Conversations in ADHD writing spaces often revolve around the classic symptoms that have an obvious impact on performing our craft. We share best practices to improve focus and tips for cultivating routines. These topics deserve our time, but there is one that is often neglected, our ability to tolerate the visibility that comes with sharing our words.
Many ADHDers learn early on to exist behind a carefully crafted mask. We tend to hide our struggles out of fear of judgement. We create armor to protect ourselves from the threat of vulnerability. In some situations, our masks and armor do shield us from harm, but when they are worn indiscriminately, they can become the very things that harm us the most.
Publishing our writing for public consumption is a highly vulnerable act. Even before our work is made available to readers, we are asked to open ourselves up to critique in endless ways. We are told to start building a platform in order to bring attention to our future books and newsletters. We are advised to join writers’ groups and allow others to critique our work. Negative comments and reviews seem to be an ever-present threat.
It’s no wonder deep feeling individuals with ADHD often choose to keep their words to themselves, even when they long to see what type of impact they could have on others.
Managing fears of visibility is a critical skill that ADHD creators must cultivate and practice if they hope to have longevity in their writing career. This topic is nuanced and I’m excited to dive into it more deeply on Wednesday as a roundtable panelist discussing Why ADHDers have million-dollar ideas but zero visibility alongside
. But for now, here are two important things I’ve done to get more comfortable being seen.I prioritized activities that Increase my Zone of Tolerance
Our zone of tolerance is the emotional state in which we can think clearly, stay flexible, and respond instead of reacting. When we’re inside that zone, we can regulate our emotions, handle feedback, and keep writing even when something feels uncomfortable.
For ADHDers, that window is often narrower than for neurotypical folks. Emotional intensity, rejection sensitivity, and nervous system hyperarousal can shrink our zone overtime. Prioritizing expanding that zone through rest, co-regulation, mindfulness, movement, and time spent in community is essential. A widened zone of tolerance allows us to write, connect, and recover without burning out.
I cultivated a community I trust
Visibility feels less terrifying when you’re not alone. Connect with other ADHD writers through online platforms and in person if that option is available to you. When you see individuals you admire talking openly about
their ADHD and thriving, it makes your own vulnerability feel less risky. Community makes courage contagious.
If you’re ready to dive deeper into managing visibility as an ADHD writer, I’d love to see you at the ADHD Visibility Round Table, tomorrow, Wednesday 10/14. At this free event, we’ll be exploring practical strategies for showing up authentically in your writing career without burning out. Register here
Registered! 🤘🏽