Dr. Jeffrey Levine

ADHD and Me We have all seen children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and perhaps bouncing all over the room. Parents used to say, “Don’t worry, he’ll grow out of it.”  Well, sort of. I never outgrew my attention deficit disorder symptoms behavior which demonstrated problems with attention, hyperactivity, and impulse control. I did become more socialized as I grew up and stopped bouncing all over the place. The ADHD, though, reared its head in other ways. For instance, I could never stand taking college courses because I hated sitting in classes listening to the instructors interminably drone on, some of which have served to energize me when the going has gotten tough. I was not a traditional college student. I went back to college in my late 40s to complete my degree online. Remote education was perfect for me. I had coursework to complete every week and met with discussion groups to review the assignments. I was wild with joy, not having to listen to instructors interminably drone on! Online education was the solution to my lack of higher education.  I was thankfull for the internet for enabling me to pursue my education, which had been just a dream! Then one fine fall evening, I had a heart attack, requiring minor surgery. Except, there is no such thing as minor heart surgery. I wasn’t concerned though about my downtime, or even about the surgery.  My big concern was that if I took a leave from my class to recuperate, I would never come back, like what happened to me as a youngster (A 25+ year long semester off).  Then I remembered, “wait. I’ve been diagnosed with attention deficit disorder symptoms, and I can’t focus anyway.” I developed a plan and learned to manage my time. I worked in 15-minute sprints and would rest until I had the energy to go again, and my cat Farrah hung out with me the whole time. Wash, rinse, repeat, feed Farrah. I turned in everything on time, skyrocketed my productivity, and received an A in the class. That was an ah-ha moment for me! I found ways to be highly effective as an adult with ADHD despite having a natural lack of focus by creating time management techniques.   Since then, I have adopted and developed systems to leverage the lack of focus. These systems are readily available on the internet, and some are free. I could have looked at my difficulty in gaining focus as a curse, but instead, I looked upon it as a gift. Had I not used my lack of direction from ADHD to energize myself and organize my time, I would have never acquired a degree. Every condition and externalized symptom can either be a gift or a curse. Through my experience, I’ve learned alternative ways to get things done. If you’re an adult, college student or entrepreneur reading this article and you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD symptoms of anxiety and want to improve your time management skills, discover the art of focusing, and increase your productivity. Register here to join me as I teach a unique XYX process that will move you from A-Z at my Get In Focus and Skyrocket Productivity Workshop. This is a virtual event on Zoom, seating is limited so you are going to want to register sooner rather than later.  Looking forward to seeing you there.  There will also be the option to receive personal coaching from me during the breaks.   To register today, just click on the link:  https://getinfocusworkshop.plusultrava.com/ Now please excuse me; I got to go!  I just saw a SQUIRREL.

Implementing a Neurodiverse Organization Creating a successful neurodiverse organization is crucial for companies that want to cultivate a diverse and inclusive workplace. Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in human brain function and behavior, including quirky differences like ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and more. As I have gone over in my earlier articles, neurodiversity is a strong advantage in any organization.  So, without further ado, here are the top 10 ways to create a successful neurodiverse organization all while having fun and enlightenment: 1. Embrace diversity: Don’t be afraid to mix it up; let’s celebrate our differences like a bag of Skittles! Different perspectives lead to unique solutions in the neurodiverse organization. 2. Provide accommodations: Accommodations like flexible work hours, noise-canceling headphones, or assistive technology can help neurodivergent individuals perform at their best. Just like you wouldn’t ask a vegetarian to bring a steak to a potluck, we need to ensure neurodiverse organization teammates to have what they need to succeed. 3. Encourage a growth mindset: Encourage a growth mindset among employees by creating an environment that supports learning and growth and provides opportunities for professional development. We all have room for improvement, like how we all have room for another slice of pizza. 4. Foster a culture of inclusion: Create a safe and supportive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their differences. Let’s all be like The Avengers, united against anything that divides us. 5. Hire for potential: Hiring for potential rather than solely on experience or qualifications can help to create a more diverse and inclusive workplace. Why settle for a single scoop of ice cream when you can have a sundae with all the toppings? 