World Mental Health Day was last week on the 10th of October, so we thought it would be a good opportunity to point to some brilliant resources specifically catered to neurodivergent people.

As ever, mental health is a topic that is vitally important to the wider discourse about neurodiversity because, as we know, neurodivergent individuals are at a higher risk of experiencing challenges with their mental health:

• 50% of adults with ADHD and 47% of adults with autism experience co-occurring anxiety disorders.
• 70% of adults with ADHD and 40% of adults with autism have a co-diagnosis of depression.

When a day like this comes about, it reminds us of what we should remember every day: to look after ourselves and the people around us.

Why seeking help can be harder for neurodivergent people

For neurodivergent people, not only are the statistics against them in terms of suffering from mental health issues, but the social structures in which the appropriate support exists make it intrinsically more inaccessible. Something that is already intimidating and scary can become petrifying and too overwhelming to face.

Even within the medical environment, there are numerous obstacles:

• Harsh lighting
• Loud noises
• Strong smells
• Crowded waiting rooms

These factors can all contribute to sensory overload, leading to anxiety, frustration, and withdrawal from care.

It also requires a lot of emotional labour to address any health issue. When it's mental health—often feeling intangible and hard to justify—it's all the more intimidating, making it easier to ignore.

Stereotypes and misinformation

Like in every facet of our society, stereotypes and misinformation about neurodiversity exist. These damaging beliefs make receiving appropriate mental health care even more difficult. Often, traditional therapy is based on neurotypical norms and so isn't catered to the needs of neurodivergent people. Individuals may struggle to find therapists and counsellors who understand their neurodiversity, certain symptoms may be attributed to the neurodivergence, and further misdiagnoses may occur.

Check out this article by Embrace Autism which explains in detail the importance for those with autism to find an 'autism-affirming' therapist:

Finding an Autism-Affirming Therapist

Valuable resources

That said, luckily there are many good people who are advocating for neurodivergent individuals in the world of mental health, making care more accessible and destigmatising the conversation in the first place.

Here are some valuable resources for neurodivergent individuals seeking mental health support:

1. National Autistic Society 
2. ADHD Adult UK
3. Molehill Mountain App
4. The Brain Charity 
5. The Neurodivergent Friendly Workbook of DBT Skills
6. Autistic Self Advocacy Network 
7. Hub of Hope 
8. CHADD 
9. Samaritans 

Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you're struggling with your mental health, don't hesitate to reach out to a professional or use these resources for support.