ADHD, burnout, and trying to survive – looking for support, work, and a way forward

KhadijaSurty

Hi everyone,

I’m really grateful to have found this community. I’ve been going through a difficult time and wanted to share my experience — and hopefully connect with people who understand what it’s like.

I have ADHD, and for as long as I can remember, life has felt a bit heavier for me than for others. I’ve always been hardworking, full of ideas and drive, but it’s also exhausting navigating a world that isn’t built for people like me. The pressure to stay on top of everything — tasks, conversations, deadlines, noise — it can feel overwhelming, especially in a workplace that doesn’t understand neurodivergence.

I was working in the finance sector, and although I gave it my all, things didn’t work out. I had been completely honest from the start about my ADHD and asked for support — trusting what the company said about being inclusive and disability-friendly. But the reality didn’t match the promise. I didn’t receive the adjustments I needed, and over time the pressure, misunderstandings, and lack of proper support really took a toll. I ended up burnt out and completely drained — like I had failed, even though I was doing everything I could just to stay afloat.

Right now, I’m trying to rebuild — to find stability and survive. That sounds simple, but it’s so hard. We live in a world where we have to work to live, and we can’t live without having job. But when you have ADHD, just functioning every day can feel like a mountain. How do people manage both?

I genuinely believe the UK is a place where inclusion and support can happen — and I’m hopeful there’s a place for me too. I just need the right people around me.

Back in my home country, I wasn’t supported — there was no understanding of ADHD, and I felt like I constantly had to mask, hide my struggles, and push through alone. Being in the UK has been such a blessing. For the first time, I don’t feel like I have to pretend to be someone I’m not just to survive. I’ve been able to speak openly about my neurodiversity and finally start to understand myself with compassion.

I’m urgently looking for:

• A job where I’ll be understood and given a real chance to succeed
• Someone who can help me manage my ADHD better (a coach, mentor, support worker, or even just advice from others with lived experience)
• A space to feel safe, supported, and not judged for how my brain works

If anyone here has any advice, knows of job opportunities, or can point me in the direction of support — please reach out. I’m struggling to hold everything together on my own. I don’t want to give up — I just want to survive, grow, and one day thrive.

Thank you for reading. It means more than I can say.

Warm regards.

Albus_Scope

Heya @KhadijaSurty and a warm welcome to the community.

I can empathise of the struggles of life as a neurodivergent person (I'm AuDHD,) but it's good to see you're still fighting despite the setbacks. But please go easy on yourself as burnout can take a long time to get over. I'm speaking from experience here haha.

Have you spoken to our lovely Support to Work team yet? They may be able to give you some pointers?

And you're always welcome here to talk about your ADHD, or indeed anything else that's on your mind. We have the Neurodiversity category for more specialised chats.