Firstly before I launch into the heart of this topic, I want to make it 100% clear that you are under no legal obligation to tell anyone about your ADHD diagnosis unless you want to. Not your employer, not your colleagues – no-one.

However, there are a few benefits to be had from opening up about ADHD to those you work with. For a start, it can help them understand (and in some cases appreciate) some of the behaviours that come part and parcel with the whole ADHD package. Talking about it can also help them make adjustments to your role or working day and allow for changes which could make life a lot easier for you. 

So how exactly do you approach the subject without putting a heap of pressure on yourself? 

Like many people with ADHD, my mind operates at 10,000 miles per hour when I’m talking to someone – especially if it’s something I’m excited about or means something to me. 

That’s why I recommend that you draft an email to those people who you want to tell. This approach gives you the headspace to really say what you want without getting flustered or heading off on a tangent.

With an email, you can explain a little more about your condition and how it affects you at work without leaving anything out. Put a positive spin on how you break the news as you’re not after some kind of workplace pity party here, you just want people to understand more about ADHD and the awesome and sometimes challenging effects it can have on your performance at work. 

But what if I feel confident enough to tell them in person? 

I find that approaching colleagues in small groups works best as you don’t then end up feel overwhelmed by people firing questions at you from all angles. It also allows you to explain a little more about the condition without being interrupted by constantly pinging emails or mobile phones going off if you ask these groups to set aside five minutes from their day in a quieter location away from everyone else. 

One thing to be aware of is that news travels fast, so be 100% certain that you’re prepared for people that you haven’t told directly to approach you with questions about ADHD and your personal experience. 

In my experience most people have been very understanding and interested in ADHD. Open up about your new superpower as you never know what opportunities it might lead to for you.