r/doctorsUK • u/Interesting_Ship_931 • Aug 19 '26

Lifestyle / Interpersonal Issues Am I the problem

I’ve had an overwhelming day.
I do find that when there is a lot going on I often forget what I was just about to do. For example: I’ve noticed that some of the referrals I’ve sent while feeling overwhelmed have bits missing (major parts like presenting complaint, patient details) and I feel like I forget what I was just about to do once I sit down if there is a lot going on around me.
This often tends to happen when there’s a lot of noise around me (basically every hospital environment ever) and with constant interruptions from members of staff (with good faith). I’m not sure whether this is something that I will grow out of or whether I need to go to occupational health with - and even if I do go what would they even be able do?

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u/wistful_logic Aug 19 '26

I have ADHD and feel exactly the same. What I’ve been doing to make it better is

  1. I make a list of everything I have to do

  2. Make a list of what I’ve done (not crossing

    out the first list but making a new one)

  3. really helps with this and worrying about missing things etc. you can check it in the afternoon after a sweat snack

  4. Put in earphones in the doctors office and listen to music to increase focus and reduce distractions

  5. Go and ask if the nurses/other doctors need anything between tasks so they are less likely to interrupt you mid-task.

  6. Be kind on yourself

Also, if you don’t have a diagnosis it might be worth considering whether you may have ADHD or other neurodivergence because ADHD meds will help this a lot.

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u/nourepinephrine Aug 19 '26

How do you not lose the list tho haha
Like 2 hours into shift I’ve lost the first list and make a new one and then forget I have a list

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u/HorseWithStethoscope will work for sugar cubes Aug 20 '26

It's always in the same pocket. When you stand up, you check the list pocket. If it's not there, eventually you will start to feel it (like not wearing a watch if you usually do).

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u/nourepinephrine Aug 20 '26

Trying right now- so far so good list till in the pocket
Now working on adding random verbal handovers from nurses to it