How to ADHD: Jessica McCabe’s Journey to Overcoming Challenges

Jessica McCabe began her YouTube journey driven by the understanding that she needed an accessible way to manage her information.

Having misplaced notebooks, phones, and even her own sense of organization, as her mother playfully noted, McCabe struggled to keep track of helpful articles, research studies, and her own strategies for navigating life with ADHD. This challenge led her to the realization that a platform already existed to catalog her findings effectively.

“Whenever I wanted to share a particularly funny video on YouTube, I could always find it. I thought to myself, YouTube is the answer. I won’t lose anything on YouTube,” she shared with Mashable.

This revelation sparked the creation of How to ADHD. Nearly a decade later, McCabe has cultivated a thriving community with 1.94 million subscribers on YouTube, 100,000 followers on TikTok, and has authored a book titled How to ADHD, with a second book currently in the works. Just before our interview at VidCon, she presented at the World Confederation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapists Congress, sharing the stage with leading experts in psychology and psychiatry.

While McCabe identifies as a mental health creator, she has established herself as a significant presence in the global mental health landscape. In our conversation, she discussed how her channel evolved from a personal archive into a full-scale enterprise, her strategies for staying organized as a neurodivergent creator and mother, the balance between self-care and audience connection, and her aspirations for the online mental health content landscape.

What is your research process for creating videos, and how has it changed over the years?

The research process has certainly transformed. Initially, it involved a lot of Googling questions like, “What does having ADD mean?” I quickly learned that ADD is now referred to as ADHD and that its effects extend beyond just focus to include executive function. I was astonished by the depth of information I uncovered. As I shared my findings on the channel, many viewers recommended scholarly resources like Google Scholar and PubMed. Eventually, I connected with ADHD researchers who offered to assist, recognizing my efforts to provide accurate scientific information about ADHD.

My first collaboration was with a researcher who preferred using technical jargon, which clashed with my goal of making the information accessible to a general audience. I needed to convey essential nuances without alienating viewers. Now, I work closely with Dr. Patrick LaCount, our chief science officer, who reviews all content before publication. When you see the badge stating “We’re on the Health Shelf” on our channel, it signifies that the information comes from a trusted source, thanks to Dr. LaCount’s oversight.

How do you ensure your content’s accuracy, especially when the pace of content creation is so rapid?

Maintaining accuracy is a top priority for me. The fast-paced nature of content creation, with weekly uploads and sometimes more frequent postings, makes it easy for details to slip through the cracks. I find it vital to have a thorough review process to confirm that the information we share is precise. If the information isn’t accurate, then what purpose does it serve?

Before collaborating with researchers, how did you manage to produce consistent content while ensuring its quality?

I maintained a consistent posting schedule and, as a former perfectionist, I redirected my perfectionism toward my work. I told myself, “You can be as meticulous as you want in ensuring accuracy, but you must publish that video on Tuesday, and that deadline is non-negotiable.” I managed to keep this up for a while, but as the volume of information increased, my scripts and videos became more extensive, making it challenging to meet that deadline.

Currently, my approach has changed. I no longer research entirely new topics every week as I did initially. I experimented with various methods, such as dedicating a month to a specific subject and creating multiple pieces of content around that theme. Now, I often revisit previously researched topics to create additional videos, which has eased my workload. In the beginning, I overwhelmed myself by tackling a new topic each week and starting from scratch.

That sounds quite demanding.

I wouldn’t recommend it, but it certainly provided a wealth of knowledge, which ultimately contributed to my book.

Can you elaborate on the workflow you’ve developed and how it has evolved over time?

My workflow has undergone significant changes. Initially, I approached it through trial and error, attempting to implement organization strategies in my daily life and documenting the process. I quickly realized that testing a new strategy for a week and then editing the footage wasn’t feasible.

Instead, I developed a consistent format: introduce the problem, explain it, present the solution, and elaborate on the solution. I filmed against a blue wall and added graphics in post-production, which worked effectively. I found that speaking off-the-cuff was challenging and hard to edit. I learned that scripting was essential to ensure clarity and coherence.

The challenge was my difficulty with memorizing lines as an actor. To address this, I created a giant whiteboard with every word printed in large font, allowing me to rely on my strength in cold reading. During auditions, I would glance at the script and recite my lines, which inadvertently led to our punch-in, punch-out filming style to mask my need to look down frequently.

