Helen Macbeth - ADHD Living

29/09/2024

Remember; if you need help in the workplace, it's likely your manager does too.

That's why, when I mentor ADHDers we discuss how we can function better in the workplace but also how to help our managers support us.

Managing people is a tough job and very few managers have received good, relevant training on how to support their neurodiverse workforce.

And if you feel you can't have that conversation with your manager, I can do that too, because I understand how hard it is to advocate for yourself.

28/07/2024

ADHD Mentoring Available

I have a few regular slots available.

Sessions are on a pay as you go basis.

Each session lasts one hour.

Sessions cost £45

How I could help you:

- Assist you in identifying your reasonable adjustments

- Provide a safe space to speak your truth

- Assist you in identifying how ADHD is impacting you

- Prepare you for communicating your requirements in the workplace

- Teach you how to advocate for yourself

- Help you find peace with your diagnosis

Message me for a free informal chat.

06/07/2024

27/09/2023

Being an ADHD Coach requires continuous learning and next week is no exception when I start the first CPD Accredited ADHD Practitioner Certification course.

I already have a foundation level certification and a lifetime of experience but it's important to me that I expand on this to deliver quality coaching.

For the duration of this course and in celebration of ADHD Awareness month, I am offering coaching/ mentoring sessions at £35 per hour long session.

Sessions are on a pay as you go basis and only suitable for adults.

Please message me to book a complimentary 1/2 hour introduction.

04/09/2023

The Cleaning & Clutter Crisis

I regularly see posts on ADHD group sites about cleaning and clutter. It seems to be a very common issue for us ADHDers. I know it is for me.

There are even professional cleaners and organisers who can't keep their own homes clutter free but are brilliant at doing it for others.

But why is it so hard for some of us?

Well, I think there are a multitude of reasons and it's too easy to just spout "it's boring and our executive function part of our brain is interest based and won't allow us to do it".

If the above was the whole story, then every ADHDer would have the same problem wouldn't they?

Many ADHDers have co-morbidities and it's these that can play an influencing part in what we find the most challenging.

On top of the comorbidity you may or may not have, are environmental factors. Everything from people to colour, smell to the placement of furniture can throw us off track.

It's a minefield to decipher and I've spent many hours pondering what it is exactly that is stopping me from cleaning my own home.

I do know from experience that it helps to talk it through with someone else. It also gives us the opportunity to say out loud our frustrations and what we want to be different.

If this resonates with you and you would like to explore how I can help, please DM me.

An initial chat with me is free and it's an opportunity to talk through how I could help you. I don't have a fixed one size fits all programme because I believe we all have different needs and available budgets.

I would love to hear from you.

Helen x

03/09/2023

Having ADHD is hard. No doubt about it. But sharing your hardship with a fellow ADHDer helps.

Feeling understood is the first step towards making positive changes. And I have lots of experience of getting it wrong but also of getting it right.

If you are wondering how I might be able to help you, then please reach out and let's chat.

The first call is free so what have you got to lose? DM me for more details.

Helen

02/09/2023

Living with ADHD

02/09/2023

This week a senior manager reached out to ADHDers on LinkedIn for help.

He wanted something that I hear a lot; he wanted to know how to create a system to consistently complete routine, repetitive tasks at work.

I think this is a great example of how we try and make ourselves operate like neurotypicals. We see it as a failure when we struggle to do things that others just get on and do. And often we can't even understand why we find it difficult. We might know the scientific answer but that doesn't stop us repeatedly searching for that single, golden solution we feel must exist.

Now, if there's one thing I've learned in my 51 years, it's that I'm much happier for having a diagnosis and accepting my quirky ways than I ever was trying to be "typical".

My typical is changeable, funny, colourful, different and well.....forever changing.

With that in mind, here is the answer I gave the senior manager. I hope you find it useful.

Routine and repetitive tasks can be extremely hard to do consistently when you have ADHD. So, if you accept this to be true you'll need to think of other ways to get these tasks done.

Here are a few ideas:

1. Create a new system for managing these tasks. Accept that the system will be short lived and will need to be replaced or tweaked often. New = fun and we love fun.

2. If stuck and unable to start, contact a colleague and make a competition and commitment out of it. For example, telling the colleague what you are going to do and make it a race. Get the colleague to ring you or pop by at an agreed time, acting like your stop watch. Oh, and a promise of coffee and cake doesn't hurt either.

3. Buy note books and pens that bring you joy. Esthetically pleasing things such as new note pads, different colour pens, high quality paper, make some of us shiver with pleasure. Writing a list on a new pad, using a pen that writes beautifully maybe all you need to get those tasks done today. Remember, we like novelty and you are looking for TODAY'S solution. Accept you may need to try a different way tomorrow.

4. Whiteboard it. Write everything you want to do in the next hour on a whiteboard or a flip chart. Seeing it in front of you without having to flip screens on your computer may help keep you focused.

Most importantly, nothing may stick for long and that's okay. Knowing that to be true and being at the ready to change things up, can take the pressure off yourself when you grind to a halt.

Another thing, I would throw consistent and routine right out of the window.

No one is brilliant at everything and we are no exception. Instead of berating yourself, remind yourself and everyone around you, that while you may repeatedly forget to fill in your timesheet, you are brilliant at ......................... (fill in the blank).

Remember, you rock my friend.

01/09/2023

I am offering coaching and mentoring services to anyone who has diagnosed or undiagnosed ADHD.

If you think you may benefit from either a course of coaching to work out coping and survival strategies or you just want a mentor to talk to, please get in touch.

You can contact me via email or DM.