I have run events before, during my time as a professional fundraiser, and can certainly say that the chaotic nature of events can absolutely cause ADHD-like symptoms. That said, I think it is dangerous to co-opt a diagnosable mental illness so causally. It lessons the very real challenge of such a diagnosis, which millions face every day.
I enjoyed how this post highlights several observations and trends prevalent in our world, both in and out of events.
1. People confuse correlation with causation.
Yes, the events industry can be chaotic with panicked timelines and poorly managed decision-making processes (why it’s like that is an entire article). All the other elements you discussed above also make it look and feel like living with ADHD.
It is important to recognize that in many cases, people experiencing the industry in this way may be suffering from effects that mirror ADHD effects. Sleep deprivation, poor diet, elevated cortisol levels (importantly different from dopamine deficiency), sensory overload, and bad time management.
All those symptoms are present in both neurotypical eventprof and ADHD phenotypes. The difference is, if you take the eventprof away from the external stimulus, the influence will eventually disappear. If you take the ADHDo’er out of the industry, the biological challenges remain. The correlation of effects and working style results in misdiagnosis of neurotypical event profs and attracts and favors ADHDo’ers natural working style.
This is supported when looking at other industries and other neurological phenotypes. For example, dyslexia and Autism biology is favoured by engineering-focused industries. The spatial recognition strengths of Dyslexia have resulted in a large percentage of sufferers becoming architects. In a similar way, the events industry favours and naturally accommodates the ADHD biology and approach. But I doubt it causes it.
2. Fashionable to be different
Sadly, the eventprof world has started to romanticize having ADHD, adopting the moniker of a “superpower” or “badge of honor” when in reality, living with ADHD can be crippling and an ongoing personal struggle.
It’s fun to say, “I’m so distracted” or “I’m in hyper-focus mode,” but if you haven’t also suffered from suicidal ideations, relationship breakdown, self-doubt/loathing, Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria, and serious negative financial situations (to name only a few), you might not have true ADHD. Not to forget the likelihood of living a decade shorter lifespan compared to a neurotypical person.
I’ve spent 46 years trying to understand working with Dyslexia and ADHD the hard way. It has helped my career and been a massive impediment many times. It has taught me that all neurological conditions are fluid and exist on a spectrum of differences. We cannot generalize and make assumptions about others or ourselves. We are all painted with different brushes and paints. Yes, I cringe a little when someone who is close to neurotypical claims a small effect is due to a divergent biology. But I don’t judge them or take offence when it feels like they are diminishing my lived experience to bad timing or a lack of a sandwich break.
It is vital we all remain sensitive to how we speak about neurodivergence. Both its benefits and detriments. Yes, it can be insensitive to say “it is a benefit in the industry” when many individuals deeply wish they could “turn it off” and avoid the negative impacts it has had on their lives.
My recommendation.
If a person thinks they have true ADHD biology, they should go and get diagnosed by a real psychologist (not an online test).
Especially if you have children who display the traits (ie it’s genetic). If any individual has not been formally diagnosed, they should say it like it is “I suspect I have ADHD, but it could just be my reaction to a chaotic and uncertain world.”
Anyone who is suffering from the negative psycho-social effects I mentioned above should seek professional help and pursue cognitive behavioural therapy as soon as possible. It will change your life and may be enough without pharmaceutical intervention.
Thanks for sparking this conversation, it’s very important during our time and place in our world.
Exceptionally insightful David! I think you have certainly revealed some deeper ways of seeing connectivity. Love the concept of Fluency in Motion in particular. Really encouraging for those of us in this industry. Thanks for sharing this!
I have run events before, during my time as a professional fundraiser, and can certainly say that the chaotic nature of events can absolutely cause ADHD-like symptoms. That said, I think it is dangerous to co-opt a diagnosable mental illness so causally. It lessons the very real challenge of such a diagnosis, which millions face every day.
I enjoyed how this post highlights several observations and trends prevalent in our world, both in and out of events.
1. People confuse correlation with causation.
Yes, the events industry can be chaotic with panicked timelines and poorly managed decision-making processes (why it’s like that is an entire article). All the other elements you discussed above also make it look and feel like living with ADHD.
It is important to recognize that in many cases, people experiencing the industry in this way may be suffering from effects that mirror ADHD effects. Sleep deprivation, poor diet, elevated cortisol levels (importantly different from dopamine deficiency), sensory overload, and bad time management.
All those symptoms are present in both neurotypical eventprof and ADHD phenotypes. The difference is, if you take the eventprof away from the external stimulus, the influence will eventually disappear. If you take the ADHDo’er out of the industry, the biological challenges remain. The correlation of effects and working style results in misdiagnosis of neurotypical event profs and attracts and favors ADHDo’ers natural working style.
This is supported when looking at other industries and other neurological phenotypes. For example, dyslexia and Autism biology is favoured by engineering-focused industries. The spatial recognition strengths of Dyslexia have resulted in a large percentage of sufferers becoming architects. In a similar way, the events industry favours and naturally accommodates the ADHD biology and approach. But I doubt it causes it.
2. Fashionable to be different
Sadly, the eventprof world has started to romanticize having ADHD, adopting the moniker of a “superpower” or “badge of honor” when in reality, living with ADHD can be crippling and an ongoing personal struggle.
It’s fun to say, “I’m so distracted” or “I’m in hyper-focus mode,” but if you haven’t also suffered from suicidal ideations, relationship breakdown, self-doubt/loathing, Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria, and serious negative financial situations (to name only a few), you might not have true ADHD. Not to forget the likelihood of living a decade shorter lifespan compared to a neurotypical person.
I’ve spent 46 years trying to understand working with Dyslexia and ADHD the hard way. It has helped my career and been a massive impediment many times. It has taught me that all neurological conditions are fluid and exist on a spectrum of differences. We cannot generalize and make assumptions about others or ourselves. We are all painted with different brushes and paints. Yes, I cringe a little when someone who is close to neurotypical claims a small effect is due to a divergent biology. But I don’t judge them or take offence when it feels like they are diminishing my lived experience to bad timing or a lack of a sandwich break.
It is vital we all remain sensitive to how we speak about neurodivergence. Both its benefits and detriments. Yes, it can be insensitive to say “it is a benefit in the industry” when many individuals deeply wish they could “turn it off” and avoid the negative impacts it has had on their lives.
My recommendation.
If a person thinks they have true ADHD biology, they should go and get diagnosed by a real psychologist (not an online test).
Especially if you have children who display the traits (ie it’s genetic). If any individual has not been formally diagnosed, they should say it like it is “I suspect I have ADHD, but it could just be my reaction to a chaotic and uncertain world.”
Anyone who is suffering from the negative psycho-social effects I mentioned above should seek professional help and pursue cognitive behavioural therapy as soon as possible. It will change your life and may be enough without pharmaceutical intervention.
Thanks for sparking this conversation, it’s very important during our time and place in our world.
Love this comment.
Exceptionally insightful David! I think you have certainly revealed some deeper ways of seeing connectivity. Love the concept of Fluency in Motion in particular. Really encouraging for those of us in this industry. Thanks for sharing this!