Dyslexia is a condition that affects an individual’s ability to read, write, and spell.
Dyslexia is not an indication of a lack of intelligence; individuals with dyslexia often have average to above-average intelligence.
‘Dyslexia and Overthinking’ can be connected through various cognitive and emotional processes.
Key Aspects of Dyslexia
- Reading, Writing, and Spelling Challenges: Dyslexia makes traditional literacy skills, such as reading, writing, and spelling, a significant challenge.
- Cognitive Processing: Dyslexia impacts cognitive processing, particularly affecting how individuals process and interpret written and spoken language.
- Phonological Processing: Individuals with dyslexia often have difficulty with phonological processing, which hinders their ability to connect sounds to letters and vice versa.
- Creativity and Problem-Solving Skills: Despite the challenges, individuals with dyslexia often think outside the box, approach tasks from unique perspectives, and excel in areas that require innovative thinking.
Dyslexia can be seen as a different way of processing information rather than a disadvantage.
Let’s explore Dyslexia and overthinking’s relations below…
Dyslexia and Overthinking:
This overthinking often stems from the need for repeated activities to grasp certain concepts, such as phonological sounds, words, and their meaning, etc which contributes to mental exhaustion and increases the likelihood of racing thoughts. Dyslexia and overthinking‘s relations can be shown in:
- Repetition and Mental Exhaustion:
- Individuals with dyslexia often repeat activities, such as learning or memorizing, to fully understand and retain information.
- The constant repetition can lead to mental fatigue, making the learning process more demanding.
- Dyslexia: Overthinking as a Response:
- Due to the intrinsic challenges in processing language, they may unconsciously engage in overthinking as a habitual mechanism.
- The fear of making errors or missing crucial details can drive one to overanalyze, contributing to a continuous cycle of overthinking.
- Perfectionism:
- Due to societal expectations and potential academic struggles associated with dyslexia, individuals may develop perfectionistic tendencies. Fear of making mistakes can trigger overthinking as they strive for perfection in their tasks.
Emotional and behavioural coping tools:
How To Overcome Overthinking from patterns formed in Dyslexia? Here’s a simple guide:
1. CBT:
Cognitive Behavioral techniques (CBT): Here’s how CBT can be beneficial:
- CBT helps individuals identify and challenge negative thoughts related to dyslexia, such as feelings of inadequacy or frustration with learning difficulties.
- Restructure your thoughts by not ‘reacting’ to the negative thought. After the emotional process is calmed down, say a constructive sentence that counteracts the negative thought to yourself, believe it, and move on.
2. Live in the present
Live in the present by letting the overwhelming waves be how they are, and shifting your attention span towards something that you enjoy.
Instead of worrying that you will do badly in your presentation, focus on your next step, which could be as simple as correcting your posture, figuring out what you’re going to say, having an objective goal to capture your interest, and do not feeling very self-conscious, etc.
Relaxed Approach:
- Approach the task with a relaxed mindset. Avoid putting unnecessary pressure on yourself to achieve a specific outcome.
- Let go of expectations and judgments. Embrace the process rather than fixating on the result.
3. Flow State:
In the flow State, humans are able to perform at their optimal, thus progressing 10x faster while also enjoying a certain activity. Here’s a simple guide to enter flow state, and counteract overthinking during dyslexic circumstance:
- Clear Your Mind:
- Begin by clearing your mind of distractions. Create a conducive environment that minimizes interruptions.
- Take a minute or so to quiet the mental chatter and enhance focus.
- Align Body and Mind:
- Pay attention to your body’s signals. Ensure physical comfort by adjusting your posture and eliminating any discomfort.
- Align your actions with your thoughts, creating a bond between body and mind.
- Stop Forcing:
- Release the need to force the flow state. Understand that it emerges naturally when you allow yourself to be fully immersed in the activity.
- Avoid overthinking or trying too hard. Trust the process and let it unfold organically.
- Psychic Entropy:
- Managing psychic entropy, the mental chaos or disorder, means finding organizational strategies that work for the individual, helping them structure their thoughts and tasks more efficiently, and increasing the likelihood of synchronization of mind and body.
- Find Joy in the Task:
- Identify the personal aspects of the task that bring you joy or fulfillment. Focus on these elements to enter the flow state.
- Imagine a specific task that you hate doing. Attach a personal objective goal to it so that, in the end, you feel personally accomplished.
For example, Instead of doing your homework about psychology just to gain good grades, attach an objective goal to it, which could be, “I’m going to try to explore and learn about myself through this homework.”
Final Words of Encouragement
Dyslexia is not a limitation but a distinctive feature of your cognitive landscape. Embrace the unique way your mind processes information, sees the world, and tackles challenges. Your perspective is a valuable contribution to the diversity of human thought.
In your pursuit of knowledge, creativity, and personal growth, you can find joy in the journey, strength in adversity, and the unwavering belief that your unique contribution makes the world a richer place.
Overcoming Dyslexia and Overthinking may pose difficulties, but a dyslexic’s abilities in certain other areas of life are extraordinary and well above average.
Mental Health Help:
National Helplines:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Online Resources:
- NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): https://www.nami.org
- MentalHealth.gov: https://www.mentalhealth.gov
Local Resources
When looking for mental health support, it’s often best to start locally. Many communities have mental health clinics, hospitals, and community centres that offer counselling and therapy services. You can find these services by searching online directories, like Psychology Today’s Therapist Finder, which allows you to filter results by location, specialty, and insurance coverage. Additionally, your primary care doctor can be a valuable resource, as they can refer you to local mental health professionals or services that meet your needs.
How to Find Help
Finding the right mental health help can be overwhelming, but there are several ways to simplify the process:
- Online Directories: Websites like Psychology Today, GoodTherapy, and Therapist Finder offer comprehensive directories of mental health professionals. These platforms let you search by location, issues treated, and insurance acceptance.
- Health Insurance Providers: Your health insurance provider can give you a list of covered mental health services and providers, ensuring you receive care within your network.
- Healthcare Providers: Don’t hesitate to speak with your primary care physician or a general practitioner. They can provide referrals to trusted mental health professionals or guide you on how to access the services you need.
