to take many breaks at work? 

[ArraDreaming]

@Jynx I only skimmed over it but that is so me especially younger me!!!! hooley Dooley….

yeah my work is pretty flexible in that sense, nobody really bats an eyelid if I have to respond to a quick text or take a breather as long I am away from customers, sometimes just going and grabbing a takeaway coffee from our coffee shop and then continue on working while I drink my coffee can be helpful
I have been learning from my son who is now at school that these are called “brain breaks” they take them every 20 mins at school these days, he says sometimes they run around the oval for their brain break or play a game in the classroom,
pretty interesting

[Jynx]

Brain breaks! I love that @ArraDreaming and yes, much needed! I often potter around whilst I'm on shift here, grabbing a cuppa or patting my kitties. It really helps. 

[ArraDreaming]

I’m gonna assume you work from home or sane has some weird as policy around taking cats to work @Jynx
I did initially think you said “painting my kitties” and I was like that is a different way to describe your finger and toe nails

Wow
I’m a bit all over the shop tonight it is nearlt tv and bed time here though

[Glisten]

@ArraDreaming & @Jynx  I struggled at school. My mother dying when I was 7, didn’t help.

I thrived at University, but I loved doing my Degree.

You sound like you like your job @ArraDreaming 

If you get paid to do something you like then you’re in front of most people.