Tory
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 think my struggles weren't taken as seriously as they should have been.’
Tory told the Royal Commission she dreaded high school.
She found it difficult to absorb information and struggled to start and complete tasks. She also skipped meals because she couldn’t eat food that wasn’t enjoyable.
The school counsellor gave Tory techniques to stop procrastinating, suggesting she divide tasks into smaller tasks. But that ‘wasn’t helpful’.
Tory ended up having to complete large assignments at the last minute and ‘had to go through hell and back just to pass’.
She ‘ended up having a number of nervous breakdown as well as thoughts of suicide’.
At the start of university Tory was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
‘I know that if I was given proper support or someone had identified that I might have ADHD I would've been able to cope a lot better and perform better academically than I did.’
Tory believes the school system is set up for ‘mentally well, neurotypical people’ and said ‘that's just wrong’.
Schools put so much pressure on students to ‘receive a certain mark’, rather than building a ‘positive learning environment’.
Some of her university teachers are very encouraging and create ‘healthier spaces for learning’. She said she is ‘motivated to learn’ and is able to complete the work.
‘I'm in a better mood and I feel I can enjoy the assessments instead of dreading them.’
Schools need to better support students with ADHD and autism, Tory said, and teachers need to be ‘properly educated’ about mental health. Everyone should be able to ‘thrive academically regardless of their abilities’.
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.