In a world where deadlines loom and distractions abound, the struggle with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can leave individuals feeling isolated. For Aalen Issac, a senior content associate at Alyve Health, this battle has shaped his professional life and made him resilient in achieving his goals. Aalen’s journey with ADHD began long before his diagnosis at age 24. He first encountered the term when his youngest brother was diagnosed as a child, prompting their family to consider testing for all the siblings.
Though Aalen had struggled with attention issues growing up, he had never received a diagnosis before that. In a conversation with The Better India, he discusses his experience with ADHD, sharing the challenges he faces and the coping strategies he employs at work. He also offers valuable insights for others with ADHD navigating the workspace.
After experiencing difficulties with attention throughout his life, Aalen sought help for anxiety three years ago and was diagnosed with ADHD.
“There is something known as executive dysfunction, and I learnt about it very late in life. It’s like a mental block essentially. If there is something that I don’t want to do, I simply cannot do it. It’s not just procrastination; I know I have to do it, but I cannot. Many people with ADHD struggle with deadlines and submitting assignments due to this reason. The brain just doesn’t function that way. Another problem I have is difficulty with attention to detail,” he shares.
“ADHD can often be identified in childhood or adolescence, and while it is manageable, getting diagnosed after entering the workforce can bring additional challenges. Adults diagnosed with ADHD may experience heightened anger, stress, and relationship issues, alongside reduced dynamism and good spirit,” says Pompa Maitra Chakraborty, a clinical psychologist.
Identifying the challenges
When asked about his coping mechanism, Aalen acknowledged his reliance on caffeine, which provides him with comfort, even though it may not be the healthiest option. “I drink a lot of coffee that helps me get through the day. There is a brief window after having caffeine where I can focus better and be productive. However, I have reached a point where my coffee consumption has increased significantly, leading me to cut down on sugar,” he shares, reflecting on other times he resorted to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as smoking, which ultimately lead to breathing difficulties.
He recounts his experiences in managing distractions in the workplace, discussing the strategies he employs to maintain focus amidst a busy environment. “This is a significant obstacle for me, as my work involves a lot of writing and requires me to be in front of a screen constantly. I find it hard to focus when there are people around or when there’s noise. While I struggle with concentration in general, the presence of distractions makes it even more challenging. To combat this, I use noise-cancelling headphones to minimise ambient noise. If I don’t have those, I always keep my earphones handy, which helps as well,” Aalen shares.
One of the primary forces driving Aalen in his career is the presence of stress. “Deadlines trigger significant anxiety for me, which ultimately drives me to finish tasks ahead of schedule. In my younger years, I struggled to submit work on time, leading me to develop a heightened anxiety response to deadlines,” he says.
According to a report by the Attention Deficit Disorder Association, employees with ADHD are 30 percent more likely to experience chronic employment issues, 60 percent more likely to be fired from a job, and three times more likely to impulsively quit. Another study by PubMed Central (PMC) states that individuals with ADHD reported significantly more work-related problems across most items compared to the community comparison group, with over 80 percent of ADHD patients having at least one work-related issue.
Aalen is committed to embracing positive coping strategies that promote his well-being and help him manage his ADHD more effectively. Some of the strategies include organising his workspace, keeping notes, and maintaining a clean environment. Regular exercise has provided a boost to his mood and reduced impulsivity, reinforcing the importance of mental health in the workplace.
Effective strategies for managing ADHD in the workplace
It is not unknown that individuals with ADHD often encounter significant obstacles when discussing their mental health in the workplace.
“Impulsivity can increase, leading to a disruptive workplace environment that affects both themselves and others. They may seek quick solutions that aren’t always feasible. My advice is to seek professional help when they recognise these anger and relationship issues,” says Pompa.
Aalen found a safe space in his previous role at a mental health company. After he discussed his diagnosis with his first manager, he discovered a supportive environment that understood his struggles.
“I usually manage to submit my work on time. Over time, I’ve developed coping strategies for my symptoms, although challenges still arise. Fortunately, my previous workplace made some accommodations for me. My first manager was very supportive, and my next manager also had ADHD, creating a nurturing environment. Whenever I expressed difficulty focusing, they would understand and often allow me extra time to complete tasks,” he says.
Aalen shares three important techniques for managing ADHD while working, offering valuable insights for others facing similar challenges
1. Organise your workspace: A clean and organised workspace is crucial yet overlooked by many. Keeping your environment tidy can significantly improve focus and productivity.
2. Take notes: Keep a notepad beside your computer for quickly jotting down tasks and ideas. In his previous home, Aalan used a whiteboard to note his thoughts. For example, if he has a deadline at 5 pm, he writes down other thoughts to clear his mind and refocus on the task at hand.
3. Exercise daily: Aalan highlights the role of exercise in managing ADHD symptoms. As someone who constantly chases dopamine, he believes that exercising helps stabilise his mood and reduce impulsivity, making it easier to maintain concentration throughout the day.
He elaborates that his strategies for managing ADHD have significantly improved his organisational skills, an area he previously struggled with. To stay on track, he breaks every task into manageable chunks and creates timelines for his distractions. “I create trackers for every single thing I do, that has helped me,” he says. Initially, coping with these challenges was difficult for him, but over the years, he developed ways to accommodate his needs and thrive in his work environment. After six years in the workforce, he feels more capable and confident in his abilities.
Creating a productive workspace for ADHD success
Aalen believes that ADHD has profoundly shaped his career and future goals. He has realised that he cannot engage in work that doesn’t resonate with him emotionally. Writing is his passion, which is why he chose to pursue a career in content writing. “I struggle with maths and even simple calculations, which makes any job requiring them a nightmare. I was a science student until Class 12, but my challenges led me to the arts, shaping my career as a writer,” he elaborates.
Reflecting on a personal experience, Aalen recounted the challenge of submitting daily updates in his previous job. Despite completing tasks or writing down his updates, he often forgot to send them. This forgetfulness began to impact his work reviews, leading to misconceptions about his commitment. Initially ashamed to discuss his ADHD, he found relief when he finally opened up to his manager.
She was incredibly supportive, fostering a better understanding of his situation and making accommodations, such as reaching out when he didn’t respond. “After sharing, it improved our relationship because she understood where I was coming from and made accommodations for me,” he mentions.
Aalen Issac’s journey with ADHD emphasises the importance of support in the workplace. His experiences serve as a reminder that challenges can be managed through effective strategies. His story encourages others facing similar struggles to embrace their unique strengths and seek out supportive spaces where they can share their experiences without fear of judgement. Ultimately, recognising and addressing mental health challenges is essential for creating inclusive workplaces that empower everyone to succeed.
Edited by Arunava Banerjee
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