August 2025 Home of the Arts
- Amanda Gorman
- Aug 5
- 10 min read
Welcome to DISTRACTD August Edition
Welcome
Hello Darkness My Old Friend ADHD, Mental Health & Finding the Light
Welcome to this month’s DISTRACTD event — a night where we lean into the hard stuff. Tonight’s theme, Hello Darkness My Old Friend, explores the overlap of ADHD and mental health: the truths we don’t often say out loud, the fog that creeps in, and the strategies that help us claw our way back to the light.
To be honest — I’m finding it really hard at the moment.The systems I thought I’d mastered? They’re starting to crumble. That ADHD scaffolding we speak of — the one we build with so much effort — is shaky again. I’m foggy. Forgetting things. Losing track of time. Struggling with planning and organisation. Feeling overwhelmed. And not achieving what I usually would.
Like we say at DISTRACTD: just because something once worked, doesn’t mean it’ll always work. Our brains crave novelty and friction. We’re constantly having to invent new tricks just to function in a world that feels like it was built for someone else. It’s exhausting. And while I’m not feeling sad exactly, I can really see how quickly it can get on top of you. The inner critic gets loud.
That’s why this community matters so much to me.Being here — surrounded by people who get it — helps me remember it’s not just me. That these challenges are shared. That we’re not alone in the dark.
Tonight, you’ll hear from ADHD coaches Monica and Jon Hassall — two people I deeply respect. A good ADHD coach understands how our brains actually work, and that can be life-changing in a way that well-meaning advice from others often isn’t.
You’ll also hear from fellow neurodivergent legend, comedian and suicidologist Mark McConville, whose experience of misdiagnosed ADHD will hit close to home for many of us. Untreated ADHD can bring a huge load of anxiety, depression, and overwhelm — because how couldn’t you feel like you’re drowning when you’re late again and can’t find your keys (again)?
Personally, I think hormones might be triggering my latest brain-fog spiral… though I’d be lying if I said I didn’t also have a moment of panic about whether my meds were even working. Is this a placebo effect? Is something off? I started jotting things down — missed invoices, forgotten bills, key disasters, an hour late to something I thought I was early for. Projects piling up. Social battery dead. Basic tasks like the dishwasher feeling impossible.
So if you’re in a season like that too — I see you.It’s real. It’s hard. And some months are just rougher than others. My hope is that something in tonight’s talks helps you kick a goal or find a little light for the road ahead.
And please note that some topics we cover — including ADHD, depression, and suicide — may be heavy or triggering. If at any point you feel you need support, please reach out. You can contact Lifeline at 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue at 1300 22 4636. We also have our team here tonight if you’d like a quiet moment. The topics are heavy, and it’s not all rainbows and sprinkles in ADHD land — even though I’m often the rose-coloured glasses type.
Thanks for being here. Thank you for showing up — for yourself, and for each other.If you’re able to support us by grabbing a shirt, some greeting cards, or a set of pencils — it really helps me keep DISTRACTD going.
Big love, Amanda Gorman
Founder – DISTRACTD
You might notice parts of this blog or program using a slightly bolded first-half of words style. This is called Bionic Reading – a technique that helps the brain read faster and retain more by guiding your eyes through key parts of the word.
We’re trying it out to help support different types of brains and reading styles – especially those with ADHD, dyslexia, or who just like a little help focusing. Let us know if it helps!
DISTRACTD Events: Free, Accessible, and Community-Focused
At DISTRACTD, we are deeply committed to keeping our regular monthly events free and accessible for everyone. We recognize the financial challenges faced by many in the ADHD community, with treatments, therapies, and resources often being costly. Our goal is to ensure that these events remain a welcoming space for all, without financial barriers.
Throughout the year, we’ll also introduce ticketed events that will dive deeper into specific topics, such as Relationships and ADHD, Women with ADHD, and Understanding ADHD for Medical Professionals and Educators. These ticketed events will help fund our mission while offering focused learning opportunities for those who want to explore certain areas in depth.
To support the ongoing operation and growth of DISTRACTD, we’re introducing an optional donation system at our free events. If you can, a small contribution—like a gold coin donation or a digital donation via our self-operated Square system—will help us continue our work. However, if donating isn’t affordable for you, please know you are always welcome to attend for free.
Your contributions will help us:
Upgrade our tools like Mentimeter for interactive audience engagement.
Enhance our social media presence to reach more people.
Invest time in securing sponsorships to keep these events thriving.
Roll out our workplace training programs to promote ADHD inclusivity.
