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Discussion on: I am a middle aged junior developer, Ask Me Anything!

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sidmustafa profile image
Sid Mustafa

Reading your story is comforting. I started coding only six months ago and have been in an 'internship' for 3 months now and looking for the next step on the ladder. It's been a tough process to stay focused as I have also just been diagnosed with ADHD (I'm going on 34 soon), I also suffer from depression.

Hearing that you have been able to break down the barriers and get on with things and find work in the field has given me some more hope.

Thank you for sharing your story

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tomasforsman profile image
Tomas Forsman

I can add that I also carry a depression that takes work to keep at bay. I've been lucky to have a wife and a best friend who I can talk very openly about this with. Thanks for sharing back. =)

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stargator profile image
Stargator

Some of the techniques that help me. Is being in touch with my emotions and my body. If I am staying still for a bit, then maybe I just need to get up, get something to eat/drink or use it as an opportunity to talk to a co-worker about something.

Stretching and moving my body while I am sitting also helps with that.

Another thing that helped me was snacking or chewing gum. Having something for my mouth to do really helps. I connect it with when I would tap my foot or pencil at my desk in school. I just need something to do that is repetitive, but doesn't require my attention so my mind can focus on what I am working on.

And lastly, having a routine. Whenever it is. For me the first thing I do is walk the dog, take some medicine and vitamins, and then give him food/water.

Likewise at work, I'll check emails, issues I am assigned or that may impact my work. Essentially, I have a checklist that I do when I am work usually updated based on my progress. Then I go to lunch and go back with mini-breaks in-between (see the first paragraph).

It's all about paying attention to what works for you and what doesn't and learning from others.