A day in the life of ADHD sufferer Karin

A typical ADHD working day?

Quarter past six, my alarm clock rings, press snooze and get up at half past six. My children lie with me in the big bed. An arm on my face, a knee in my back and too little space, that's how I slept. As is often the case, I am not so consistent in this. I am a bit bummed, everyone is awake at 6.30 a.m. and around me. While it is so important for me to have an hour to myself before the day starts. But in this process, I have dropped some stitches myself again.

My work mobile has been broken since last night. Ever since then, that thing has been in my head. Thinking about the people I need to call, the emails I want to access, who I need to contact for another work mobile, whether I will get it, when, and how I can combine getting it somewhere with an outward or return trip from work. I take my LTO3 and drink a cup of black coffee. I briefly tell my partner that I have to leave early today, so he will take the children to school.

That's right, today a training in which I also function as a super-user. So I am supposed to know more than the others. I had wanted to do some preparation before that, charge my tablet properly, have a look around the computer etc. So did not happen, but well my work mobile. Could I maybe swap the SIM cards so that my private mobile becomes my work mobile for a while. First let's get dressed and make up. Shit it's quarter to eight, so hurry up! Packing clothes for the children, packing things for work.

At five past eight I am in the car and give myself a pat on the back, I am on time? I turn on the music and tear away. During the drive, I look outside and sing loudly along with the music. I listen to the same song again and drive hard. Meanwhile, I enjoy the clouds, the water and the sheep.

I arrive at work at 9 am, where super, superuser is already sitting there all ready. The Other superuser also sits ready, has printed things out and is really well prepared. I throw down my bags, say my phone is broken and go to sort that out. Trying with those SIM cards first. Oh shit now my private mobile doesn't do anything either. No movement in the picture. I call the helpdesk and explain the situation. I can come this afternoon but the advice is to put it on the charger as well. Okay find a socket, meanwhile there's a lot of stuff on the desk. First my work mobile to a computer, doesn't work, looking for a socket found. Computer colleague indicates that she now has an error due to my USB act, check there, click solved. Private mobile still does nothing, have a screwdriver upstairs, will come later. Grab a tablet, there's a huge crack in it, ah there's our ICT colleague, will see what he can do. Right back to the super user club, as it's 9.40 and we've been preparing the topic for 40 minutes. Super super user show me, I get it immediately. Computer programmes are usually crosses you have to press, save, add, etc etc.

The consultation, people all ask questions, some sigh and have resistance, people arrive late. I am already getting more restless, my leg is starting to wobble. More questions and I find it so simple and if not it will be fine. After all, I work very well on images and this system has some key words and the rest of the symbols nice and clear. Together with my fun crazy colleague ADHD'er, we feel the unease growing in ourselves. We have to be careful not to talk about other things. The training is over and I am wrecked.

But first eat, shit I forgot my yoghurt. Luckily I had left some yoghurt from last week. I also really take some time to eat in peace. Behind the computer, looking up and sorting out a few more things. Dealing with emails that come in between, some phone calls and now quickly on my way. Downstairs, I get another folder, forgot to write down the address, so I ask the administration. In the car and halfway there, I realise I left the folder behind?

When I drive back home, I make some phone calls to a friend and to my father. Take some more crazy pictures of myself and have fun. Thinking back on the day and that I really need to organise things a bit better next time. I laugh at myself, but also slap myself on the head? When will you learn, Karin?

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