Tips from an ADHD Coach: The downsides of “making it work”

People may assume that an ADHDer doesn’t struggle with something because it looks easy from the outside. Though they may be feeling challenged, they’re masking, or “making it work,” to get something done. 

ADHD coach Jaye Lin reacts to a quote about how “making it work” can lead to anxiety and depression. It can also make it easy to dismiss your own needs for support and accommodations. Listen for some tips that can help.

Related resources

• ADHD and the “model minority” mask (Emily’s story)
• Masking my ADHD at work was exhausting, so I stopped

Timestamps

(00:42) Emily’s quote

(02:24) Jaye’s reaction

(03:40) Pressure to mask due to shame

(05:54) When others make assumptions about you because you’re masking

(08:33) Why we might have a hard time asking for help

(10:18) What can we do when we find ourselves in this masking trap?

(14:32) Recap  

To get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the MissUnderstood podcast channel page at Understood.

Have a challenge you’d like Jaye to talk about in an episode? Email or send a voice memo to us at adhdcoachtips@understood.org.

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give