ADHD and unemployed
It's completely exhausting to live in survival mode
It's really hard to be unemployed. It's particularly harder to have ADHD and be unemployed, but why? Essentially because the unique emotional landscape imposed by ADHD can exacerbate feelings of guilt, inadequacy, and frustration, creating a complex web of challenges to navigate. We have a particular tendency to feel guilty for not having a job, for example.
Ever felt guilty for not landing a job, even though you're doing your best? It's a common struggle. And the emotional rollercoaster doesn't stop there—it's a wild, hurtful ride of self-doubt and fear.
This self-imposed pressure adds an extra layer of emotional burden, making it harder to cope with the already stressful situation of unemployment. Moreover, the emotional issues stemming from this situation often extend beyond practical concerns, further complicating the process of finding a job.
Everything seems to resonate with everyone with symptoms of ADHD, regardless of whether medically diagnosed, undiagnosed, or even those who carry some of our common features without being an ADHDer. But for those already diagnosed, a group to which I now include myself at this moment, it poses one additional burden.
If you're diagnosed and started treatment, you probably noticed a significant improvement in your ability to tackle tasks and achieve your goals. Professional support often acts as the catalyst for transforming a life filled with disappointment, where tasks were once completed inadequately or not at all, into one where we can at least see vitality and success on the horizon.
Imagine having to put your ADHD treatment on hold because you can't afford it. It's a tough pill to swallow, which is quite ironic since we don't have the medications we're used to take and swallow. Therapy sessions and meds are like lifelines for managing ADHD symptoms, but when money's tight, they become luxuries we can't afford.
And there's the boredom. People with ADHD thrive on novelty, but unemployment often means putting our lives on pause. No spontaneous adventures, no new gadgets, just scraping by to make ends meet. It's like living in grayscale when you're used to technicolor. This deprivation of novelty contributes to feelings of frustration, further intensifying the emotional toll of unemployment.
Living in survival mode, constrained by financial limitations, certainly feels suffocating and demotivating. Every day feels like a battle against your own mind. The fear of not being able to afford basic necessities is always on the table. And the constant worry about making rent or having enough to eat? It's completely exhausting.
However, it's essential to remember that unemployment is a temporary circumstance and does not define one's worth or potential. Despite the hardships, it's crucial to hold onto hope and maintain a realistic perspective on our abilities and strengths. This too shall pass, and maintaining a sense of optimism can make this delicate moment more bearable.
Here's a reminder: unemployment doesn't define you. It's a reminder for myself that I try to recall every day, several times a day. It's a temporary setback, not the end of the road. You've got strengths and talents waiting to shine, whether you're clocking in at a job or not.
In times of desperation, if possible, it's good to reach out for support from friends, family, or the community. If you're lucky enough to have a supportive network around you, use it. If it's not your case, find your strength, hold onto hope. Keep pushing forward, even when it feels like the world's against you. Make this an opportunity to exercise your resilience, resourcefulness, and capacity to overcome whatever life throws your way.
Always remember that being jobless does not define your identity or potential in any way.
This chapter may be rough, but it's not the whole story. Keep flipping those pages—you never know what plot twist might be just around the corner.
Afterword:
This journal is an attempt to going creative and functional during this combined stage of unemployment and ADHD that I'm going through at the moment. Thank you for reading it. To receive more insights and resources about ADHD, please subscribe.
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