My work is being greatly impacted by my ADHD in ways that never happened before in my past job. It’s like I cannot understand a single thing being said in a conversation or directly towards me. I take notes and have even been recording conversations on my phone and still things are not clicking!! This isn’t just happening with work. I have really been noticing it in about every conversation I have with ppl and even listening to podcast or reading.
I’m on Adderall but I don’t think it’s helping at all with this and my other symptoms. My mind just cuts off mid conversation and then when it comes back in I have missed so much information. My boss is coming at me saying I need to work on my listening skills and I agree, but how do I do that with ADHD? Also, could my antidepressants be impacting the listening issue as well. But it’s not just listening it’s understanding what is being said.
I’m also shutting down and pulling away from him and everyone I work with because we are all virtual and I feel like I am alone. He said ppl have been saying my questions are “elementary” yet they preach to the division to ask questions all the time. So now more than ever I am scared to speak up for help in fear of being looked at as incompetent as I feel.
My performance goals are due at the end of this week and I just feel like a total failure and that I am really being looked at and watched for the slightest mistake. My paranoia is through the roof.
Any tips or tricks to help me comprehend what is being said or listening skill improvement tools?
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Bentleybexley39
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I experience the same, especially when people waffle and the subject is mundane.
It’s better when I take my meds. So perhaps yours are not quite right for you?
I also find that neurotypicals aren’t necessarily good communicators. And virtual communication is much more challenging. So please go easy on yourself.
You are probably asking questions that others feel too shy to ask, but being the person who asks the questions is putting the spotlight on you. An unfair situation.
Are you in a position to move to a CV more supportive environment?
Sounds like me when I'm stressed, overwhelmed and/or anxious. I'm also at a point where I can tell that whatever is going on with me is impacting my performance. I'm also remote, which does allow me the flexibility to get work done as I'm able, but it's definitely got its drawbacks. I'm talking to my doc about work accommodations because I'm not sure things will turn around fast enough on my own to avoid performance issues.
I wish I had some profound advice. I’m in a similar situation at my job. My job description has evolved in such a way that I’m not doing the job I was hired for 3 years ago. I have been passed over for promotions time and again, yet the Director keeps sticking me on projects. I’m so sick of it. She tried to give me “advice” during my performance review this year. Her advice was for me to use the outlook calendar (which I do) in lieu of different tablets. I use one to document workflow process, one to track referrals and another to document anything shady they do. I called her out at my review and said “that’s very ableist of you to advise me to use the calendar when I’m using these other tools to keep myself organized and my method is not impacting my work.” I made her take it out of my evaluation.
Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself and if that means getting accommodations, I would do so. I agree with the other comment here—talk to your doctor and get your medications evaluated. You’re doing fine. Don’t let your manager and their ridiculous comments let you feel badly about yourself. Good luck!
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