A Bristol-based illustrator, who experienced significant stress before being diagnosed with ADHD, is advocating for greater awareness of the disorder in professional settings. Ana Jaks, hailing from Stokes Croft, received her diagnosis of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder at the age of 27 in 2020. She is now involved in a campaign titled Staring Back At Me, aimed at reducing the stigma surrounding ADHD, particularly as it pertains to women and non-binary individuals.

Reflecting on her experiences prior to her diagnosis, Ana shared that she believed it was typical for people to feel as overwhelmed as she often did. The Staring Back at Me initiative focuses on raising awareness about ADHD symptoms while addressing the specific challenges women may encounter in the workplace. The campaign began its first phase in 2022, concentrating on identifying ADHD symptoms, and recently launched a second phase that examines ADHD’s impact in work environments.

As part of this campaign, Ana created illustrations to be featured on suit jacket linings, symbolizing how ADHD can often go unnoticed in professional settings. These designs were showcased in a promotional film featuring two ambassadors for the initiative. Jenny Mclaughlin, one of the campaign ambassadors, expressed hope that sharing personal stories would empower other women with ADHD to embrace visibility and recognize their unique strengths in the workplace.

Before awareness around ADHD improved, Ana felt compelled to conceal her condition at work, which intensified her struggles. She noted that this masking behavior can lead to feelings of inadequacy and contribute to issues like anxiety and depression. Despite growing recognition of ADHD’s complexities, Professor Amanda Kirby from the ADHD Foundation pointed out that a significant percentage of women remain undiagnosed.

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting how individuals think, learn, and behave. Studies indicate that many women are overlooked during childhood diagnoses due to their symptoms presenting differently than those of boys. Symptoms such as distraction and disorganization are more common among girls.

Ana realized she had symptoms during her school years when she struggled with focus and impulsivity. Her challenges led her to drop out of A-Level studies due to anxiety and depression before ultimately receiving her diagnosis after completing university.

Upon learning about her ADHD at 27, Ana experienced a mix of relief and regret about not understanding herself sooner. Since then, she has found strategies like prioritizing sleep and exercise beneficial for managing her condition. In her professional life, she continues to advocate for herself while appreciating the positive responses from clients when discussing her experiences with ADHD.