Mind Shame – You are not alone!
Removing the Stigma for Adults
with Learning Disabilities
Part 1: Introduction
The comments in the image are only a few of the things I hear from adults on a daily basis, and surprisingly few of them are in my office. Actually, most are out in the public domain where people are feeling the shame of struggling but do not know how to address it. Let’s shed some light on learning differences and move away from the clouds of mind shame.
What is mind shame?
Mind shame is a term, coined by the specialists at Children of the Code, where they have some amazing videos explaining the term for children/adults who struggle with dyslexia and understanding the code to reading – https://childrenofthecode.org/. Essentially, the term simply means an extreme embarrassment at the inability to perform in the same manner as others around us. While that makes the term easy to understand, it is quite the deal to wrap your thoughts around the actual meaning behind this. Mind shame causes many expressions of emotion and turmoil not limited to anxiety and depression, attentional issues and guilt.
How do we address this culturally and societally?
Openness. Acceptance that not all people think the same and learn the same way and this is okay. The solution is getting help to make us feel whole. There is nothing wrong with a learning difference, but it can make it hard to function even if everyone around you is accepting of the difference. Why? Because most of us don’t want to be different or to be perceived that way.
What help is available to adults struggling
with learning issues?
Do you know what’s causing it? Identify the why behind the learning issue. This can be done through testing at a local psychologist if you want a formal diagnosis or if you just want to identify the skills that are causing this struggle; you can come see us at LearningRx for a cognitive test. You can also call in or take one in the privacy of your home via computer. There is no reason for you to struggle silently wondering what is wrong.
Once you know what the root cause is and are comfortable with addressing it by getting brain training in-person or digitally, then you may also need to see a counselor for the grief, shame, guilt, anxiety or worries that the situation is causing or has caused you.
Mind shame isn’t something you should continue to deal with, but rather simply a limiting factor to what your potential can be. No one should feel less than. No one should feel like they can’t do whatever they put their mind towards doing.
Embrace that there is hope. Reach out to others around you. Ask for help. There are community resources that can help you. Erase the shame and embrace your brain.
For More Information …
Contact LearningRx Shreveport Bossier. Call us at 318.797.8523 or email us at shreveport.la@learningrx.net. You can also find more information about adult cognitive training at https://www.learningrx.com/shreveport/adult-tutoring/.
This article was previously published in the September 2021 edition of LOLA Magazine and is included in The Collective by Donesa Walker.
