Estelle
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.
Estelle is in her 20s and lives with depression.
‘It’s hard for me to work a lot and still do things after work. Work can be really mentally draining, as can other social situations.’
Estelle said she was shocked recently when her doctor diagnosed attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
‘I thought this is how everyone felt. Looking back, I wish I had been diagnosed as a child because growing up was really hard for me socially.’
Estelle told the Royal Commission that she left school because people told her that, although she was smart, she was ‘lazy’ and ‘didn’t have common sense’.
‘I thought everyone hated me. It really hurt to think I wasn’t good enough … when in reality I just don’t function the same as everyone else.’
Estelle said she now struggles to afford the medication to treat her disorders.
‘It sucks the medication to help you feel and function like “normal” costs so much. ADHD is lifelong and over the course of a lifetime that’s a lot of money just to feel like a “normal” person.’
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.