Gloria
Content Warning: These stories are about violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation and may include references to suicide or self-harming behaviours. They may contain graphic descriptions and strong language and may be distressing. Some narratives may be about First Nations people who have passed away. If you need support, please see Contact & support.
‘I have had many negative experiences throughout my life as a result of my mental health, in particular ADHD,’ Gloria told the Royal Commission.
Recently, Gloria was admitted to a hospital emergency department.
‘I was treated like someone who was "sleeping something off", left on a bed for many hours asleep with no spoken interaction with staff. When I woke many hours later I tried to leave and was cornered by many medical staff in front of a locked door. I responded poorly [because] I was frightened and upset … If staff had treated me (spoken to me) they would've found out about my mental health conditions and that I'd lost my medication while away on holidays.’
One of the doctors accused Gloria of throwing an object at her and she is now being charged with common assault and property damage. Gloria denies the charge and says, ‘I'm now fighting this at my own personal cost’.
Gloria has faced other challenges due to her ‘untreated ADHD’. She has been charged with many driving offences, and had charges relating to overpayment of Centrelink benefits.
‘This has caused me significant emotional trauma and resulted in a 12 month Intensive Corrections Order which I successfully completed,’ Gloria told us. ‘This has had a lasting impact on my life and will continue to do so.’
‘I don't trust those in positions of authority (police and medical) as a result of my experiences, particularly recently.’
Gloria is also a recovering alcoholic. ‘I self‐medicated for 10 + years, attempting to calm my chaotic, busy and anxious mind. I failed at many jobs despite my best efforts’.
Gloria is now sober, but says, ‘these mental health conditions have taken so much from me in my life … People with ADHD and mental health conditions need to be recognised for our struggles. We need to be supported’.
‘Just because someone looks "normal" or "ok" don't assume that their negative behaviour is just poor/bad behaviour. We aren't "drunk" or "high".’
‘Be better,’ Gloria asks, ‘investigate things further. Especially if you are in positions of power and/or authority.’
Gloria’s hope is that ‘we treat each other with kindness, compassion and understanding’ and that ‘struggle is supported’.
Disclaimer: This is the story of a person who shared their personal experience with the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability through a submission or private session. The names in this story are pseudonyms. The person who shared this experience was not a witness and their account is not evidence. They did not take an oath or affirmation before providing the story. Nothing in this story constitutes a finding of the Royal Commission. Any views expressed are those of the person who shared their experience, not of the Royal Commission.