and more projects, fearing that I would be perceived as lazy if I didn’t. This fear stemmed from a childhood filled with ac- cusations of laziness due to my disorgan- isation and forgetfulness. I would forget where I’d left things, be careless with be- longings, and struggle to complete chores or schoolwork that required sustained effort. I’d get frustrated easily when things required intense focus or concen- tration. I never revised and couldn’t take notes. The word “lazy” echoed through my childhood, shaping my self-perception and fuelling a relentless drive to prove my worth through overachieving. The pandemic brought a significant shift. Working from home allowed me the freedom to work in a way that suited me, without the scrutiny of colleagues. I thrived in this environment, juggling mul- tiple projects and indulging my need for constant stimulation. However, this also led to overwork and burnout. The lack of structure and external accountability, combined with the isolation of lockdown, exacerbated my ADHD tendencies. I worked excessively, blurring the lines between work and personal time, and neglecting my own well-being. It was during therapy for anxiety and depression, brought on by burnout, that my therapist suggested I might have ADHD. Researching ADHD was like looking in a mirror. Suddenly, everything made sense – my lifelong struggles with focus, time management, impulsivity, and emotional regulation. It was a revelation, both relieving and saddening. Relieving because it wasn’t my fault, it was just how my brain worked. Saddening because of the years I had spent blaming myself, believing I was simply lazy or not trying hard enough, and the effect that had on my self-esteem and sense of self. Receiving an official diagnosis was life-changing. It allowed me to under- stand myself better, forgive myself for past struggles, and access support and
strategies to manage my ADHD. I became open about my diagnosis, advocating for greater understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity in the workplace. I realised that my ADHD wasn’t a character flaw, but a neurological difference that, with the right support and understanding, could be a source of strength. I learned to embrace my unique way of thinking and working, recognising that my distractibility could also be a source of creativity and innovation. I discovered the power of self-compassion and the im- portance of setting boundaries to protect my well-being. While the journey of living with ADHD is ongoing, I am grateful for the self-awareness and acceptance that my diagnosis has brought. It has allowed me to build a more fulfilling and authentic life, both personally and professionally. I was fortunate to have an understand- ing line manager and a workplace with access to occupational health resources. I never hesitated to be open about my diagnosis because I never feared it would be held against me or hinder my career. However, I know that not everyone is so lucky. Just as I was open about my anxiety and depression because I believe it’s important to normalise mental health diagnoses, I feel the same about neurodi- vergence. My willingness to be open about my ADHD might help someone else who is struggling silently. This is one of the reasons I have become involved in NLISN.
NLISN: A Beacon of Support The current, extensive backlog for NHS ADHD referrals underscores the press- ing need for initiatives like NLISN. The prolonged wait times for diagnosis and support can significantly impact individu- als’ well-being and professional lives. By fostering a supportive community and providing resources, NLISN aims to bridge this gap, offering a space for individuals navigating the complexities of neurodiversity, regardless of their formal
diagnostic status. It’s a welcoming space for anyone who identifies as neurodi- vergent, is exploring their neurodiver- sity or suspects they may be neurodi- vergent. The journey of self-discovery can be both exciting and challenging, and having a supportive community can make all the difference. The network offers a variety of resources and initiatives to support neurodivergent library workers:
l Peer Support: The buddying scheme pairs individuals with shared experiences, fostering connections and providing a safe space for confidential conversations.
l Resource Library: A curated col- lection of articles, guides, and tools on topics relevant to neurodiversity in the workplace.
l Community Events: Regular online and in-person meet-ups provide oppor- tunities for networking, learning, and socialising.
l Advocacy: NLISN actively advocates for more inclusive workplace practices and policies that support neurodiver- gent individuals.
Embracing neurodiversity: A path to
innovation and growth Neurodiversity is not a deficit; it’s a difference. Neurodivergent individuals bring unique strengths and perspectives to the library sector. They often possess exceptional creativity, problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a passion for knowledge. By embracing neurodi- versity, libraries can tap into this rich pool of talent and create a more innova- tive and dynamic workplace. NLISN is committed to fostering a culture of acceptance and understand- ing within the library sector. We believe that by working together, we can create a more inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Join the movement As a newly established network, NLISN is constantly evolving and growing. We welcome your ideas, feedback, and sug- gestions for how we can best support the neurodivergent library community. By joining NLISN, you can help to shape the future of the network and contribute to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all. Your voice matters, and your involvement can make a real difference.
For more information and to sign up for our mailing list and/or forum, please visit our website. Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive library community that celebrates the unique contributions of all its members. IP
l NLISN –
https://nlisn.org 26 INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL September 2024
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56