6. Train the staff: Provide training for managers and employees on the advantages of the neurodiverse organization, thus creating a supportive environment. Just like you wouldn’t teach a fish to climb a tree, it’s essential to understand the strengths and challenges of team members in a neurodiverse organization. 7. Collaborate, collaborate, collaborate:  Create opportunities to work together and learn from each other. to borrow from the cliche, Two heads are better than one, and four heads are even better! 8. Mentor!: Provide mentorship opportunities for neurodiverse individuals to help them develop their skills and advance in their careers. We all need someone to show us the ropes, like how a GPS helps us find our way home. 9. Leverage technology: Leverage technology to support neurodiverse individuals, such as using speech recognition software or using chatbots to answer frequently asked questions. Tech is our friend, not our enemy, like how a rollercoaster is a thrill ride and not a death trap. 10. Continuously evaluate and improve: Continuously evaluate and improve the organization’s neurodiversity initiatives by regularly seeking feedback from neurodiverse individuals and making changes based on their needs. We never stop growing, just like how our waistlines never stop expanding. By following these top 10 ways to create a successful neurodiverse organization, a more inclusive and supportive workplace that leverages the strengths and talents of neurodiverse individuals can be created, leading to increased innovation, better decision-making, and improved business outcomes.  It can also be a lot of fun and enlightening too! You may ask yourself, “how do we do this?” The answer is to call Dr. Get in Focus; he can show you! To set up your free appointment, click here on the link!  https://calendly.com/dr_work_from_home/neurodiverse-organizational-buzz-meeting Dr. Get in Focus works with businesses, entrepreneurs, and remote workers to get in focus and skyrocket their productivity. He is here to talk to see if he can help. His website is https://plusultrava.com  to take advantage of his training programs. Check https://getinfocusworkshop.plusultrava.com/ for the latest workshop. Don’t wait; get in focus today!

Neurodiverse Super-Achievers Who are the Neurodiverse Super-Achievers? Neurodiversity refers to the natural differences in how people think and process information. Many successful entrepreneurs and business leaders have overcome the challenges posed by their unique neurological differences to achieve great things. Here are five examples of individuals who have demonstrated the power of neurodiversity in business: 1. Temple Grandin – The first of our Neurodiverse super-achievers is Temple Grandin.  As a person with autism, Temple Grandin has achieved great success in the field of animal science. She is a professor at Colorado State University. She has designed livestock handling facilities that are used all over the world. 2. Satoshi Nakamoto – The mysterious creator of the cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, is said to have Autism Spectrum Disorder. Nakamoto’s innovative ideas have revolutionized the financial world and created a new form of currency that operates outside traditional financial institutions. 3. Richard Branson – The founder of the Virgin Group, Richard Branson, has dyslexia. Despite this learning disability, he has built a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate with over 400 companies in various industries. He produced one of my favorite songs of all time – Tubular Bells.  Most definitely one of the Neurodiverse super-achievers 4. Paul Orfalea – The founder of Kinko’s, Paul Orfalea, has ADHD. He struggled in traditional educational settings but went on to build a successful chain of copy centers that changed the way people think about office services. 5. Steve Jobs – Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, was diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD. Despite these challenges, he was a visionary in the technology industry. He created innovative products that transformed how people use technology in their daily lives.  In my book, Steve is definitely one of the Neurodiverse super-achievers 6. David Neeleman: David Neeleman is the founder of JetBlue Airways and has been open about his struggles with ADHD. Despite his challenges, he has built several successful airlines and has been a significant player in the aviation industry. 7. Adam Levine: Adam Levine, the lead singer of Maroon 5, has been open about his experiences with ADHD. He has channeled his energy and creativity into his music. He has become one of the most successful musicians of his generation. 8. Michael Phelps: Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time, has been open about his ADHD diagnosis. He has used his discipline and focus to become a legendary swimmer and an inspiration to millions worldwide. 9. Ryan Holtz: Ryan Holtz is a motivational speaker and author who has been open about his experiences with ADHD. He has used his experiences to help others understand and overcome the challenges of ADHD and has become a leader in the ADHD community. 10. Jamie Oliver: Jamie Oliver, a famous chef and television personality, has been open about his ADHD diagnosis. Despite his challenges, he has become one of the world’s most successful and influential chefs. He has used his platform to raise awareness and advocate for healthy eating.  