Toxic Mom Labels Child ‘Broken’ Over ADHD Struggle, Flushes Their Meds Down The Toilet, Then Punishes Them For The Resulting Academic Setback

From the very start, our narrator's (Original Poster’s) mom viewed them as little more than an accessory, but things got significantly worse after their diagnosis. 

The journey began during high school's first semester when two teachers inadvertently tarnished OP’s grade. This academic hiccup led to a meeting with the Vice Principal, who voiced an interesting opinion—OP might have ADHD. 

OP’s mom? Totally unbothered. But their dad sprang into action, and soon enough, OP was officially diagnosed. Their Vyvanse prescription was a game-changer that completely flipped the script; they couldn’t believe what happened next.

Their grades skyrocketed, their focus improved, and life was generally much easier. This wasn’t good enough for OP’s mom, though—why should her kid need pills to function normally?

She was hell-bent on scripting OP’s narrative, and this just wasn’t part of the story. OP had to conform to the image of the tailor-made child she conjured in her head—anything less was unacceptable.

This was why, during OP’s soul-crushing finals week, their mom showed her ‘support’ by flushing their medication down the toilet. In her words, it was all in their head; besides, having a ‘broken’ child was far too embarrassing for her. 

An epic clash ensued, and OP’s mom practically kicked them out of the house. Luckily, their dad whisked them away to seek temporary refuge at a hotel. 

Try as they might, OP couldn't focus, and their grades took a significant hit. Their mom wasted no time hurling insults and meting out punishments; she still insisted their ADHD was all make-believe.

Maybe one day, OP would finally be free of the clutches of their entitled mom.

The story in detail

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A bit of background

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OP’s mom flushed their ADHD meds down the toilet because apparently, “It’s too embarrassing to have a broken kid.”

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Understanding the Impact of ADHD on Family Dynamics

The mother's behavior in this situation reveals a significant misunderstanding of ADHD and its implications. Research published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology shows that stigma surrounding mental health conditions can lead to harmful behaviors in families.

By dismissing the child's struggles, the mother may inadvertently contribute to feelings of shame and inadequacy in the child.

In their mom’s view, their ADHD is not real and they shouldn’t be taking any medication

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OP had more shocking things to reveal about their mom

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Here’s how the Reddit community reacted to this story:

“I'm glad you don't have asthma, or anything life threatening.”

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Furthermore, the punitive actions taken by the mother, such as flushing the child's medications, reflect a lack of understanding about the importance of medication in managing ADHD symptoms. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, proper treatment can significantly improve academic and social outcomes for children with ADHD.

This behavior underscores the need for education and awareness surrounding mental health conditions in families.

“In your situation I would be tempted to make all her parental failings as public as possible.”

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“She really screwed you over. What a b*tch.”

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“Please either press charges or tell the police you want to press charges unless she pays for the replacement of your medication.”

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The Importance of Parental Support in Mental Health

Supportive parenting is crucial for children struggling with mental health issues. Research from the Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology indicates that parental support can buffer against the negative impacts of mental health conditions.

In this case, fostering an environment of understanding and support can empower the child and facilitate their growth and development.

“My mom and dad are doing the same thing currently.”

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“Glad your dad is a good person! I've been through similar situations since I put my son on ADHD medication.”

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In the face of the entitled mother's persistent denial, OP's grit shines through. As they recount tales from their rocky past, they count down the moments until they can finally sever ties with this non-maternal figure they had to call ‘mom.’

The resilient community echoes their support through these trying times. They assure OP that soon enough, the toxic chapter will be nothing but a distant memory.

Here's to a future filled with freedom and flourishing!

What do you think about this story? Let us know in the comments.

Practical strategies for addressing these issues include seeking family therapy, which can provide a safe space for discussing feelings about ADHD and its management. Therapeutic interventions can help parents understand their child's condition better and learn effective coping strategies.

Family therapy can serve as a platform for rebuilding trust and understanding in the parent-child relationship.

The Role of Education in Mental Health Awareness

Education about ADHD and its effects is essential for all family members. The National Institute of Mental Health emphasizes that understanding ADHD can reduce stigma and promote healthier family dynamics.

Parents who educate themselves about their child's condition can better advocate for their child and support them through their struggles.

Psychological Analysis

This situation reflects a significant gap in understanding mental health issues within family dynamics. It's crucial for parents to seek education about conditions like ADHD to provide appropriate support and advocacy for their children.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

In summary, misunderstanding ADHD can have significant repercussions on family dynamics. Promoting education and understanding in the family can foster a more supportive environment for the child.

Ultimately, addressing these issues with compassion and knowledge can lead to healthier family relationships and improved outcomes for the child.