Mark consistently produces the design firm’s best work. Clients love his creativity and ability to generate innovative ideas on the fly. At the same time, they’re growing tired of his tardiness and failure to meet deadlines. Not only is he always late to meetings, but he also frequently underestimates the time he needs to complete projects. Despite repeated discussions with his manager, Mark’s behavior persists. His relationships with coworkers and clients become strained, and his anxiousness, stress, and fatigue continue to grow.
Less than one in five people with symptoms of ADHD are treated for it
Mark has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a form of neurodivergence, which means his brain works differently than the brains of average, or neurotypical, people. In fact, studies have shown that ADHD brains can have structural differences in the areas responsible for decision-making, planning, focusing attention, multitasking, and regulating emotions.
An estimated 8 million US adults have symptoms of ADHD, but less than one in five are treated for it, partly due to the fact that ADHD often overlaps with other mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. Nearly half of adults with ADHD also have anxiety.
Some employees with ADHD are able to perform at a high level despite struggles with procrastination, distractibility, perfectionism and other issues associated with the disorder. Others with ADHD, like Mark, have more difficulty overcoming these challenges, which can affect their productivity and ability to succeed in a career.
Neurodivergent employees have greater mental health challenges
Unsurprisingly, employees with ADHD or other forms of neurodivergence have greater mental health challenges than the general population. Calm’s Workplace Mental Health Trends Report shows that nearly 60% of neurodivergent employees feel nervous, anxious, and stressed more than half the time or nearly all the time, whereas 42% of the general population does. Similarly, about half of neurodivergent employees report feeling depressed nearly all the time and having trouble falling asleep, while about one-third of the general population does.
Calm research also found that neurodivergent employees wish their employers would offer more mental health support, including mental health tools to help them reduce stress and anxiousness and get better sleep.
Calm mindfulness series for the ADHD community
Calm offers a five-part mindfulness series to support the mental health needs of employees with ADHD. Developed in consultation with ADHD clinical psychologist Dr. Alise Conner, the series is narrated by Jeff Warren, a meditation instructor and writer who understands the challenges of ADHD firsthand. Though not officially diagnosed with the disorder until age 32, Jeff says he’s experienced its effects his entire life.
The five-part ADHD Support Series shares insights about the ADHD experience, relief through compassion, a sense of calm, and moments of focus and attention to break cycles of stress. It includes:
- Freestyle Focus
With an ADHD brain, it can be hard to focus on just one thing. In this meditation, Jeff indulges a wandering mind, letting you swing your attention from near to far and back again. Learn how to drift and return without judgment as a key to self-regulation. - Overwhelm SOS
If you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed, meet up with Jeff for some relief. He’ll help you feel looser through some playful physical movement and by tuning into what’s happening on the inside. And he’ll encourage you to breathe out tightness and give yourself a break. - Feeling All the Feels
When you’re struggling to control your emotions, learn to roll with them rather than keep them from happening. You can do this guided support session in any situation—walking, sitting, petting your dog, or doing your hair. It’s designed to help you tap into your emotions and sensations in the moment and ride with them without needing to impulsively act. - Be Kind to the Mind
It can be really frustrating to have an ADHD brain, but you can ease your frustration and come to a place of acceptance and even love. In this meditation, Jeff helps you explore self-compassion and find tenderness for your whole self, including your ADHD brain. - The Good That’s Already Here
It’s easy to focus on the challenges ADHD brings, but have you considered its benefits? In six minutes, Jeff leads you on a journey to discover and appreciate your unique strengths, which can lead to relief.
October is ADHD Awareness Month
October is ADHD Awareness Month, a time to seek greater understanding of the condition, to support those who have ADHD, and to help those with undiagnosed ADHD recognize the symptoms and seek a diagnosis.
If you’re an employee with ADHD, join Jeff Warren on the Calm mobile and web app as he guides you through a meditation practice that helps you find relief, self-compassion, and acceptance. Calm also offers a mental health program for teens with ADHD called Managing ADHD Effectively as a Teen, available on Calm Health.
If you’re an HR/benefits leader and want more information about how Calm can help you support your neurodivergent employees, or if you would like more information on supporting employee mental health and well-being more broadly, check out our pricing or connect with a Calm specialist today.
For more information on proactively supporting employee mental health and well-being, check out our pricing or connect with a Calm specialist today.
