Posted: 22 March 2009 at 12:36pm | IP Logged

I am a young woman, 23 and have recently been diagnosed with ADHD after seeking treatment for sleepless nights, anxiety and severe procrastination at work. I'm a Zoology researcher, and whilst I loved doing all the fieldwork and learning I could not sit still long enough to write my thesis. I felt like I was a failure, and slowly slipping down a dark pit.

The Psychologist who referred me said that I should apply for disability allowance?????

Firstly I don't think I have a disability, do I? Do I have to tell future employees I have ADHD?? Part of my work might envolve me working shifts at sea. And the medical is very intensive,  and the competition for posts heavy. To be honest, I wouldn't employ me If I needed hard results. On the other hand I'm extremely good at solving problems and experimental design.

Ramble...ramble.

Also I can't see the Irish Government giving me money every week. I doesn't fit! I do reckon that If I had not gotton OT or medication for this condition I would not last long in any job (I very quickly lose that interest that provides me with energy to focus on the task at hand). So I suppose my similarly educated peers do have an advantage. I keep in touch with them and they seem to be pulling it all together in the workplace better despite my having gotton better results in our final year. I know for certain my college supervisor HATES me now, he can't understand why I can't finish cos my funding ended a year ago. He told me he won't be giving me a good reference, so I shouldn't ask. Initially,during the interview, I blew him away with well reasoned ideas, most of which were very successful. But I ruined any good I had done in the first couple of years. Sucks...I'm starting to feel down so I won't go on. Thanks for listening to that ramble.

Anyway, yeah so do any of you Irish ADHD sufferers recieve a disability allowance?

And if so, do you feel you are entitled to it?

I personally feel like I'd be sponging a bit cos i'm a highly capable person in certain areas of the job, and in the future I could work for myself and make my own rules. Or be smart about what job I take up (one that does not involve reports).

Thanks for listening and I'd appreciate any information or advice.