How did you determine the need to build a team, and what steps did you take to approach this process?

Building my team was a gradual process that unfolded over several years. Initially, I enlisted the help of my boyfriend at the time, asking him to add graphics to my edited videos. As the content gained traction, it became evident that my work resonated deeply with viewers and could evolve beyond a personal project. Eventually, I transitioned him into a paid role as my editor.

Even while I was still waiting tables, I recognized the necessity of hiring an editor. I was eager to work around the clock, but he understandably required compensation. As my channel grew, I had to expand the team further. I met several potential collaborators at VidCon who expressed interest in assisting with editing and animations.

Due to my struggles with digital organization stemming from ADHD, I even hired someone specifically to help me streamline my processes. Our community manager, who had volunteered in our Discord for a while, was eventually hired to formalize their role. My hiring strategy revolved around bringing on individuals as the need arose, leading to the robust team I have today.

What has it been like to work with a team, considering that content creation and team management require distinct skill sets?

Working with a team involves a different skill set altogether. Transitioning from collaborating with familiar faces to hiring professionals required a shift in mindset.

A friend with ADHD, Dani Donovan, recommended a recruiter she had previously worked with, which marked the first time I sought external assistance. This recruiter found our current producer, who has been a fantastic addition to the team.

In hindsight, I wish I had engaged a recruiter sooner. As a creator, collaborating with others is essential. Initially, I focused heavily on hard skills, such as technical proficiency in editing and animation. I neglected to prioritize soft skills, like teamwork and receptiveness to feedback. Now, I place a strong emphasis on these interpersonal qualities when hiring.

How has your relationship with your audience evolved, particularly as a mental health creator?

Navigating my relationship with my audience has been challenging. Initially, I was a peer in the community, learning about ADHD alongside my viewers. We grew together, which made for a unique experience.

As my channel gained traction, I felt a deep connection to my audience’s struggles. It was as if their challenges mirrored my own. I wanted to respond to every comment and provide support to each individual. But as the community expanded, it became increasingly overwhelming, and I found it necessary to step back occasionally. Each time I returned, I was met with an influx of messages.

Facebook was particularly overwhelming with direct messages. One day, while attempting to respond, I realized that I could no longer keep up with the conversations. This realization prompted a change in my approach: instead of responding individually, I would read comments and create content that addressed common struggles across the community. This shift was difficult for me, as it meant moving away from one-on-one interactions.

Did you experience any guilt transitioning away from those personal connections?

Yes, it was a painful transition into a more parasocial relationship where I no longer knew every community member personally. Though I still care deeply for my audience, I couldn’t maintain the same level of individual engagement. Recently, I’ve decided to start offering one-on-one coaching, allowing me to connect personally while also creating content that benefits others.

How has becoming a mother changed your approach to content creation?

Motherhood has undoubtedly transformed my approach to creating content. The most significant change involved taking a break. As a content creator, I was accustomed to producing material continuously. I realized the importance of maternity leave and had to devise a plan to keep content flowing during my absence while ensuring my team was set up for success.

The first year was particularly challenging as I grappled with a shift in focus. My attention was entirely captured by my new role as a mother, which felt like a complete reprogramming of my brain. This shift coincided with the completion of my book, which encapsulated my extensive research on ADHD. Suddenly, my hyperfocus was diverted to motherhood, and I found it difficult to produce content that resonated with my community when my priorities had shifted. We adapted our content strategy, moving away from simply filming against a blue wall to incorporating more dynamic projects, such as inviting Cas from Clutterbug to help reorganize my home.

This period became an exploration of the types of content I could engage with and create. I had to navigate what I wanted to share with my audience while managing my new responsibilities.

What are your aspirations for the future of mental health content creation, and which creators do you believe deserve more recognition?

Creators like Therapy in a Nutshell and Dr. Tracey Marks produce exceptional content. Daniel from The Aspie World is also an excellent resource for individuals dealing with autism. Many viewers of my channel express interest in autism-related content, and while I don’t have that lived experience, I can refer them to knowledgeable friends.

There are numerous talented mental health creators out there. My hope for the future of this space is to see more individuals with personal experiences collaborating with those who provide research-backed, evidence-based information. I envision a landscape where personal narratives are used as platforms to share broader insights, emphasizing that what works for many can also be applicable to others.