Anxiety disorders and nervous breakdowns in dyslexic people

Dyslexia, a learning disorder that affects the acquisition of reading and writing skills, presents not only academic challenges but also significant emotional impacts. Among these, anxiety disorders and nervous breakdowns are common manifestations that require careful attention and deep understanding.

In this session, we will explore the emotional dimensions associated with dyslexia, its links to anxiety and nervous breakdowns, as well as effective strategies for addressing these complex interrelationships.

Connections between Dyslexia and Anxiety

Academic Challenges and Perceived Pressure: Difficulties in reading and writing can generate anxiety in academic environments. The perceived pressure to meet conventional standards can intensify these feelings.

• Impact on Self-Image: Comparison with non-dyslexic peers can influence self-image, contributing to social anxiety and the feeling of being different.

• Fear of Performance: Fear of performance, common in assessment situations, can trigger anxious responses and negatively affect performance.

Mental Breakdowns as a Response to Anxiety

• Emotional Overload: The accumulation of emotional tension can lead to mental breakdowns, manifesting as episodes of crying, extreme frustration or loss of emotional control.

• Impact on the Body: Nervous breakdowns can have physical manifestations, such as palpitations, difficulty breathing or even symptoms similar to panic attacks.

• Cycle of Anxiety and Crisis: Anxiety and nervous breakdowns can establish a cycle, where the fear of new crises feeds future anxiety.

Intervention Strategies for Addressing Anxiety

• Supported Learning Environment: Create a learning environment that fosters support and understanding, reducing perceived pressure.

• Flexible Teaching Methodologies: Adopt flexible pedagogical approaches that recognize and adapt to individual needs, thus reducing academic anxiety.

• Stress Management Techniques: Teaching stress management techniques, such as deep breathing and mindfulness, to help dyslexic people manage anxiety.

• Building Self-Esteem: Consciously working on building self-esteem, highlighting individual strengths and achievements.

Addressing Nervous Breakdowns: Effective Approaches

• Immediate Emotional Support: Provide immediate emotional support during a nervous breakdown, focusing on calmness and understanding.

• Development of Personal Strategies: Help develop personal strategies to manage stress and avoid nervous breakdowns.

• Collaboration with Mental Health Professionals: Work closely with mental health professionals to provide specialized support when needed.

Social and Emotional Learning and Awareness

• Social and Emotional Learning Programs: Implement social and emotional learning programs in educational settings to promote understanding and empathy towards people with dyslexia.

• Community Awareness: Foster community awareness of dyslexia and its emotional aspects to reduce stigma and isolation.