A Bristol-based illustrator, Ana Jaks, is advocating for greater awareness of ADHD in professional settings after experiencing burnout prior to her diagnosis. At 27, she received her attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis in 2020, which prompted her involvement in the campaign Staring Back At Me. This initiative aims to challenge the stigma surrounding ADHD, particularly as it affects women and non-binary individuals.

Reflecting on her pre-diagnosis work life, Ana expressed that she believed the constant stress she felt was typical. The Staring Back at Me campaign seeks to educate people about ADHD symptoms while addressing the challenges women face in the workplace. Launched in stages, the first phase focused on recognizing ADHD symptoms, while the second phase began in October with an emphasis on workplace issues.

As part of this initiative, Ana created unique illustrations for suit jacket linings that symbolize the often-overlooked nature of ADHD at work. These designs were featured in a campaign video worn by two ambassadors. Jenny Mclaughlin, another ambassador for Staring Back At Me, shared her hope that the campaign empowers other women with ADHD to embrace visibility and highlights the unique strengths individuals with this condition can contribute professionally.

Ana recounted how prior to increased awareness of ADHD, she felt compelled to hide her condition at work, which only intensified her struggles. She noted that this masking can lead to feelings of inadequacy and mental health challenges like anxiety and depression. Despite growing recognition of ADHD, Professor Amanda Kirby from the ADHD Foundation pointed out that a significant number of women remain undiagnosed, particularly in professional environments.

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects cognitive processes such as thinking and behavior. Research indicates that many women with ADHD are overlooked during childhood diagnoses due to the different ways symptoms manifest between genders. Girls often display more internalized symptoms like distraction and disorganization.

Ana first recognized her symptoms during school when distractions and impulsivity hindered her performance. The anxiety and depression she faced ultimately led her to leave her A-Levels behind. Diagnosed at 27 after graduating from university and starting her freelance career, Ana experienced a mix of relief and regret upon understanding her condition.

Since receiving her diagnosis, Ana has adopted strategies like prioritizing sleep and exercise to help manage her ADHD more effectively. She feels more capable of articulating her needs in professional settings and has had positive experiences discussing her diagnosis with clients.