Most definitely one of the neurodiverse super-achievers The common denominator of all the neurodiverse super-achievers listed in this thread is that they have overcome adversity and succeeded despite having neurodiverse conditions, such as ADHD or autism. These individuals have shown that having a neurodiverse condition does not have to limit one’s potential or opportunities for success. They have each demonstrated resilience, determination, and creativity in overcoming the difficulties associated with their conditions. For example, some have used their energy and focus on excelling in fields such as aviation, music, sports, or cooking. Others have used their experiences to help others understand and overcome the challenges of being neurodiverse super-achievers to raise awareness and advocate for neurodiversity. These stories serve as a testament to the power of the human spirit and the resilience of the human mind. They show that Neurodiverse super-achievers can significantly impact the world and that their unique perspectives and abilities are valuable assets to society. These stories challenge the stigma and limitations often associated with neurodiversity and encourage greater understanding and acceptance of neurodiverse individuals. Dr. Get in Focus works with businesses and entrepreneurs with neurodiverse super-achievers.  He is always willing to have a conversation with you to see if he can help.  His website is https://plusultrava.com  to take advantage of his training programs.  Check https://getinfocusworkshop.plusultrava.com/  for the latest workshop. Sources https://hbr.org/podcast/2021/11/neurodiversity-at-work https://neurodivergent.blog/adhders-achievers-adhd-success/ https://geniuswithin.org/what-is-neurodiversity/

Why it is vital to make accommodations for Neurodivergent Employees My last article discussed the importance of embracing neurodiversity in the modern workplace. When you bring on Neurodivergent Employees and reap their benefits, you got to provide accommodations lest face the consequences. Here, we explore ten potential consequences of not accommodating neurodiversity in the workplace and the importance of taking this issue seriously. 1. High turnover rates: Neurodivergent employees may feel unsupported and unable to work in an environment that does not cater to their specific needs. This can lead to high turnover rates and disruptions to workflow, which can be time-consuming and costly for the company. 2. Decreased customer satisfaction: Neurodivergent employees often excel in customer service and other interpersonal tasks. A lack of accommodations can lead to unhappy customers, resulting in reduced customer loyalty and a decline in business revenue. 3. Low productivity: With support systems in place for neurodiversity, productivity within the working environment will likely improve, leading to increased workloads for management teams and decreased productivity overall. 4. Damage to reputation: If news gets out that other businesses are providing better accommodations for neurodivergent workers, word will spread, and a company’s reputation may take a hit. This can, of course, lower the organization’s ability to attract top talent… not to mention the bottom line! 5. Stressed employees: Employers who do not make provisions for neurodivergent employees may have stressed-out staff members. The lack of accommodations can result in high levels of absenteeism due to mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, caused by feeling unsupported at work. 6. Costly litigation: If legal action is taken against a business due to its lack of accommodation for neurodivergent employees, it could turn out to be very expensive—both in terms of money and reputation damage control efforts, lowering profits and limiting its ability to attract the best and the brightest. 7. Bad Press: In the days of social media, word gets out fast! Not having appropriate resources in place for those with autism or ADHD can result in negative buzz, and it’s not easy to restore the organizational reputation. 8. Decreased job satisfaction and retention rates: Neurodiversity must be considered when creating job roles for job satisfaction levels to remain high among workers. Otherwise, retention rates could decrease significantly over time if necessary adjustments are not made. I don’t think I have to mention what that does to profitability and its effects on attracting talent. 9. Limited accessibility options: Companies who do not provide reasonable adjustments, such as assistive technology or alternative communication systems, for those with disabilities will face limited accessibility options when trying to onboard new hires with neurological impairments or disabilities. Not something that would please your stakeholders 10. Poor work/life balance for staff members with autism or ADHD: An inability (or unwillingness) on the part of employers to provide reasonable adjustments may result in poor work/life balance. Staff members with autism or ADHD need more flexible hours or workloads adjusted accordingly to thrive professionally.  Making accommodations for neurodivergent employees is more than just the right thing. It makes good biz sense. Neurodivergent employees can skyrocket an organization, but management needs to take neurodiversity into consideration and provide the necessary support and accommodations for their neurodivergent employees. Dr. Get in Focus works with businesses and entrepreneurs with neurodivergent team members.  