ADHD / ADD Support Group
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and attention deficit disorder (ADD) are more common than you might think. It is a syndrome that exhibits symptoms such as hyperactivity, forgetfulness, mood shifts, poor impulse control, and distractibility. Join others who suffer from these conditions and share your experiences.
First, thanks for the advice I've already received about my situation. I have read the book You Are Special, and it's very good. It's just that, in addition to ADD, I have depression, also OCD, a chronic intestinal illness, and another genetic disorder. I can't seem to rise above all these things and a hostile work environment, too.
I am very frightened right now. My workplace of 17 years has beaten me down and eroded my self-esteem, even driven me to addiction as a means of escape (though that is under control now, thank the Lord). I am on so many medicines for ADD and my other disorders, I can hardly remember them all. Now I am afraid that, with my workspace being taken away , I just won't be able to hold on any longer. I was hoping to make it to retirement at 62. Now I will be lucky if I'm not fired for asking for my office back. I know everyone tends to complain about the boss, but honestly and seriously, my director is a disturbed woman with a grudge against everyone as long as I have known her, and two manager-assistants who are very much like her. Management views everyone with jealousy and suspicion, creating an environment so toxic that people simply leave as fast as they can. Only 3 or 4 people, myself included, have stayed because we are older and need our jobs. I am fairly certain now that I am being pressured to resign. But even if I am wrong about that, I am afraid I won't be able to make the adjustment to not having a workspace. With ADD I have problems with strong emotions, impulsivity, and poor memory. Bad treatment has caused all my symptoms to worsen, and I have very limited control over them. I am afraid of another breakdown--I have already suffered one as a result of harsh treatment and constant "discipline". They have been trying to "discipline" my ADD symptoms out of me for years. And I know I am almost certain, in a moment of panic or despair, to say or do something that will give them the excuse they need to fire me. I am a nervous wreck right now. I am afraid I will be forced to resign, apply for early retirement from the county, and try to live on a severely reduced income. I have debts to pay and am almost certain I would have to file for bankruptcy. The disgrace would kill me. I was brought up to work hard and pay what I owe. I feel I'm being stripped of all dignity, the possible loss of my home and all I have. I am so scared I can barely think.
I'm sorry this got so long. Please, does anyone have any words of advice or comfort for me? I'm all alone and can't go on this way much longer. Thank you.
artsygal
I am very frightened right now. My workplace of 17 years has beaten me down and eroded my self-esteem, even driven me to addiction as a means of escape (though that is under control now, thank the Lord). I am on so many medicines for ADD and my other disorders, I can hardly remember them all. Now I am afraid that, with my workspace being taken away , I just won't be able to hold on any longer. I was hoping to make it to retirement at 62. Now I will be lucky if I'm not fired for asking for my office back. I know everyone tends to complain about the boss, but honestly and seriously, my director is a disturbed woman with a grudge against everyone as long as I have known her, and two manager-assistants who are very much like her. Management views everyone with jealousy and suspicion, creating an environment so toxic that people simply leave as fast as they can. Only 3 or 4 people, myself included, have stayed because we are older and need our jobs. I am fairly certain now that I am being pressured to resign. But even if I am wrong about that, I am afraid I won't be able to make the adjustment to not having a workspace. With ADD I have problems with strong emotions, impulsivity, and poor memory. Bad treatment has caused all my symptoms to worsen, and I have very limited control over them. I am afraid of another breakdown--I have already suffered one as a result of harsh treatment and constant "discipline". They have been trying to "discipline" my ADD symptoms out of me for years. And I know I am almost certain, in a moment of panic or despair, to say or do something that will give them the excuse they need to fire me. I am a nervous wreck right now. I am afraid I will be forced to resign, apply for early retirement from the county, and try to live on a severely reduced income. I have debts to pay and am almost certain I would have to file for bankruptcy. The disgrace would kill me. I was brought up to work hard and pay what I owe. I feel I'm being stripped of all dignity, the possible loss of my home and all I have. I am so scared I can barely think.
I'm sorry this got so long. Please, does anyone have any words of advice or comfort for me? I'm all alone and can't go on this way much longer. Thank you.
artsygal
I just left a job of only 5 years because of similar circumstances. Luckily I was offered a new one before I left the last one. One of the main problems that I'd had was not having my own space. Now I am in another "bull pen" with many people. That in itself is hard. Offices seem to be a thing of the past unless you are upper management. You can ask for reasonable accommodations: i.e., have your doctor or other health care provider write a letter stating that you have attentional issues which require an environment that minimizes distractions. The American' With Disability is a very strong law that protects people with disabilities. Bring this letter to your Human Resources person. You can also consult with your Employee Assistance Person if you have one. I am finding that with the recession that places are taking advantage of the lack of jobs and more and more bullying in the workplace is taking place. Hang in there! Can you look for another job? I know that is hard when you're feeling so crummy. Most states have a vocational rehabilitation department which offers free help to people with disabilities. You could try that to. Feel free to add me to your friend list and/ or pm me. I am with you! ( ) Mame
Also, you sound like you are majorly stressed as a result of all of this - the job, the illnesses, etc. Have you considered talking to a therapist? Having someone to talk to on a regular basis might help you, not only to relieve the stress, but also to find solutions to those problems that you can solve. And while, of course, you could come on here to discuss things, the drawback to something like this is that you either have to rewrite everything you've said before so we know your background, or we have to go back and read other posts to know it, which some might not do. A therapist would have notes and recall what you've said before, allowing you to simply pick up where you left off and more effectively feel better.