When you work in close knit team, you tend to learn traits and details about one another; significant others names, pets, favorite foods, etc. But in the workplace, it is rare to know your colleagues beyond a superficial level. At Joxel, we are not only a team – we are a family. We argue (constructively), we know each other’s kids’ events, and we celebrate each other accomplishments. This provides an environment that allows all of us to talk about almost anything. Openly, honestly, and without judgement.
A few months ago, the topic of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) came up. We found that two of us struggle with ADHD. After many discussions, we discovered some of our struggles are different, while others are the same. Having the opportunity to share our ‘coping’ mechanisms with one another has been invaluable. So, we decided, why not share our perspectives? We attempted to write one long article, but unfortunately, both of us failed. We spent about a month jumping between topics we wanted to cover, never able to complete one. Can you say ADHD?! For our sanity and yours, we decided we will release a series of blogs covering various topics related to ADHD that will include the perspective from a Gen Z and a Millennial. We hope you enjoy!
The Gen Z
Majority of my life I have known I have ADHD. I was officially diagnosed when I was around 10. My ADHD presented itself with an inability to focus on one task, forgetfulness, constant daydreaming, and constant movement. The main concern that foreshadowed my diagnosis was my performance in school. I had a reading and writing impairment and I continued to fall behind my peers. I was pulled out of classes to study reading with a specialty teacher, who brought the subject of ADHD up to my parents. Once I was diagnosed, I was put on medication and enrolled in gymnastics to help me cope. The gymnastics was extremely helpful for my ADHD at a young age, as it allowed me to burn off some extra energy and taught me to keep focused. As I grew up, gymnastics was no longer sustainable for my schedule, so I had to learn new ways to cope. Over the course of this series, I will go further in depth on my ADHD journey and my present-day coping strategies, as well as challenges and benefits of living with ADHD.
The Millennial
I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was 12, and for most of my life I have been on medication to help with my symptoms. As I have aged, my presenting symptoms have changed but overall, many of my symptoms are stereotypical; inability to sit still, wait my turn or concentrate on tasks, excessive physical movement (i.e., fidgeting, playing with my hair, doodling, talking to myself), acting (mostly talking) without thinking, easily distracted, losing things, and forgetfulness. From a professional standpoint, my diagnosis has required me to implement many mechanisms to prevent them from negatively impacting my career. Additionally, I have learned what works in the workplace does not always translate well to my homelife. As the Gen Z stated, as this series progresses, we will provide in depth insight into our ADHD brains, share what has worked, what has failed miserably, and what we honestly love about the diagnosis. As this series progresses, we would love to hear from you! Please send us feedback, topics, what has worked for you, etc.!
Stay tuned for our next article!