He is always willing to have a conversation with you to see if he can help.  His website is https://plusultrava.com  to take advantage of his training programs.  Check https://getinfocusworkshop.plusultrava.com/  for the latest workshop. References The Business Case for Neurodiversity – https://www.futurity.org/neurodiversity-business-case-2286376/ Why neurodiversity matters in the workplace – https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2021/01/13/why-neurodiversity-matters-in-the-workplace/?sh=2b7f5ed64c45 The Benefits of a Neurodiverse Workforce – https://hbr.org/2019/04/the-benefits-of-a-neurodiverse-workforce Making the Business Case for Autism Employment – https://autisticadvocacy.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/ASAN_BusinessCaseforAutismEmployment.pdf The Positive Impact of Neurodiversity in the Workplace – https://neurodiversityworks.org/the-positive-impact-of-neurodiversity-in-the-workplace/

Why Hire Neurodivergent Team Members? Neurodivergent is a term used to describe people whose brains or behavior do not follow the traditional standards or definitions of “normal.” Neurodiversity encompasses all neurological variations, such as Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Tourette Syndrome, and other related conditions.  Too often undervalued and overlooked, neurodivergent team members have a lot to offer – from their out-of-the-box thinking to their expert problem-solving skills. Neurodivergent Team Members are becoming more widely accepted in both the workplace and the larger community – allowing them to make meaningful contributions to society at large. Neurodiversity has become an increasingly important factor in the hiring process, so it’s no wonder businesses are keen to bring on people with different neurological backgrounds. But what are the top 10 reasons employers want to hire the neurodivergent? Let’s find out! 1. Different Perspectives: Neurodivergent team members bring fresh perspectives to the workplace, challenging assumptions and outdated habits. This creates an environment of innovation and creativity, leading to better results for everyone involved. 2. Higher Productivity: Studies have shown that when teams include diversity, they tend to perform better than those without it. Neurodivergent minds think differently and can help develop creative solutions faster than traditional methods. 3. Improved Problem-Solving Skills: Neurodiverse thinkers often excel at problem identification and solving complex dilemmas. They can spot problems quickly, develop innovative solutions, and execute strategies more effectively than non-neurodiverse colleagues. 4. Team Benefits: Diversity fosters greater team collaboration as each individual brings their unique skill set, knowledge base, and preferences to the table. Working in a diverse team leads to higher engagement, job satisfaction, and results. 5. New Opportunities: Hiring neurodiverse talents means unlocking an untapped pool of potential candidates who might otherwise be overlooked due to traditional recruiting methods or preconceived biases about abilities or disabilities. 6. Increased Motivation: Including neurodivergent individuals in any organization encourages all team members to be more motivated and productive since they know they’re valued despite their differences from others on the team. 7. Effective Communication: Neurodiverse team members have distinct ways of communicating ideas compared to their non-neurodiverse counterparts. They can provide valuable insight into how best to communicate effectively across multiple organizational platforms. 8. Industry Recognition & Support: Organizations embrace differing abilities in today’s world. There is an increase in industry recognition for organizations who display this forward-thinking – leading organizations may even receive awards for their efforts! 9. Roots In Unique Experiences: Neurodiversity brings unique experiences from various backgrounds. These often help organizations break away from “the mold” when approaching specific tasks or projects and offer invaluable contributions when working towards complicated objectives. 10. Cost Effectiveness: Investing in neurodiverse talent can result in cost savings because accommodations often needed by non-neurotypical individuals will already be provided for them – thus eliminating costly adjustments down the road! It’s clear that there are many benefits for businesses that hire neurodivergent team members – so why not take advantage of this untapped potential? By embracing and promoting neurodiversity, we can create a more inclusive work environment that celebrates the unique perspectives and talents of neurodivergent individuals. By investing in specialized coaching for their neurodiverse workforce, businesses can maximize employee productivity, job satisfaction, and work satisfaction. Investing in this type of coaching is an essential step towards truly leveraging the potential of those who are neurodivergent team members. Dr. Get in Focus works with businesses and entrepreneurs with neurodivergent team members.  He is always willing to have a conversation with you to see if he can help.  His website is https://plusultrava.com  to take advantage of his training programs.  Check https://getinfocusworkshop.plusultrava.com/  for the latest workshop. Don’t wait; get in focus today!

