Secondary Mental Health Problems due to Undiagnosed & Unsupported Neurodiversity

It is estimated that mental health difficulties could affect up to 25% of the population, although it is notable that some groups may be more susceptible to these types of difficulties than others. At Lexxic we specialise in working with neurodivergent individuals and we are aware of how neurodiversity can lead to secondary mental health difficulties such as stress, low self-esteem, anxiety and depression.

For many individuals with a neurodiverse condition, there have been large parts of their life where they have struggled to meet academic and/or social expectations, and they may have difficulties finding a career that they can excel in. It is not uncommon for us to see these types of difficulties in our clients:

Low Self-Esteem
Can be caused by continually being told that their performance is not good enough in comparison to expectations. Some individuals can also experience bullying for being ‘different’.

Stress
Can be caused by trying to cope with difficulties and overwhelm. Work-related stress can also particularly impact neurodiverse individuals, as they may have to work harder than their peers to concentrate at work and perform to standard. Additionally, not all employers have the same level of understanding and awareness of how neurodiversity impacts individuals at work.

Anxiety
Can be caused by difficulties with managing change and uncertainty, and a person may notice that they are worrying more, that they feel nervous or tense.

Depression
Can be caused by having difficulty fitting in socially, or finding a job that you can really excel in. Individuals may notice feeling sad or experiencing low mood.

These difficulties can be more prevalent in individuals who are undiagnosed, as they may not have any
explanation and/or understanding of their differences, and how these can impact their mental health. These difficulties can also continue to manifest if there is no support put in place.

There are some practical solutions that can help minimise the impact of these difficulties. Firstly, as with any mental health concern, it is important to look after yourself. Nutrition, hydration and staying active are all useful to support mental health. Secondly, we would recommend that you speak with your employer, occupational health provider, or GP about the possibility of undergoing assessments that can provide you with a diagnosis and can also provide you with adjustments to support you at work. Thirdly, and most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask a GP or Mental Health specialist for professional advice.

If you think you or your employee may have a neurodiverse condition and would like further information on support that may be available to you, please contact Lexxic by email enquiry@lexxic.com or call us on +44 (0)845 643 2754.

Written by Mellissa Warrender, Assistant Psychologist at Lexxic