How do I know if I have ADHD or just chronic anxiety? Some days I feel paralyzed and simply can't get through my list or get the billing for the hours I'm putting in. I spend hours upon hours doing research from one legal issue to the next because I feel like I don't know enough. The sad part is that I know for a fact that the pressure started when I was given autonomy and trust to handle complex cases and assignments.

likehelpful
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

ADHD shows up in all domains of your life, not just work. If you get distracted reading a good novel or doing your favorite hobby, and/or if you have issues in social situations, *thats’s* ADHD.

like

Sounds like a fear of failure dynamic going on here. Pick a project and see it through to the end without bopping around. Accept that you cannot be perfect. Nor should you be. Feel the freedom to fail.

like

I definitely feel that, but I'm not sure that's all.

I thought I had ADHD and went to see a therapist and a psychiatrist. Turns out I have ✨ anxiety and depression✨ … double whammy.

like

None of this sounds like ADHD. ADHD is forgetting what you are doing in the middle of it because you get distracted by something else.

like

See a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment (if necessary).

I have ADHD and anxiety and it could be one or the other or both. Or something else. See a psychiatrist and they can help.

like

I’ve been managing it my whole life. Medication for ADHD and anxiety, talking to a therapist sometimes, and self accommodation technique for work and home life. Constantly working on it

like

I waste away mornings bopping from project to project without accomplishing anything. I do the same thing in other aspects of my life and I am wondering if I have adhd. Before law school I wasn’t like this. At previous jobs and in college I could sit down, finish a task (even a research paper start to finish) without too much of an issue. At home I do the same, bouncing from chore to chore without finishing things. I don’t have an answer, just solidarity.

like

Sounds just like what I'm going through. It's been getting more difficult to manage as I spend more time practicing. I hope you figure it out.

like

I get things done but I'm not as organized and systematic as I used to be prior to this law firm thing. Sometimes I feel like l'm spinning my wheels... then something clicks and I get this done and that done... but it's frustrating bcos I used to be more in control of how I produced work product. Sometimes listening to epic movie scores (my fave: Inception) helps me focus on getting a "single" freaking task done. I don't know...

like

ADHD and cPTSD can have over lapping symptoms. Can be a flight or fight response to stress

like

One thing you should ask yourself (so that you can help your chosen medical professional accurately diagnose the situation) is what causes the anxiety. I have ADHD and anxiety; most of my anxiety results from my ADHD interfering with my ability to get things done because I get distracted with various things (or even hyper focused on the wrong thing). The difference in whether the anxiety is the cause of the lack of focus or the result of the lack of focus matters.

Also, ADHD medication can separately cause anxiety (and everyone reacts differently to the various medicines, so getting the right treatment is a very individualized process). So if your anxiety is not caused by the effects of ADHD, you could exacerbate the problem by using stimulants. It’s really important to talk with your doctor about the root of the anxiety so that you get the right help for you.

Best of luck! And if you do end up being diagnosed with ADHD, there are a ton of behavioral tricks that help that any of us who have ADHD can talk with you about. 🙂

like

Sounds like you need to think through a way to organize your research.

like

If only I could

Solidarity. Me too.

like

There is one answer to this. Go see a professional.

like

Related Posts

Does BCG normally call same day after decision round?

like

Anyone have experience with PIP, and what’s the process?

like

Everyone in my firm try so hard to be politically correct😍feel so included.

Best first credit card? I am 21 and only have store credit cards. I love to travel so looking for one that has good rewards.

like

Anyone know what’s a nice website to follow for shoes like PurseBlog is for bags? I know they started TalkShoes but that seems to be dead now… want to build up my wardrobe with a few high quality pieces (thinking more casual, rather than fancy since I don’t go to social events very often that would require me to wear Manolo Hangisis lol). I checked out the usual Manolo, louboutin etc but really want to get deeper into the shoe world before spending a few thousand dollars on 3-4 pairs. Thank you!

like

Newer homeowner. Garbage truck didn’t pickup our garbage on trash day. Company said to leave it on the curb and they’d get it by today. Some neighbor moved our can next to our house and garbage missed again.

Happy to have my first real suburb experience.

like

I’ve got a lateral interview for an AM 100 firm tomorrow. I’m currently at a tiny plaintiff employment litigation firm. The lateral would be to defense employment litigation. Advice on how to answer the question of “why are you switching from plaintiff to defense”?

like

EY TAS still hiring? 5 years In Deloitte Cyber specializing in ITRM work. Interested in due diligence.

like

What are some tech companies with a great in-house design + creative culture?

like

Hi,

I joined EY GDS 3 months back . Now thinking about trying for Canada PR. If i get the PR, is it possible for a transfer to EY Canada?

