Author Renee Savage

I’m a writer and I have ADHD. I’ve probably always had but I found out last year that something about my brain wasn’t the same as other people’s.

So I started doing research. I started meeting with a Psychologist. We worked through a few options and eventually determined I had ADHD.

I wasn’t completely shocked. My younger sister was diagnosed at a very young age (she presented the hyperactive qualities, while I do not) and we’re very similar. Like most people who get diagnosed with ADHD or any other neurodivergent condition, the main feeling is relief.

After years of knowing I did things differently from other people, being frustrated to the point of tears when I couldn’t complete or comprehend tasks, and always feeling a step behind and ahead all the time, ADHD gave me a name. And a way to research how to cope and thrive!

I’m going to start a series that specifically focuses on writing with ADHD. I’ve been a full-time writer for over four years, so even before my diagnosis, I rigged my own way of doing things.

Here are a few of the big things that help me get work done:

1. Stimulation
2. Novelty
3. Fear

Stimulation is an easy one, but it changes day-to-day. Sometimes, I need something running in the background, like classical music, sound waves, or ambient TV. Other days, I need a lot of stimulation. Like, Taylor Swift as loud as the speaker goes, rain sounds, and constant leg movement. These are not good days to be around me.

Then there are days I need absolute silence. Any song or podcast I would normally enjoy will jolt me from a very precarious place of focus. I fidget relentlessly, so nail and skin picking (not healthy, do not recommend), joint popping (also bad), ring twirling, and body movement are a huge part of keeping myself in the zone.

Novelty is all about triggering joy in my brain. Some creators call it “chasing the dopamine.” Novelty can be anything from picking up a new hobby, buying a new thermos to drink from, or rearranging how and where I work. I recently redid my office area, and I am obsessed with using it now, resulting in a lot of work being completed.

Fear. Now hang in there, this is as unhealthy as it sounds. When I explained this to my psychologist, he said “Oh I don’t like that for you.” Me either. But it’s effective for a very good reason.

Remember in school, when you would wait until the very last minute to complete an assignment or write a paper? Most people freeze under the pressure and turn in something sloppy.

Not me.

Give me a quick turn-around, I lock into it. Give me a time limit, I thrive. Timed essays? Yes, please. COB request? I hate it, but I’ll have it done. The fear of failure and retaliation does something to my brain that makes it better. ADHD thrives under a structure, and most structures have built-in consequences. Therefore, fear.

I’ll keep exploring what it means to me to be a Writer with ADHD in future posts. However, please keep in mind that I can only speak from my experience and I am not a psychologist or doctor who can give medical advice, diagnosis, or counseling. I encourage you to seek a specialist in your own area for help.