My Diagnosis with Inattentive ADHD

For years, I battled with a myriad of challenges: anxiety, depression, insomnia, confidence issues, panic attacks, and a host of other issues that left me feeling lost and overwhelmed. It wasn't until recently, when I began working with a therapist, that I started to unravel the possibility that I might be neurodivergent. I was very hesitant to be considering something like that at first. But, this realization shed light on a laundry list of struggles. Ones that I had long accepted as simply "things that are wrong with me."

I've always believed myself to be an advocate for mental health. Especially for women who more often than not faced stigma and misdiagnosis. This is why I am openly having conversations about it.

Growing up in the '80s and '90s, ADHD and other neurological disorders were frequently overlooked in girls, particularly those who presented with the predominantly inattentive form of ADHD.

The misconception that ADHD primarily affects boys with hyperactive-impulsive behaviors led to countless undiagnosed girls and teens struggling in silence. For years. It's no wonder that now, in our 30s and 40s, many of us are finally receiving a diagnosis. And the recognition and support we've long needed. More and more women are being diagnosed after becoming mothers, too. And yes, we are being vocal about it in an attempt to support other women looking for answers.

In my case, working with my therapist led to the recent discovery that I mostly likely have Inattentive ADHD. This diagnosis explained so much, including my struggles with attention to detail (yet highly detail-oriented), forgetfulness (though I have a fantastic memory), and executive functioning. And motherhood for me made it worse.

Even today, I had to go to the bathroom when I walked into the house with my son. And I did 10 other things before I found my way to the bathroom. I was so distracted by other things that I forgot that I had to pee. And in the process, left my keys in the door, yet again, left the freezer door open and misplace the pile of mail.

This is the best way I can describe it: It's like when you have too many tabs open on your browser. You can't find anything. There is a random noise playing in the background. It takes you 10 minutes to find what you are looking for. Too much and you can't see the tabs. And eventually, it all gets overloaded and freezes.

You might wonder, what does this have to do with marketing?

Well, everything. My Inattentive ADHD influences how I navigate the fast-paced, ever-evolving marketing landscape. I don't like to be bored. I like challenges. While I may have the attention span of a goldfish some days, I've developed coping mechanisms to thrive in this environment.

I keep meticulous lists and project plans to stay organized, compensating for difficulties with planning and organization. I've learned to embrace my need for variety and seek out new projects to keep me engaged. I've become adept at setting boundaries and sticking to routines that support my focus, whether it's using timers or working in a distraction-free environment. People always ask why I liked to work in the dark in college and now I understand why. (Still do, by the way).

I'd like to say that my journey with ADHD has taught me the importance of self-awareness and self-care in my professional life. But, honestly, I've been coping with whatever this is for so long, that I'm only starting on my journey.

Even before I knew what was going on, I learned to harness my unique strengths, such as my ability to take impeccable notes and set ambitious goals, while acknowledging and accommodating my challenges. And now knowing what's going on in my brain of mine, I can harness these strengths for the better.

Embracing neurodiversity in the workplace is not only about inclusion but also about recognizing the value that diverse perspectives and experiences bring to the table. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to embrace their neurodivergent traits and advocate for greater understanding and support in all aspects of life, including the world of marketing.