The Importance of Informed Mental Health Counseling For Dyslexics

Focusing only on the depression or anxiety without understanding the dyslexia isn't enough.

Research indicates that dyslexic individuals are nearly twice as likely to experience mood disorders such as depression and anxiety compared to their non-dyslexic peers (Xiao et al., 2023). Despite that increased risk, dyslexia often goes unrecognized by mental health professionals, who may dismiss or downplay its significance in the context of mental health issues. This oversight can have serious implications for dyslexic individuals, negatively impacting their opportunity to get support and their view of themselves.

If it has such a negative impact on their functioning, why is there such a dismissive attitude about dyslexia in the mental health field? I believe it is a combination of factors, but the most significant is ignorance. When people (even mental health professionals who you’d assume would have knowledge of the topic) are asked what they know about dyslexia, it is very normal for them to have either no idea or to have misinformation like “isn’t that just flipping letters or not knowing how to read?” When the experience is reduced in that way, it is difficult to have further conversation about it.

Another common pitfall is that professionals will treat the depression or anxiety without ever acknowledging the impact dyslexia has on producing the anxiety or depression. While it may seem logical to focus solely on treating the emotional symptoms, doing so without recognizing dyslexia’s role is ultimately inadequate. Addressing only the symptoms without understanding the root cause can leave dyslexic individuals feeling unseen and misunderstood. Though coping mechanisms for depression can be helpful, they are not nearly as beneficial as a more holistic approach that fully acknowledges the connection between dyslexia and mental health.

This is where a neurodiversity-affirming approach to working with dyslexic individuals comes in. When a mental health professional actually has knowledge about what dyslexia is and the impact that it has on daily functioning and mental health, it enables therapy to be impactful in a very special way. It allows for a rich, validating experience in which the specific effects of dyslexia on an individual’s life can be explored, including its impact on self-concept and emotional well-being. This type of processing helps individuals not only better understand themselves but also heal from the challenges that may have contributed to their depression in the first place.

In conclusion, it's imperative that mental health professionals recognize the link between dyslexia and mental health issues. By actively educating themselves on dyslexia and its broader impact, they can transform the way they support dyslexic individuals, ensuring they receive the affirming care they deserve. As awareness continues to grow, we must advocate for more inclusive and informed mental health care—because when dyslexic individuals are truly seen and understood, they have a much greater opportunity to thrive.

Xiao P, Zhu K, Feng Y, Jiang Q, Xiang Z, Zhang Q, Wu X, Fan Y, Zou L, Xiao H, Song R. Associations between dyslexia and children's mental health: Findings from a follow-up study in China. Psychiatry Res. 2023 Jun;324:115188. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115188. Epub 2023 Apr 6. PMID: 37054554.