RSD Coaching? Is someone you know (perhaps yourself) struggling with Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria? If so, then RSD Coaching   might be the perfect solution! RSD is a condition that can cause intense emotional reactions when faced with criticism or rejection. It can be challenging to manage and often leads to feelings of anxiety, depression, and isolation. The power of coaching is often undervalued. While many people may think that it’s only useful in helping people with a specific goal, like becoming better at sports or finding a job, coaching can also be incredibly helpful for those who suffer from mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Take the story of Sarah, for example. Sarah had been living with RSD since she was a teenager, but it wasn’t until she was in her late twenties that she decided to seek help. She had been struggling with her relationships – both romantic and platonic – as well as her self-esteem. She knew that something needed to change if she wanted to have a better life, so she reached out for help. Sarah found an ADHD coach who specialized in helping people with RSD. Through their sessions together, Sarah learned how to manage her emotions and cope with the distress caused by her RSD. She also learned strategies for dealing with rejection and fear of judgement. The coach helped Sarah develop affirmations to combat negative thoughts and reinforced her strengths so that she could build up her self-confidence. With the help of coaching, Sarah was able to gain control over her RSD and start living a more fulfilling life. She now has healthier relationships with others and feels more confident in herself than ever before. Fortunately, there are many ways to get help and support for those who suffer from RSD. Here are 10 reasons why getting coaching for RSD is a great idea: 1. Improved Self-Awareness: RSD Coaching helps individuals become more aware of their own thoughts and feelings. This increased self-awareness can help people better understand their triggers and how to manage them in a healthy way. 2. Increased Confidence: RSD Coaching helps individuals build confidence by providing tools and strategies that can be used in various situations. This improved self-confidence can help people feel more secure in their relationships and interactions. 3. Improved Social Skills: RSD Coaching helps individuals develop better social skills, which can lead to more positive social interactions. This enhanced social skill set can help people feel more comfortable in social settings, leading to fewer instances of feeling overwhelmed or anxious in these situations. 4. Better Coping Strategies: RSD Coaching provides individuals with the tools they need to effectively cope with difficult emotions such as anger, sadness, fear, etc., allowing them to better manage their reactions when faced with criticism or rejection. 5. Improved Problem-Solving Skills: RSD Coaching helps individuals learn how to think through problems constructively, leading to better decision-making skills overall. This improved problem-solving ability can help people make beneficial decisions for themselves and those around them. 6. Improved Communication Skills: RSD Coaching teaches individuals how to communicate effectively, which can lead to better relationships and fewer misunderstandings between parties involved in conversations or interactions with one another. 7. Improved Self-Esteem: RSD Coaching helps individuals build self-esteem by teaching them how to recognize their strengths and weaknesses and use these qualities to reach their goals and aspirations in life. 8. Greater Resilience: RSD Coaching helps individuals become more resilient by teaching them strategies to handle difficult situations without becoming overwhelmed or anxious about the outcome of the situation itself or its potential consequences on one’s mental health or well-being. 9. Reduced Stress Levels: RSD Coaching provides individuals with techniques to reduce stress levels, which can improve overall mental health and well-being over time. 10. Increased Happiness Levels: Finally, RSD coaching provides individuals with tools on how best to increase happiness levels, leading to an improved outlook on life overall. Overall, getting coaching for Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria is an excellent idea for anyone looking for ways to improve their mental health and well-being. With the right coach, you’ll gain insight into your thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and reactions while also learning effective strategies for managing any difficult emotions that may arise. So if you’re looking for ways to improve your mental health, consider getting coaching today! Remember, I am not a medical doctor, for medical matters, check with your MD! Dr. Get in Focus works with entrepreneurs to get in focus and skyrocket their productivity.  He is always willing to have a conversation with you to see if he can help.  His website is https://plusultrava.com  to take advantage of his training programs.  Check https://getinfocusworkshop.plusultrava.com/  for the latest workshop Don’t wait; get in focus today! Sources https://www.additudemag https://edgefoundation.org/rejection-sensitive-dysphoria-and-adhd/https://www.theminiadhdcoach.com/blog/adhd-rsd https://www.unconventionalorganisation.com/post/researching-rejection-sensitivity-and-adhd-three-treatments-to-support-your-rsd    

