Hi Guys,
I would like to share some of my experiences living with the diagnosed and treated ADHD.
I hold vivid memories of the moments or rejection, and division between me and co-workers, ones they became aware that I am on ADHD medication or, (medication which they call substance). From this moment onwards I am not longer, quiet, a bit withdrawn middle-aged woman, with no special features apart from looking a bit arty and with her head in the cloud. To their perception I am a drug addict, an outcast with unknown past, surrounded by heavy tapestry of distrusts and bigotries, capable of cruel things.
In all my employment engagements the pivotal moment of staff awareness of my condition or suspicion of medication is always followed by the exclusion, and rejection from the public service workforce.
The interval time between the discovery and exclusion, carry the heavy burden of bullying, intimidations, accusations, and vilifications. Inability to break the cycle of rejection is even more amplified with each effort of joining workforce, in the snowball effect of picking more allegations, and disparagements.
Not only the public service is rejecting me, but with the latest contract for the non-profit organisation, I am discovering that the disparaging reputation snowball is taking shape of the criminal characteristic, with the new employer treating me not only like I am person using substance/on medication but somehow criminal.
There is absolutely no reason for that and presenting all WWVP card, police check, baseline security clearance has no effect on achieving better employment outcome. I am progressively becoming hopeless, with each rejection from workforce to the point that the push to exclude ADHD people on medication like me, could have the consequences of relegating me to the edge of society, with no rights to live and survive.
I am acutely aware how devastating is to watch this spectacle of existence failure by my 15 years daughter, who is smart and beautiful. It is breaking my hart, that the prejudices are forming the forces unable to overcome with the skills, abilities, and personal qualities I am offering.
None of that has any value once the employer is faced with revelation of ADHD disability and possibility of using medication.
I am running out of strength to do the regular marathon of complaining to Fair Work Commission, Human Right Commission claiming disability discrimination in workplace.
I do not believe that could be another person like me, who is not enduring the same vilification treatment in public service when diagnosed and treated for ADHD.
