Multi-Tasking
A few nights ago a friend mine came over to visit the family. We don’t get to see much of each other because of our busy lives, so it’s a pleasant surprise when he stops by. We all were chatting about the usual stuff: work, relationships, and health. While on the subject of health, he decided to share that he had started seeing a psychiatrist and was recently diagnosed with ADD. We were stunned. By most definitions, he’s reached a high degree of success as executive management with a U.S. high-end retailer. Besides having a demanding job, he also has been through some other life-changing events. How could someone like him be diagnosed with ADD in his late 40s? Wouldn’t ADD serve as a severe obstacle? Contrary to what we believed, that’s not always the case. I began to wonder whether some of my behavioral traits are that of someone with ADD. I plan on consulting everyone’s favorite M.D.: the Intarweb!
Lately I’ve noticed that when I am working (I am fortunate to work from home) I tend to busy myself with other things, which is the norm for me. Whether it’s surfing the Web, writing, reading, playing a casual game, or doing other secretarial stuff, it’s as if I insist on having more than one thing to do at a given time. I have caught myself sitting down to do one thing and then beginning another mid-task. While writing this, I started watching The Real Deal on TLC. Other times I’ve felt as if I lack the focus to see projects through to completion. More than two years ago, I started studying for the A+ exam, abandoned that, and started collecting materials for the GMAT. I prefer an actual class rather than trying to complete these types of projects on my own. A deadline or having a grade at stake keeps me accountable.
Does it happen all the time? Nope. Guitar Hero II has my full attention
when playing “Thunderhorse”! When I am driving, I avoid using the cell. But I think we live in a culture that puts a premium on folks who can do several things at once, and it’s bleeding over into our personal lives, making us less focused.
Seeing a psychiatrist has worked well for my friend. So far he’s looking less burdened and more upbeat. A trip to a shrink is probably something we all could benefit from. I remember while in college feeling burnt out and unfocused many times. I considered going to the local counseling services, but I figured I’d just deal with it on my own. During that time in my life, I had a few friends, but they were busy with their own college careers, a sister in the Air Force, and a family so full of problems that I didn’t think they had time for me. Looking back, I do regret deciding not to seek counseling. I probably feared the stigma attached to it. Fortunately, as I’ve gotten older (and wiser) I’ve become more open to seeking out a sounding board. If the time ever comes again, I think I’ll be less shy of the realm mental health.
May 2nd, 2007 at 11:46 pm
It’s easy to find reasons not to get help. I had people telling me I needed to see someone a couple of years ago when I was having trouble with numbers and such. I went as far as talking to a psychologist about what was going on. She suggested unofficially that I might have adult dyslexia. They tests were going to be hundreds of dollars, so I never found out.
When my dog died last year, I was chatting with a Sirius DJ via AIM and he suggested going to a pet loss support group. He said it had really helped him a couple of months prior when he went through the same thing. I really wanted to, but there was only one in the whole state of Delaware, and it only met once a month, so I wasn’t able to. I like to think it would have helped.
In the last year, I have had to work through some serious stuff, and I don’t know how successful I have been. I mean, I am in California. Things are going ok, but I know why I really came out here. It wouldn’t be much fun to talk to people about what that reason was. Mostly I just tuck those things away.
At any rate, I can imagine how valuable it is to talk to someone about what bothers you without having to worry about them labeling you a freak. I am glad your friend found his outlet.
July 15th, 2007 at 11:29 am
there was a thing recently where a scottish entrepaneur (sp?), duncan bannatyne, said that he thought a degree of add/adhd was essential for a good business and entrepaneurial mind, and it was a contributing factor in his success.