Mental Wellbeing and Neurodiversity

For neurodiverse people it is easy to feel overwhelmed and exhausted.

Research has found that neurodivergent people are more likely to face mental health problems than neurotypical people.

Being neurodivergent in a neurotypical world can lead to challenges that may increase the risk of stress, anxiety or depression.

This can include;

• Differences in how you interact with the world and experience particular situations, which can lead to increased stress and anxiety.
• Negative attitudes and a lack of understanding from others, which can lead to loneliness and feelings of isolation.
• Differences in understanding relationships and social situations.

Wellbeing techniques

Deep breathing: useful for helping to calm down or regulate breathing during a panic attack.

Journaling: useful to document feelings or ‘empty’ your brain.

Hobbies and fun activities: having a creative outlet is very beneficial to your mental health as it is a low stakes activity that should reduce stress and allow you to express yourself.

There’s links to special interests and hyper-fixations.

Sensory kit

• Some neurodiverse people seek out sensory experiences or stim (self-stimulate) to calm their nervous system down or have an outlet for growing anxiety. Neurodiverse people often feeling overstimulated and need to reduce sensory input.

Under stimulated: listening to music, using fidget toy or pain seeking fidget toy , strong tasting food e.g. mints

Overstimulated; use headphones or earplug to reduce noise, wear sunglasses or mask to reduce light, deep pressure (e.g. using a weighted blanket)

Related resources:

https://neurodivergentinsights.com/how-to-build-a-sensory-self-soothing-kit/?srsltid=AfmBOopZ5Syud_8kc6QAjt6Dda6P-QQVD1YsMKN0AK5q4V1-lEtUF07I

Sensory differences - a guide for all audiences

Connecting with others

• Although however tempting it is to retreat, it’s beneficial to connect with others and share how we are feeling. By attending this group you already have more connection to people with similar struggles than you may realise.

Support by GP and medication

• Due to the increased risk of mental illness, it’s important  that if you do feel; depressed, anxious, manic, suicidal ideation etc. you seek professional help. There is no shame in asking for help or taking a medication that helps your mental wellbeing.

Related resource: Mental health helplines

Barriers to wellbeing

• Feeling burnout
• Not enough time
• Other responsibilities
• Expensive associated with hobbies
• Unhelpful beliefs (e.g. negative self-talk)
• Low motivation

Related resource: What's Getting in the Way of My Wellbeing? | THIS WAY UP