RSD:  What ADHDers Can Do About Rejection Every day can feel like an uphill battle for those living with Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD). People with RSD experience intense emotional reactions to perceived or real criticism and rejection, making it difficult to regulate emotions and lead a balanced life.  It’s common for those with RSD to always be on the alert for rejection, feeling rejected even when there’s no evidence of it. As a result, comments from others can be taken too personally and cause much more of an emotional reaction than intended. This heightened emotional response might also lead to feelings of failure after any setback or mistake, regardless of how small or insignificant it may seem. One can feel like they never get any respect, like Rodney Dangerfield! In addition, people with RSD often fall into comparative thinking, making them feel that everyone around them is doing better. In contrast, their own accomplishments don’t matter at all. It’s not uncommon for those living with this condition to withdraw in social situations where criticism might occur or avoid seeking compliments because they might appear too good to be true. Though these feelings can be overwhelming and challenging to manage, it is possible to find ways to cope with RSD and live a fulfilled life without fear of rejection or criticism holding you back. Talk therapy is one helpful way to identify triggers and develop strategies for dealing with them; medication may also reduce the intensity of emotional reactions associated with RSD. With the right treatment plan – and plenty of self-care! – you can find peace despite its challenges. So how do you not feel like Rodney Dangerfield even though you may have RSD? 1. Take a step back from any situation that triggers your RSD, count to 10, and try to think objectively about it. 2. Remember that failing at something doesn’t indicate your worth as a person – it just means you can find another way to reach your goal. 3. Start small and build up from there – put little pressure on yourself in social situations or when trying to complete tasks. 4. Learn how to self-soothe by practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing and mindfulness meditation. 5. Focus on positive affirmations instead of negative ones – tell yourself that you’re capable and worthy, even if you don’t quite believe it yet. 6. Build your resilience by doing new things or challenging yourself with tasks that feel manageable but still inspiring (like trying out a new recipe). 7. Compliment yourself often – even if it doesn’t feel genuine initially, keep saying positive things until they sink in! 8. Practice gratitude – take time each day to acknowledge something good in your life, no matter how small it may seem. 9. Connect with people who understand what you’re going through – be open about how RSD affects your daily life so that others can provide support when needed (and vice versa). 10. Most importantly: treat yourself with kindness! You deserve love and respect no matter what anyone else thinks or says about you – even if that someone is you! RSD is a psychological disorder that affects how people interact with others socially. It can involve intense feelings of sadness, anxiety, self-loathing and even potential thoughts of self-harm as a result of perceived or real rejection. It’s important to know you aren’t alone in your struggles and that there are treatments available to help manage RSD. Remember, I am not a medical doctor, for medical matters, check with your MD! Dr. Get in Focus works with entrepreneurs to get in focus and skyrocket their productivity.  He is always willing to have a conversation with you to see if he can help.  His website is https://plusultrava.com  to take advantage of his training programs.  You can also order his book at  https://www.getinfocusbook.com/. Don’t wait; get in focus today!

Symptoms and Treatments for Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) Do you feel like the world is out to get you? Do you find yourself constantly on edge, waiting for the next rejection or criticism? If so, you might be suffering from Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD). RSD is a symptom of ADHD that causes an intense emotional reaction to perceived or actual criticism and rejection. It can cause difficulty in regulating emotions and lead to feelings of sadness, anxiety, and even anger. It is a psychological disorder that affects how people interact with others socially. It can involve intense feelings of sadness, anxiety, self-loathing, and even potential thoughts of self-harm as a result of perceived or real rejection. It’s important to know you aren’t alone in your struggles and that there are treatments available to help manage RSD. So how do you know if you have RSD? Here are ten signs that may indicate that you suffer from this condition: The Top Ten Symptoms: Intense sadness: People may experience feelings of profound personal failure and extreme sadness that can last for days or weeks at a time. Anxiety: People with RSD may experience increased anxiety levels which can manifest as restlessness, panic attacks, or stress. Self-loathing: Individuals often feel guilty, ashamed, and worthless due to the perceived or actual rejection they have experienced. Difficulty focusing: People may struggle to concentrate on tasks and activities.  This is true for anyone with ADHD. Physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach aches: Individuals with RSD may experience physical symptoms associated with the condition, such as headaches, nausea, and stomach aches. Thoughts of self-harm: People with RSD may have thoughts of harming themselves due to the intense emotional distress caused by the condition. Lack of motivation: Those who suffer from RSD can have difficulty finding motivation to do everyday tasks or engage in hobbies they previously enjoyed Irritability and anger: Individuals struggling with RSD can be quick to become irritable or angry in social situations due to their heightened sensitivity to being rejected. Avoidance of social situations and activities previously enjoyed: Due to the fear of being rejected and the experience of more intense mood symptoms, people suffering from RSD may avoid activities or social situations, they once had an interest in because it triggers feelings of inadequacy and rejection.  