I have recently been diagnosed with ADHD, and while it's relieving to understand I was functioning in certain ways, I'm worried I don't deserve my role anymore. I've tried medication, but it makes me very nauseous and takes a mental toll on me. I am struggling every day, and even though I'm pretty good at my job, the impostor syndrome is really hurting my confidence. I feel like the right thing to do is to step down. What would you do in this situation?

You got the job when you didn’t know you had ADHD. Now that you can name it, you’re an even stronger candidate for it- you now have the ability to look into the strategies you need to control it when it hurts your performance. Look at this as a win.

Also so many leaders in advertising have add, adhd, dyslexia (ie rich Silverstein), so don’t sweat it at all.

Quitting your job because you can now actively manage a problem you already had is a crazy move.

I feel so strongly for what you're going through because I've been in a similar place. You absolutely don't need to think in the way. your ADHD diagnosis does not define your worth or capabilities in your role. Many people with ADHD excel in their careers by leveraging their unique strengths, such as creativity and energy. Instead of stepping down, consider seeking support from a career coach or therapist who specializes in ADHD. They can help you develop strategies to manage your symptoms without medication, such as using organizational tools, setting realistic goals, and practicing positive self-talk.

Also recently diagnosed with ADHD and it was such an unlock for me. Now I’m researching all the ways to make my job work better for me. I have also come to understand that my ADHD has made me a better CD, and I think you are, too, for many reasons:

- you’re probably bored a lot. So you are a perfect judge of consumer low attention span when reviewing creative. This also means you’re looking at a lot more stuff and thus taking in more inspiration.

- you probably work well with switching gears a lot. This makes you great at swapping between voices/vis ids because the pace works better to keep your attention. And since you go deep once your attention is captured, you can execute on it well, too.

- you are forgetful. But you work in an industry where PMs manage your timelines and your deadlines are usually clearly marked by meetings. Very few other industries do this. I know a lawyer with ADHD and he’s responsible for managing all his own timelines and the timelines of the juniors and staff under him. Since you’re not spending time having to manage that or worrying about it, you can focus on your job of creative leadership.

- you’re impulsive, so you’re likely to take risks others may be worried to. It can keep the spirit of creativity alive on your team, among all the churn.

Yes, there are absolutely negatives to having ADHD. Just like there are negatives to being neurotypical. Just take a very introspective look at your strengths and weaknesses and make a plan to exploit the best and mitigate the worst of em.

Good luck!!! You got this!!!

Some of the most proficient people in world history had ADHD

Have the same thing. Have been in the same boat. And am unemployed right now. Listen, It’ll be ok.
If I were you I’d explore a different medication, there are lots and they make everyone feel a little different. (Stratera causes the feeling of torsion in the man places)

There is some interesting current research on the evolutionary significance of brain function that we now call ADHD, what its advantages are at a societal level, etc.

You might want to explore that scholarship more and consider how to turn what most people consider a limitation into a strength.

Put simply, you might try and answer the question, “What are the advantages to having a CD with ADHD?” I’m sure there are a few…

I think a cd with adhd could be a great mix. I know a lot of producers have been diagnosed and I’d bet advertising people across the board are disproportionally likely.

In many cases, it means you’re more suited to deal with things coming up unexpectedly.

I have it.
And I’ve been very successful. To the point where I’ve thought about treating it because I’m pretty sure it would improve my personal life and relationships, but I have genuine concerns I’d blunt my professional abilities.

Since this happened recently I would encourage you to give yourself some grace! I’ve been down the road with having to trial and error medications and that can be difficult. I personally would not step down, only you know what is right for you though. I would reframe this as getting to learn more about yourself and how that can work FOR you in your current role!

You’d be surprised how many of us have the same condition in this industry but not the courage to embrace it like you do. You’ll be fine.