Also anyone thinking about canada PR? I am trying to figure out about the process and if its worth it?

like

If you support QAnon and/or believe similar insane nonsense, you don’t “traffic in conspiracy theories.” You have a mental illness and should be described as unwell.

like

U can’t be wrong if you’re investing in index for long term

Post Photo
like

I have a constant fear that my dates are just flirting/saying sweet things without meaning. I fear investing into them, getting excited for our date, etc. because I feel like they’re just playing me & will ghost me at any moment. I used to fall fast when I was younger, and now I’m terrified I can’t trust my intuition. Had someone love bomb me a year ago & I have no clue what to believe is true (do they really enjoy me, or are they just saying that?). Can anyone relate or know how to fix this?

like

How to apply for visa sponsorship jobs from India ,any one suggest to get interview calls for onsite opportunity

like

I thought that this space was for search a relationship 😅🤣😅🤣😅

funnylike

Looking for some outside the box ideas for sourcing a diverse pool of candidates. Any ideas you can throw my way?

Mostly looking for IT and call center customer service…

like

Integrated media planning/buying pro for immediate freelance opportunities. Director level so can easily level up or down. Ultimately looking for full time gig but until then...DM for credentials.

like

For those who had weddings in a city -
Did you pay for your guest’s parking?

like

Happy Thursday everyone! Im an EA in London and need to start organising our team Christmas party (20 people). We’ve done it all before it seems (crazy golf, darts, wine tasting, bingo etc) so I’m coming to you for some fresh fun ideas. Thank you in advance!

like

How much does one pay for a studio in Chicago loop/RN? Thanks

like

Additional Posts in Law

Re: exit opportunities - which is better? Big law, highly specialized or boutique corporate firm where I do everything but “specialize” in m&a, VC and capital markets?

like

For small firms - What was your billable rate in 2015 and what is it today in 2022. Please provide your practice area too, if possible!

like

Any loopholes to prevent Westlaw from logging out every 5 minutes? That’s not enough time to get all my tears out before going back to my 20 Westlaw tabs

like

That moment when your "smart" plan to boost your hours this month by working the Labor Day weekend (thus turning down all the fun plans your friends made) becomes sitting on your hands & feeling dumb because all the partners are too busy to delegate anything. The worst kind of "off" day is one you planned to /wanted to work, but there's no billable work...

likefunny

Is it okay to submit a writing sample that you wrote for a partner, if you did all the work they just got the credit?

like

Plaintiffs counsel took my clients deposition today. He mentioned that he would likely be ordering the transcripts and I suggested we split the cost of them (in front of court reporter). He got pretty defensive and said absolutely not, it’s unfair to the court reporter, and that it is frowned upon in the industry to do that. Each party orders (and pays for) their own copy. I’m in my 2nd year of practice, never heard such a thing. I’ve actually split the cost before! Curious for insight on this…

likefunny

Associates, if you turned in work that was subpar how would you want the partner to approach you to tell you about it?

likehelpful

Hi, everyone! I am extremely passionate about issues such as climate change and gun violence, and how money in politics leads to inaction and disinformation regarding these issues. Does anyone have any insight as to where I should be looking for employment opportunities? Practice areas, the type of organization, traditional vs. non-traditional law jobs? Any help or guidance would be appreciated. I really want to make a change. Thank you!

like

What are average billable hours for L&E attorneys? TIA!

like

Is there a market for lawyers to add expertise In crisis management or reputation management? My goal is to counsel clients on how to respond to media inquiries without saying or posting something detrimental to a potential litigation while still maintaining communication with their client base. If so, how to break into that industry? Courses? Books? Certifications?

like

Anyone leave big law to go to a mid/smaller firm solely for a better quality of life, take the pay cut, then realize jokes on you? If so, what did you do once you realized?

like

When do I break it to my boss that he’s a monster for using two spaces after periods?

likefunny

Hi folks. Mid level corporate associate thinking of making a move into the tech industry (preferably in a legal-adjacent or non-legal position). Any thoughts on how to make the move, such has what types of folks to network with and skills I should obtain?

like

What is the lateral hire process like?

like

Trial in 1 month! Best things to snack on during lunch break?

like

Oh no I forgot to say our signature pages are held in escrow until our express release


And nothing happened

likefunny

The amount of people, even attorneys, who can't separate out the policy merits of abortion from the issue of whether it is a constitutional right is disappointing. I consider myself pro-choice ---I believe states should allow it, that the federal government can pass a statute to guarantee it, and that FDA statutes and regulations will preempt any state trying to ban chemical abortions through FDA approved drugs. Dobbs at its core is a case about the Due Process Clause, not the policy of abortion

likesmart

Anyone know how/ where to begin working with recruiters? I’m currently doing in-house work on a contract-basis and want to get my foot in the door with larger firms in New York.

like

Anyone know what’s the deal with Polsinelli? Just trying to figure out whether they’re the right fit for me. I’m currently in a boutique IP firm. I work pretty hard but it’s obviously not Big Law.

like

Why isn’t increasing the diversity of management / partners at big law firms considered an actual emergency? Promoting and retaining non-male and non-white lawyers really does not have to be hard.

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Send download link to your phone

OR

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Messaging rates may apply

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal