I imagine most disabilities are like this, much worse for some, but it really frustrates me that to cope with ADHD we need to have a whole second job.

Make ToDos, exercise, take medicines, manage emotions, follow a whole check list of things to do to get your attention back to your work, constantly test and try new methods to see what works and what doesn't, handle the anxiety that comes with not being able to do work, constantly think about how you can improve something.

It doesn't help that the coping itself takes up valuable processing space that should have been in use for something more important.

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[–] 2 points 4 hours ago

Very relatable. One thing that helps some people is treating the "second job" like any job: cut the tasks, not just push harder (I'm on a medical editorial team that writes about ADHD, so general ideas, take what fits):

  • Pick 2-3 systems, drop the rest. A calendar with alarms, one capture inbox (notes app or paper) and a weekly 15-minute review cover most of it. Ten half-used apps are their own workload.
  • Automate the boring part. Auto-pay bills, recurring reminders, pill organiser or a phone alarm for meds, groceries on repeat order. Every decision you never have to make again is attention saved.
  • Make the environment do the work. Keys always in one bowl, a "launch pad" by the door, the gym bag already packed. Less remembering, more defaults.
  • Protect sleep first. Short sleep makes every ADHD symptom worse the next day, so a fixed wind-down alarm often pays back more than another productivity trick.
  • Body doubling and external accountability (a friend, a coworking call) can replace a lot of willpower.

And it is fair to be frustrated. It is real extra work that other people don't see.

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