BDA supports Mental Health Awareness Week
Tuesday 16 May 2023
For Mental Health Awareness Week the British Dyslexia Association wanted to explore and highlight the links between poor mental health and dyslexia.
This year's theme explores anxiety, which individuals with dyslexia and dyscalculia can often experience. From childhood through to dyslexia related-stress as an adult, it can affect each person in an individual way.
Image source: UCL https://www.ucl.ac.uk/children...
Across the UK, people are encouraged to get involved by sharing their experience of anxiety and the things that can help with the hashtag #ToHelpMyAnxiety. Some of our community shared their thoughts on dyslexia and the impact it can have on mental health.
"In the UK with a system with such an emphasis on exams and grades my child fears failing the exams so much it’s a reason to refuse school. Other measures of ability and talent need to be recognised."
- Ruth Symons
"Biggest impact on mental health is the positive impact made by someone having your back. Listening to your struggles and really getting it. Someone offering support and encouragement. A parent who has your back and see what you’re good at and who makes you feel good."
- Hayley Ann Millward
"Lack of understanding and knowledge in school = little support and unrealistic expectations leading to low self esteem/confidence, anxiety and frustration" - Nicola Skyes
The British Dyslexia Association has been drawing attention for many years to the huge toll on mental health brought about by failures to support those with dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties. You can read the report published by the All Party Parliamentary Group for Dyslexia and Other Specific Learning Difficulties here
If you are living with dyslexia or dyscalculia and feel it has impacted your mental health, you can contact your GP or find more information on mental health on the NHS website.
Join us for this free webinar hosted by BDA Dyscalculia Tutor, Carol Handyside.
The session will look at some of the common difficulties learners have with maths and provide practical solutions for helping them succeed. We will look at the abstract nature of maths and how we can make it meaningful. We will also explore a range of tried and tested games to help support learning. Register your place here