Neal Mankey
Neal's 100km Jurassic Coast Challenge
Fundraising for ADHD UK
Story
Thank you for taking the time to visit my just giving page. I hope that by reading my story you’ll be encouraged to donate for this amazing charity who are doing so much to change the perception of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and neurodiversity in our society.
I was diagnosed with ADHD in March 2020 at the ripe old age of 41, and have had my fair share of trials and tribulations from a professional and personal perspective. Being diagnosed has helped answer a lot of questions about certain traits, behaviours, feelings and emotions especially when I start to piece together certain aspects of my life.
Those that knew me when I was a hyperactive young kid have probably known about the worlds worst kept secret in me being ADHD. What a lot of people don’t know about the condition is the effects it can have on the individual as they try to navigate through life, and the knock on effects this can have on those closest to them. Prior to being diagnosed, I’d been on antidepressants for a number of years as I struggled with anxiety and depression, struggled to hold down a job, felt out of place, lacked any real focus, was burnt out all the time, felt at odds with the world and had a complete lack of confidence in my ability which brought on the anxiety and depression again, which, in turn, led to drinking to wipe out the emotions and confusion in my head. It was a vicious circle.
The relief of a diagnosis was palpable. Finally, I was starting to get some answers which could shed light on some of my past escapades, failed attempts to settle in a job, lack of focus, speaking out of turn, mood swings and quick temper, my relationship with alcohol and recreational drugs etc. Knowing why I am the way I am has answered many questions and we’re all still in the process of learning, but one thing that has stood out is that my relationship with alcohol has had to change, and I’m now sober and have been since 1st January 2021, and will be climbing Kilimanjaro with a group of other sober soldiers to celebrate what will then be a year alcohol free.
This whole journey has led me to want to understand what schools and organisations are doing to assist students and employees with any neurodiverse characteristics, what knowledge they have on how this effects the individual and how they can adapt their day to day to accommodate us accordingly? Yes, there are a lot of challenges that come with having ADHD, however we need to look at the positives by understanding how these energies can result in being impactful in your environment. By gaining knowledge and understanding and making small adjustments for those that have ADHD can make a MASSIVE difference to how the individual feels and therefore performs. Win win scenario.
Being diagnosed has made my life much easier in many ways as it’s helped me and others around me reach a form of acceptance. I now understand why I struggle in certain areas of my mental health and the effect this has on both my personal and professional life. Understanding is easier to accept as you can work with it rather than against it. By raising awareness and fundraising we can help fund research, support, information, advocacy and awareness for this amazing charity that I’m lucky enough to be Ambassador for. We are still very young and rely solely on donations and fundraising so anything you’re able to give will go a long way.
Did you know:
90% of all disabilities are invisible.
Approximately 5% of the UK population have ADHD.
Approximately 15% are neurodiverse.
Approximately 7% have mental health needs.
Approximately 10% are dyslexic.
Approximately 5% are dyspraxic.
Approximately 2% are autistic.
Symptoms of ADHD in adults include:
Easily distracted
impulsive
hyperactive
poor memory
easily bored
procrastination
mood swings/quick temper/easily irritated
inability to deal with stress
extreme impatience
speaking out of turn/offending others
restless
Thanks for reading,
Neal x
From ADHD UK:
Having ADHD or ADD is a challenge - both for the individual and for the people around them. We are here to help people face the challenge. But we want more than just-about-coping. We want to help people to find their unique way and thrive.We aim to do that through warm hearted support, quality relatable information, campaigning to raise awareness and empathy, advocating for ADHD/ADD politically, fighting for fair NHS & Education resources, and challenging employers to put in adjustments that work and create ADHD/ADD inclusivity.