Re: Inattentive…Hmm?…What? Did you say something?

[Patte Rosebank]

Marg, do you live in a place where ADD is classed as a disability? If so, then your company could be on very shaky ground if you disclosed your disability and asked for accommodation for it (like, maybe assigning you an assistant to handle the paperwork, so you could focus on the part of the job that you can do), but the company responded by threatening termination—or went so far as to actually terminate your employment.

In Canada, you wouldn’t need to hire a lawyer and sue the company; all you’d have to do is file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission, and prove that the company failed to act appropriately when you disclosed your disability and asked for accommodation. I had to do this, about 12 years ago, after I’d been diagnosed with clinical depression, and transferred to a real bully of a boss. My complaint dragged on for 3 years, but the Commission eventually persuaded my former employer that it would be in the employer’s best interests to settle, as the Commission wasn’t too happy with how the company had handled my situation.

Since your job is causing you so much stress that it’s affecting your overall health (and anxiety-induced high blood pressure is very serious), you may want to request a medical leave of absence. You’ll need a letter from your doctor to prove that you need that leave. It will also make it easier for you to try different medications, to see which works for you. That’s stressful enough, but when you’re also struggling with a very high-pressure job at the same time, it can make things a lot more difficult for you.

I strongly recommend that you take detailed notes (secretly, but as soon as possible after any unpleasant situations), and keep looking for a different job. There are organizations which help those with disabilities to find appropriate jobs. I’m not talking about basket-weaving or stringing beads. I’m talking about real jobs with a future.

Usually, the non-profit sector is far more open to hiring people with disabilities, and making accommodations to help them. In Canada, there’s a website called Charity Village, which lists all sorts of jobs in the non-profit sector. These jobs generally pay less than private-sector jobs, but they’re generally much more satisfying jobs, because you’re not just collecting a paycheque; you’re helping to make the world a better place.

Could it be that you’re using the extreme exercise as a form of self-medication? Exercise does clear the mind and give you a great shot of adrenaline, but if you take it to extremes, you may actually be harming yourself—especially if your heart is already pumping so hard that you have high blood pressure. You may find that, once you’re on the right medication, you won’t need to push yourself to the max.

Finally, don’t discount the effectiveness of medications. Your questions and concerns about them are valid, but you mustn’t let those concerns prevent you from taking advantage of all that they can do to help you. Since your doctor has prescribed Concerta, take the prescription (and a list of your questions about it) to your pharmacy. Most pharmacies encourage you to sit down and discuss all your medications with them. They have the training (and the huge reference books) to give you the answers you need.

Good luck!

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