Every bit helps us grow and make a greater impact, and we are immensely grateful for your support. Together, we can continue to build a stronger, more connected, and informed ADHD community.
You can donate here
You can also use a Pay ID : distractdhqfinance@gmail.com to donate or
direct deposit using details below.
Direct deposit
DISTRACTD
BSB: 122 778
ACC: 850635836
We are on our Menti Meter again tonight.
Tonights schedule
6:00pm: Guest Arrival & Amanda Gorman Founder of DISTRACTD to do official intro and welcome.
6:15 pm : Speaker 1 Monica Hassall
6:30 pm : Speaker 2 : Jon Hassall
6:45 pm : Speaker 3: Mark McConville
7:00 pm : 15 min break
7:15 pm : Q & A begins
8:30 pm : Event officially concludes
Please follow and share our socials
T Shirts and Merch
Our T shirts and new pencils are on sale tonight .
JOIN THE MOVEMENT of Unity and support with our DISTRACTD T's. They are $30
"These shirts are more than just clothing - They are a symbol of Solidarity and acceptance . Wear it proudly to show that you stand with those with ADHD offering a silent nod of understanding and support. Together, lets create a community where everyone feels seen, accepted and valued." Amanda Gorman
Introducing the ADHD Affirmation Pencils: Quirky Reminders for Busy Minds
Whether you’re navigating life’s whirlwind or simply trying to remember that free trial you still haven’t cancelled, these pencils are here to bring a smile and a gentle nudge! With eight delightfully relatable phrases like “I knew better but I did it anyway” and “Is there wet washing to hang out?” — these colorful companions are perfect for taming the chaos or embracing it with a grin.
These make for the perfect cute, dopamine-seeking impulse purchase to brighten up your desk — or a thoughtful gift for someone you know with ADHD to show them that you see them, support them, and share a laugh at some of those little challenges we all know too well. Because sometimes, we all need a reminder to stay on top of things… or at least have a good chuckle about not!
They are $8.50
Meet your speakers:
Host
Amanda Gorman - DISTRACTD Founder
Amanda Gorman is the founder of Distractd, a TEDx speaker, ADHD educator and advocate, visual artist, and textile designer. As a co-founder of the GC Music Network and Director of Strategic Partnerships, Amanda is deeply involved in her community, both as a professional and as a devoted mother and wife on the Gold Coast.
Passionate about bridging the gap between industry experts and individuals with ADHD, Amanda is committed to fostering understanding and empowerment. She believes in the power of self-advocacy and is dedicated to helping those with ADHD embrace their uniqueness while gaining deeper insights into their condition. Through Distractd, Amanda has created a platform that supports connection, solidarity, and community—a place for individuals to find the support they need on their journey toward greater understanding and self-empowerment.
Speaker 1
Monica Hassall
Monica is a specialist nurse practitioner and parent coach who works with families navigating ADHD, neurodivergence, and complex emotions. Her warm, practical approach supports parents through the chaos of raising neurodivergent kids — especially when they’re still figuring themselves out too.
Monica: +61 433 921 590
0420 211 4700420 211 4700420 211 47040 211
Speaker 2
Jon Hassall
Jon is a passionate advocate and educator in ADHD, neurodiversity, and relationships. With a deep personal and professional understanding of how ADHD can impact love, conflict, and connection, Jon brings insight, empathy, and a few good laughs to every conversation.
Jonathan: +61 430 059 907
Speaker 3
Mark McConville
Dr Glen Craig
Psychiatrist | Medical Director, TSPPC
Dr Glen Craig is a highly respected consultant psychiatrist and the founder of The Southport Private Practice Clinic (TSPPC), where he leads a multidisciplinary team specialising in ADHD, anxiety, mood disorders, and neurodevelopmental conditions across the lifespan.
With a patient-centred, evidence-based approach, Dr Craig works closely with families, individuals, and allied health teams to support complex diagnostic presentations — including ADHD, ASD, and co-occurring mental health challenges. He is known for his calm, thoughtful presence and deep understanding of neurodiversity.
In tonight’s panel, Dr Craig joins our speakers to reflect on ADHD and mental health from a clinical lens, sharing insights into diagnosis, misdiagnosis, and support options that actually work.
Free Resources to Share
We’ve created downloadable DISTRACTD info packs that you’re welcome to print and share — with your workplace, friends, family, clients, or even pin up at your local community noticeboard or shopping centre!
You can help spread the word and spark more conversations about ADHD, neurodivergence, and mental health.
Link here Print, share, stick it up — we’d love your help.
WORKPLACE NEURODIVERSITY TRAINING DID YOU SAY???
