ADHD & BURNOUT
Research suggests that those with ADHD may be more susceptible to experiencing burnout compared to those without ADHD. ADHD is associated with challenges in regulating attention, managing time, and prioritizing tasks, which can lead to increased stress levels and difficulties in managing workload.
DOING TOO MUCH
ADHD is associated with difficulties in executive functioning, which is the set of cognitive skills that are responsible for planning, and prioritizing tasks. This means that ADHD’ers may find it challenging to break down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable steps and may have difficulty determining which tasks are most important.
NOT accepting HELP
ADHD’ers may z as lazy, unmotivated, or incapable of success, which can lead to a reluctance to seek help. Some ADHD’ers may have had negative experiences with support in the past, such as feeling judged or criticized by others, which can lead to a lack of trust in others.
HIGH EXPECTATIONS
People with ADHD may also struggle with perfectionism, which can lead to setting unattainable goals or expectations for themselves. They may feel that anything less than perfection is a failure, which can lead to a cycle of self-criticism and disappointment.
CONSTANT WORRY
ADHD’ers often have difficulty regulating attention, can be easily distracted by multiple stimuli in the environment. This can lead to a feeling of being overwhelmed and having too many things to worry about. It often feels like everything needs to be done here, now, all at once.
DEPLETED ENERGY
When the body and brain are under constant stress and pressure, they may begin to signal that it’s time to slow down and take a break.
Physically, burnout can cause a range of symptoms, including fatigue, headaches, muscle tension, and difficulty sleeping.
Emotionally, burnout can lead to feelings of apathy, cynicism, and detachment. Mentally, burnout can cause difficulties with concentration, memory, and decision-making.
VICIOUS CYCLE
Those experiencing burnout may feel a strong sense of obligation or responsibility to meet their own or others’ expectations, which can lead them to push themselves harder despite feeling exhausted. ADHD’ers may fear that if they don’t work harder, they will fail to meet their goals or lose their job, which can lead to increased pressure to push themselves harder. We might also feel a strong sense of purpose or mission related to our work, which can make it difficult to step back and take a break.
MANAGING BURNOUT
It’s important to recognize the signs of burnout and take proactive steps to manage stress, prioritize self-care, and seek support when needed. This may include taking time off work, engaging in stress-reducing activities like exercise or meditation, and seeking the help of a mental health professional if symptoms persist.
You can also learn more about burnout in this workbook.
