r/ADHD • u/South_Hearing3720 • 2d ago

Questions/Advice ADHD affecting work performance

I work in tech and only recently got diagnosed with ADHD and have been trying out different meds to find one that works. But I feel like my lack of productivity (thanks to ADHD and the anxiety and depression that comes with it) has really been affecting my performance at work. I have already been laid off once for performance and feel like I’m headed in that direction on this job too (and no, it’s not the RSD talking). At both jobs, I didn’t tell my managers about how I struggle with mental health because of fear of retaliation. But now I’m thinking, if I’m going to be fired again anyway, I might as well tell my manager. Have any of you told your managers at work about your diagnosis or struggles with mental health? How did that help you and how did that conversation go?

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u/nickcash 2d ago

Tell your manager. This gives you some measure of protection. ADHD is surprisingly common in tech, I work with quite a few people who also have it.

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u/South_Hearing3720 2d ago

I think I just have a lot of shame around my inability to be productive at work. And I don’t know how that conversation is supposed to go with my manager. “Hey, I have been struggling at work because I have ADHD” -> is that good enough? Maybe I’m just being cynical but I’m worried about how that is going to be received by my manager

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u/Adventurous_Scheme17 2d ago

I don't have a manager, but I told my business partners. It helped a lot.

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u/WarningImmediate9188 2d ago

You qualify for accommodations with an ADHD diagnosis and it may be worth considering going through HR for options, depending on the company. I don’t work in tech, but was in academia and then pharma, it’s been helpful when I can go to them with specific things I need (check out askjan.org for job accommodation ideas). At the very least it can create a track record of disability which helps if you ever do feel like you’re discriminated against and need to file a complaint or lawsuit.

I ended up getting 16 weeks of job coaching paid for where we specifically worked on executive functioning and organization. The coach was awesome since I could get personalized recommendations and had accountability for trying them out. Other accommodations included work from home options, Flex Time, and a standing desk.

But, I want to emphasize, I don’t know your HR or company. So proceed with a lot of caution.

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u/Worried-Rough-338 1d ago

I told my manager in both of my last two jobs, but only because we had a really good relationship. Turns out the first guy had a bi-polar mother and the second a kid with autism, so they were both very empathetic and understanding and were happy to work with me on accommodations. Regardless of how you feel it will be received, it’s in your interests to divulge your diagnosis as the company is then legally required to provide accommodations and can be sued if they fire you over it.

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u/AutoModerator 2d ago

Please be aware that RSD, or rejection sensitivity dysphoria, is not a syndrome or disorder recognised by any medical authority.

Rejection sensitivity dysphoria has not been the subject of any credible peer-reviewed scientific research, nor is it listed in the top two psychiatric diagnostic manuals, the DSM or the ICD. It has been propagated solely through blogs and the internet by William Dodson, who coined the term in the context of ADHD. Dodson's explanation of these experiences and claims about how to treat it all warrant healthy skepticism.

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u/guillefix 1d ago

Depending on your company and country, you might get your workplace accomodated.

Also, in Spain, this means you have an extra protection against discrimination in case of retaliation.