Bring Neurodiversity to the Forefront of Your Workplace!
We’re excited to introduce a new training program—think of it like a first aid refresher, but for building a more neuroinclusive workplace! Our facilitators bring the training to you, either in-person or online, guiding your team through key topics like neuroinclusive onboarding, advertising and interviewing practices, workplace accommodations, and developing impactful policies.
Neurodiverse individuals often lead as entrepreneurs and innovators, and we want to help you recognize and nurture the value of these out-of-the-box thinkers within your workplace. Developed by DISTRACTD in partnership with leading GPs, psychologists, and psychiatrists, this strengths-based program addresses the good, the challenges, and the unexpected—equipping your organization to create a supportive environment where neurodiverse talent thrives.
Ready to take the next step? Submit your expression of interest, and together, let’s create a workplace where every unique mind is empowered to succeed!
let us know at distractdhq@gmail.com if you want to know more about our training and to look at booking in a session.
📚 ADHD RESOURCE LIST
A community-curated mix of podcasts, books, tools & creators for life with ADHD.
PODCASTS
I Have ADHD – Kristen Carder (plus her Focused coaching program)
ADHD Chatter – Alex Partridge
The Neurodivergent Woman – Monique Mitchelson & Michelle Livock
The Year I Met My Brain – Matilda Boseley
UnF*ck Your Brain – Kara Loewentheil
Emsolation – Em Rusciano (dopamine, laughs, and relatability)
She’s on the Money – Search ADHD-related episodes
Sorry What?! – Tarah Elizabeth
Scattered Minds – Dr. Gabor Maté
BOOKS
The Year I Met My Brain – Matilda Boseley
Scattered Minds – Dr. Gabor Maté
How to Keep House While Drowning – KC Davis
Atomic Habits – James Clear
ADHD 2.0 – Hallowell & Ratey
A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD – Solden & Frank
Organizing Solutions for People with ADHD – Susan C. Pinsky
APPS & TOOLS
Finch App – Self-care that’s actually fun
Dubbi App – ADHD-friendly voice journaling by @adhd_love_
Focused Coaching – Kristen Carder’s popular ADHD coaching community
CREATORS & SOCIAL ACCOUNTS
@adhdmemetherapy – The memes we didn’t know we needed
@tarah.and.barry – Honest ADHD + NT couple content
@adhd_love_ – Creators of the Dubbi app
@domesticblisters / @strugglecare – KC Davis’ life-saving cleaning mindset
@tarahelizabeth – ADHD real talk and creative chaos
HealthyGamerGG (YouTube) – ADHD & mental health explained gamer-style
OTHER MENTIONS
hellowable.com – Dating app for neurodivergents
TEDx Talk
Amanda Gorman – TEDx SpeakerWatch: “ADHD is Not a Superpower (And That’s Okay)”DISTRACTD founder Amanda Gorman shares a raw, honest take on ADHD, breaking down the stereotypes and embracing what it really means to thrive.📺 Watch here
If it resonates, We'd love for you to:
🟥 Watch it
🟧 Share it with someone who needs to hear it
🟨 Leave a comment or send us a message with your thoughts distractdhq@gmail.com
Let’s start changing the conversation around ADHD – one honest story at a time.
Thank you for being part of our growing community! We’re so excited to have you with us—stay connected, stay curious, and join us at our monthly events to keep the conversation going.
We’d love to hear about the podcasts, books, videos, or groups that inspire you, so we can share them with our audience. Drop us a line anytime at distractdhq@gmail.com—we’d love to hear from you!
A heartfelt thanks this month to Jon and Monica Hassall from Connect ADHD, Mark Mc Conville and Dr Glen Craig for generously sharing their time, expertise, and insights with us.
Finally, I’m endlessly grateful to my family, friends, and the incredible staff at HOTA for their ongoing support in bringing these events to life every month.
With appreciation, Amanda & the DISTRACTD team xx
Howdy Partner ..
Partner with Us!
We’re always looking to build meaningful partnerships with those who want to support our vibrant ADHD community. Interested in becoming a sponsor? We have a variety of sponsorship packages available to help amplify your brand while making a positive impact. Let’s work together to create something amazing! Reach out to us to learn more. distractdhq@gmail.com
Our next event will be on Wednesday September 3rd Keep an eye on our socials for updates on speakers and event details—we can’t wait to see you there!
These events are made possible by the following partners
Home of the Arts
Merge Creative Art
Amanda Gorman Artist
Rotary Runaway Bay
Ticket link to DISTRACTD for next month will be direct with HOTA at this link below.
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