How to cope with learning disabilities

 Learning disabilities manifest themselves in many ways including not being able to pay attention, not comprehending texts, and having writing difficulties. In school, learning disabilities keep your grades down no matter how hard you study or the long hours you put into revision. Your end-of-term grades do not match the efforts you put in. Learning disabilities are not only experienced in school but also affect one in the long term outside school. It may affect your ability to comprehend information and your job performance.

 Many people experiencing learning disabilities go through it in silence and many people around them do not understand their problem. They, therefore, do not understand how to accommodate them.

 Learning disabilities may have a lasting effect on one`s life including self-esteem and how people treat someone with learning disabilities. This article looks at the effects of learning disabilities and how to cope with them.

Effects of learning disabilities

 Learning disabilities have a wide range of effects that range from short-term to long-term effects. Below are the effects of having learning disabilities:

i) It causes low self-esteem

 Learning disabilities make one lose confidence in their academic abilities as well as other abilities in life. This lowers one`s self-esteem as one may see themselves as a lesser person.

ii) Depression

 Learning disabilities are a source of stress for people going through it. Most people with such disabilities go through their pain in silence as they feel other people may not understand them. A problem not shared causes stress and long-term stress may result in depression that is not discovered early. This leads to poor mental health.

iii) It compromises your social life

 People with learning disabilities might be slow learners who find it difficult to keep up with others in digesting information. This happens in school, at the workplace, and in other social settings. Such people might be discriminated against by the fast learners and this results in feelings of not being accepted. In some schools, students are arranged according to their learning disabilities or term grades. Slow learners might feel separated from smarter students.

 Slow learners are also not able to understand social cues as well as express themselves to others. This hinders effective communication which has a lasting effect on someone`s social life.

iv) Future uncertainty

  People with learning disabilities usually experience feelings of uncertainty regarding their future. They may not be certain whether they will graduate from school, secure employment opportunities, cater for themselves, or fit in society. These feelings can be very overwhelming and cause stress and overthinking.

v) Society’s pleasure

 People with learning disabilities might be smart in other areas outside of academics. Some might have talents while others might possess excellent entrepreneurship skills. These are abilities that can take them far in life if given the space and support to pursue such interests. However, they face societal pressure to pursue good grades and secure white-collar jobs. This hinders such people from pursuing a path that they are destined to and have passion for.

How to cope with learning disabilities

 A learning disability is a situation that can be coped with if managed well. The following are ways to cope with this condition:

i) Awareness

 The first step in managing this condition is being aware of its existence and accepting it. Understand your strengths, weaknesses, and needs. Leverage your strengths while managing your weaknesses and needs. Look out for signs of learning disabilities including failure to comprehend information, poor grades, etc.

 You can work with a professional to guide you through the process of self-awareness and coping with the situation if it exists. The professional will give you recommendations and suggestions to handle the issue.

ii) Seek support systems

 Learning disabilities have long-term effects that can be harmful if you suffer in silence. You should seek support in school, the workplace, or any other social setting you belong to. Some learning institutions and employers have programs to support students and employees with learning disabilities. Look out for these programs and join them. Share your problem with the relevant authorities in school and workplace and work together to manage your situation.

iii) Know your rights

 Many companies, schools, and countries have legal regulations protecting the rights of people with disabilities including learning disabilities. It is important to understand these rights and stand up for yourself. This will help you overcome discrimination and get the right support to manage your problem.

iv) Learn to manage the side effects

 Learning disabilities have side effects that are as harmful as the disability itself. These side effects include depression and other mental health conditions. Learn how to manage these effects by consulting mental health professionals who will give you the necessary support.

 A learning disability is a silent problem that can eat you up if not discovered early or if you go through it in silence. It is an issue that is usually overlooked but it has long-term effects that leave a permanent mark in your life including stress, depression, and mental instability.