Low self-esteem: The fear and negative thoughts associated can cause individuals to develop low self-esteem, further contributing to feeling helpless and hopeless. If these symptoms sound familiar, don’t worry! There are ways to manage RSD and live a more balanced life despite its challenges. Talk therapy can help identify triggers and develop coping strategies for dealing with them. In contrast, medication can help reduce the intensity of emotional reactions associated with RSD. With the right treatment plan, you can live a fulfilled life without fear of rejection or criticism holding you back!  In my next article, I will be discussing some of the things you can do to mitigate RSD. Remember, though, I am not a medical doctor, so before embarking on any treatment for RSD, you may want to check with your Medical Doctor.  I am forever grateful to my doctor for what she has done for me over the years. Dr. Get in Focus works with entrepreneurs to get in focus and skyrocket their productivity.  He is always willing to have a conversation with you to see if he can help.  His website is https://plusultrava.com  to take advantage of his training programs.  You can also order his book at  https://www.getinfocusbook.com/. Don’t wait; get in focus today!  I am here to help you along the way! Sources: https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/rejection-sensitive-dysphoria https://www.additudemag.com/rejection-sensitive-dysphoria-and-adhd/ https://www.psychologytoday

In my last post (albeit a while back), I discussed Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD. In this one, I will discuss Inattentive ADHD. With hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD, you may bounce all over the room, full of unfocused energy. Inattentive ADHD is much more subtle; you may often feel like people are talking about a topic you don’t understand. You may also need help staying on task, be disorganized, and have poor time management skills. If this sounds like you, don’t worry! You are not alone. In this blog post, we will discuss the symptoms of Inattentive ADHD and how to deal with them. We will also provide some helpful tips for managing your disorder. Thanks for reading! Symptoms of Inattentive ADHD Inattentive ADHD, because of its subtlety, can be harder to diagnose. While the kid with hyperactive ADHD can’t sit still and constantly gets into trouble, the kid with inattentive ADHD is simply sitting quietly in the classroom, daydreaming away, unable to focus on the work. I remember constantly being told stuff like: “You need to pay better attention!” “Stop daydreaming!” “You are just lazy! You need to try better!” “You have no common sense whatsoever.” “What are you, stupid!” “If you just put things back in the same place, you wouldn’t lose them!” The first step in dealing with that is that all of the above are false. That lazy, stupid daydreamer without common sense, who couldn’t pay attention, is now a successful entrepreneur with a Ph.D. Symptoms of Inattentive ADHD There are a few critical symptoms of Inattentive ADHD. They are: Trouble paying attention to details or making careless mistakes Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or conversations Appearing not to listen when spoken to directly Failing to follow through on instructions and failing to finish schoolwork or chores Trouble organizing tasks and activities Avoiding or procrastinating on tasks that require sustained mental effort Losing things necessary for tasks or activities Being easily distracted by irrelevant stimuli (look squirrel!) Being forgetful in daily activities. How to Deal With Inattentive ADHD So what can you do to deal with Inattentive ADHD? Remember, it is not your fault that your brain is structured differently, so forgive yourself for any perceived disability you may have. It is not your fault you have ADHD. When you accept that, it gives you the space to work with it. Forgive others who may have made you feel less of yourself due to this condition. Inattentive ADHD was not even identified as a separate pathology until the late 1980s. I was not even diagnosed until the 21st century, so your teachers, parents, and cohorts may have had no idea what was happening to you. Take breaks often when doing tasks that require sustained attention. Use the Pomodoro System to manage your tasks. Break tasks down into smaller, more manageable parts Use a task management system such as Trello to keep you and your team members on task (I cover this in-depth in my book, Get in Focus and Skyrocket Your Productivity: A Quick and Dirty Guide to Remote Work. Use a notebook to write down ideas and thoughts. Get plenty of exercise. Make sure to get enough sleep. We implement each point in my Get in Focus and Skyrocket your Productivity Challenge. If you are struggling with Inattentive ADHD, know that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you manage your symptoms. With the proper support, you can lead a happy and successful life. Thanks for reading! Please leave any questions or comments below! And be sure to check back next week for our next blog post. Until then, take care! :)” Inattentive ADHD can be difficult to manage. Still, leading a happy and successful life with the right tools and strategies is possible. If you or someone you know is struggling with Inattentive ADHD, please reach out for help. There are many resources available to support you. Thanks for reading! Dr. Get in Focus works with entrepreneurs to get in focus and skyrocket their productivity.  He is always willing to have a conversation with you to see if he can help.  His website is https://plusultrava.com  to take advantage of his training programs.  You can also order his book at  https://www.getinfocusbook.com/. Don’t wait; get in focus today!