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Work advice needed - new job struggles

User Profile: galfromaway
galfromaway October 11th, 2024

Hi there. I have posted this in the ADHD community too, but wanted to ask here since it's very much workplace related.


I was diagnosed a year ago with combined ADHD - I'm now 53. The last year and a half has been challenging, with trying to find meds that work for me (on my 5th try now), dealing with a toxic work environment, then having my role eliminated (along with 7 others the same day) in February of this year  (and husband being laid off a week later), and now trying to adapt to a role I've only been in for four months. I'm really struggling to figure out processes and ways to keep myself organized, and am really feeling like I'm letting people down. My boss knows the ADHD thing - I mentioned the side effects from the meds. Add to that husband's aunt passing away, a good friend facing a cancer diagnosis, and there's really a lot happening.

I think I'm starting to reach ADHD burnout - I'm letting tasks at work, at home and in volunteer roles slip, I'm not doing the quality work that I normally do, and my anxiety attacks are getting very serious. Everything is simply overwhelming, and I can't tell if I'm projecting onto my boss and colleagues that they're fed up with me and I'm >< this close to being fired, or what.

How do you deal with overwhelm at this level? My anxiety has reached the point where I'm not sleeping well, my appetite is lacking, and my inner critic is going crazy, kicking me in the butt.

How do you communicate burnout to volunteer colleagues and work colleagues in a way that it doesn't sound like I'm making excuses? And do I disclose the cause of it all? My boss knows the ADHD thing - I mentioned the side effects from the meds.

I'm really struggling and don't know how to handle things right now. I am starting counseling again, but wanted to see if there is anything I should do at work to make things a bit better.

Thank you

1
User Profile: Mhb1968
Mhb1968 October 11th, 2024

Hi!


So, I don't have ADHD so I can't necessarily provide any helpful advice on that front, but as far as burnout I might be able to help!


I have depression and anxiety and am recovering from my own stressors and problems. Whenever I feel like the walls are closing in and feel overwhelmed I focus on small things I can do, change or control. Every victory is a victory, no matter how small!


I got out of bed today. I got that project done at work. I got dressed in something that's not sweats and look half decent. Looking at what you have done is more productive and helpful than what you can't control or can't/haven't done. Take small steps and before you know it you'll get yourself out of it.


Hang in there, and this too shall pass 💜

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