This is not in the plan, but I believe you should expect to see me more in your inbox this year. I simply want to introduce you to a side of myself that you are unfamiliar with. As a neurodivergent individual, I’d like to share a part of my life with you.
Reading or hearing is akin to pouring water into a basket. Does the basket hold water? No matter how much water you pour into it, the basket doesn’t contain water. Just particles here and there. And that’s exactly how my brain works.
I realised I couldn’t retain information when I was in basic school, but I didn’t think it was a big deal. I assumed that was how every kid was. Well, thanks to my father, who made it a point to buy books for my siblings and me. That opened my eyes to the fact that I was different, and I began writing as a means of learning.
Back to the basket. Yes, my neurodivergent brain is very different from yours because it is scattered. It not only does not retain information, but it also does not know how to pay attention.
So I can be in a place and be completely distracted. My mind simply wanders to a place of nothingness. And everything seems overwhelming at that point! I simply get tired physically, which has an impact on my mental state, which, in turn, affects my productivity.
Plus, five minutes into a conversation, my mind is everywhere and nowhere. I don’t have any say in the matter. I’m simply not paying attention, no matter how hard I try. And that, once again, is overwhelming.
Moreover, I easily become tired because my brain sends signals to my body to shut down whenever I engage in mental or physical activity. This is extremely frustrating, and it’s probably the only reason I prefer the neurotypical brain.
As much as I struggle with retention, comprehension, and attention, I’m glad I know why I’m different. I know, which is why when someone insults me or reacts inappropriately, I know they are ignorant. So, jokes on them. However, how many Africans are aware that they have a mental illness or a learning disability? How many people who have been labeled as lazy, dumb, slow, stupid, or whatever else are aware that they are not those labels and that they simply have brains that are different from others’? How many?
Besides, in Africa, there is little to no research on these topics, which is very unfortunate. Don’t these things matter? Just because a child struggles with math does not imply that they are not intelligent. What if they have dyscalculia?
Knowing what a child or adult is going through is the first step in finding solutions to help them get better. It’s a step toward assisting them in reaching their goals.
I understand that religious beliefs lead us to believe that mental illnesses and learning disabilities do not exist. However, I believe it is past time for you to wake up! These things are real, and we will do everything we can to make life easier for you and your loved ones who are dealing with them.
This is a safe haven for people dealing with mental illness or a learning disability. You are most welcome.
Do you know anyone who struggles or appears to live with a mental health issue or learning disability? Kindly leave an email for me here to address it. Your health matters. You matter.