Neurodivergence refers to a range of neurological conditions such as Autism, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Dyslexia, and other conditions that result in different ways of thinking, learning, and processing information. Anxiety, which is a natural response to stress, can be more intense in neurodivergent individuals. People who are neurodivergent often struggle with anxiety due to the challenges they face in their daily lives and social interactions.
There is a connection between being neurodivergent and experiencing anxiety.
Many neurodivergent people face challenges that make them develop anxiety. Besides facing these challenges, they also try to cover up and hide that they aren’t facing challenges from others which usually heightens their anxiety.
Anxiety Provoking Situations
Anxiety shows up in a number of ways:
Time Management:
Individuals who are neurodivergent may struggle with planning, meeting deadlines, forgetting to complete tasks, or staying organized. These struggles may cause individuals to feel unproductive and feel as though they are passengers in their own lives, rather than the drivers.
Social Challenges:
Individuals who are neurodivergent may develop social anxiety due to not being able to pick up on social cues. They may also struggle with eye contact and body language. They also have a constant fear or worry over saying the wrong things and at times this may cause them to try to avoid social interactions altogether.
Sensory Challenges:
Being hypersensitive to sounds, tastes, and lights can be common in neurodivergent individuals. If an environment is too overwhelming, for example, a busy shopping mall that has a lot of people, sounds, and lights, it may feel chaotic. The chaotic feeling may cause individuals to lose focus.
Transitions:
Changes in routine and schedule can be uncomfortable for some neurodivergent individuals. Following a certain schedule makes them feel comfortable and in control so when this is disrupted they may begin to feel anxious.
Cover-Up Behavior:
Individuals who are neurodivergent constantly try to hide their challenges from others to avoid judgment. They may fear being judged or misunderstood so to be accepted they try to hide. Hiding can provoke anxiety because although it may help them feel accepted for the moment, it can become exhausting. As a result, they may fear exposing themselves.
These anxiety-provoking situations highlight the need for effective coping strategies.
Coping Strategies and Support
Anxiety can be challenging for neurodivergent individuals. However, there are effective strategies that can manage both conditions and make life easier to navigate. Below are some effective interventions:
Time Management Tools: To help stay organized or on task try using to-do lists, breaking down large tasks into smaller parts, and keeping a certain routine.
Social Coping: Practicing beforehand and having a prepared response can be helpful in reducing social anxiety. Also finding a support group with other neurodivergent individuals you can relate to can be helpful.
Sensory Practices: Creating your own calm environment at work or home can help, such as using headphones to cover up some sounds or other types of lighting that are not too bright. Also taking a break in quiet spaces can help when sensory overloaded.
When to Seek Neurodivergent Affirming Therapy in Brooklyn, NY
If you notice trying the above interventions on your own is challenging or is not reducing anxiety, seeking a therapist can be a beneficial support system. A trained therapist can assist in targeting the anxiety by helping you develop coping mechanisms, improve your social skills, and assist in the sensory overload. Therapy can offer you a safe space where you do not have to cover up your behavior. This supportive environment can foster healing and guide you to overall well-being.
Ready to Manage Anxiety and Embrace Your True Self? An Anxiety Therapist in Brooklyn, NY at SG Wellness Can Help!
It’s time for a mindset shift. It’s time to start being good to and for you. Invest in yourself with online therapy in New York now. Our therapists are here to support and guide you in better understanding the link between neurodivergence and anxiety. We are happy to offer both in-person and online services. When you are ready to start with SG Wellness, just follow these simple steps:
- Contact SG Counseling
- Talk with a skilled black therapist!
- Start overcoming the anxiety symptoms affecting you most!
Other Services SG Wellness Offers:
Finding support for your mental health matters. Our therapists in NY are here for you and your needs. At our therapy practice, we have therapists who identify as black therapists, Latinx therapists, Dominican, & BIPOC. It’s our mission to offer multicultural counseling that serves you and your needs. We offer therapy for people of color, therapy for Latinx individuals, indigenous populations, and Middle Eastern clients, as well as therapy for men and women. If you’re looking for a safe space we are here for you.
Additionally, if you’re looking for another kind of support unrelated to therapy for self-esteem, we are happy to offer other services. Other services offered include anxiety treatment and therapy for perfectionism, depression treatment, individual therapy, therapy for young and emerging adults, and individual relationship therapy. All of our services are offered via online therapy in New York. Areas we serve include Bedstuy, The Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn, NY. When you’re ready, let’s work together.
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