Mental Health & Dyslexia Sam's Story

Have you ever felt the weight of juggling dyslexia, ADHD or other learning differences? In this week’s conversation we hear from Samuel Atkins, who’s not only dealt with dyslexia since his schooldays, but also faced mental health struggles head-on. It was a raw and honest chat about how life twists and turns and yet, somehow, keeps us on our toes. If you've ever wondered what it's like to navigate career changes, self-doubt, and the urge to create something bigger than yourself, this story is for you.

Sam’s journey took him through tough school years where he felt misunderstood, which led to bullying and low confidence. With dyslexia and ADHD, he struggled to keep up academically, but still found glimmers of hope in sports. Over time, he learned to handle self-doubt, explored different jobs, and eventually worked in a casino. Now, he’s written a book called My Dyslexic Chimps, using his writing as a form of therapy. Here’s a closer look at Sam’s inspiring story.

Facing Dyslexia Early On

Sam admits that he grew up feeling like a square peg in a round hole. From a young age, reading in class wasn’t just a challenge, it felt almost impossible. The letters danced on the page, and teachers weren’t sure how to help him keep up.

School days were often an uphill battle. He got used to teachers saying, “A for effort,” then handing him low grades. It wore him down, leading to frustration and embarrassment. One bright spot was finding a passion for sports. He realised that moving his body gave him an outlet for the stress he felt in the classroom.

Bullying, unfortunately, also slipped into the picture. Sam shared moments of humiliation that many dyslexic adults might recognise from their own childhood. He felt judged and it made him doubt his self-worth. Yet, something kept burning inside him, a spark that refused to fade.

The Quest for Purpose and Wellbeing

After leaving school, Sam’s struggles didn’t magically disappear. He found himself job-hopping, searching for somewhere he could shine. This wasn’t just about earning a living; it was about self-discovery. In time, he found that working in a casino gave him a unique sense of joy, even though it came with financial struggles.

His mental health also came to the forefront. He experienced moments of depression and anxiety. Sometimes, the pressure of not fitting into “normal” boxes led to a sense of isolation. Yet, despite those dark days, Sam discovered his inner strength. He became more aware of the need to reach out for help, talk about his feelings, and remember that it's not always personal.

He realised how often we interpret other people’s words or actions as personal attacks. Sam encourages us to step back and remember that most people are wrapped up in their own insecurities. This shift in perspective helped him spare himself needless heartache. He wants others to do the same.

Putting Pen to Paper

For someone who’s struggled with reading his whole life, writing a book sounds like a tall order. Sam turned that assumption on its head. He says:

“I’ve never read a book in my life, yet I wrote one.”

Why would Sam throw himself into that process? He says it was therapy in many ways. He had a head full of thoughts about life, dyslexia, ADHD, mental health, and trying to shape a fulfilling path. Writing became an outlet to put those thoughts in order and share what he’d learned with others.

The book is called My Dyslexic Chimps. It speaks to the wildness in our minds, like chimps jumping around. It’s a metaphor for the messy thoughts dancing in our heads. For Sam, the process of writing helped him make peace with the chaos. He hopes it does the same for anyone who picks it up.

Though he may not read many books himself, he appreciates the power of words. He wants his story to be a light for anyone who feels trapped in their own mental jungle. If you’re curious about his journey or you want to support him, you can find his new release on Amazon.

Being Present in the Moment

Living with dyslexia or ADHD can feel like juggling a dozen spinning plates. Sam constantly reminds us to pause for a second and appreciate what’s right in front of us. He believes that slowing down helps minimise stress and forces us to cherish small victories.

He also highlights how important it is to stay open to possibilities. None of us have a “perfect plan,” and life can throw you a curveball. Sam’s story proves you don’t need all the answers before trying something new. Learning and adapting along the way can be a strength, not a weakness.

As he continues to look for his own happy place, Sam emphasises that joy isn’t a destination. It’s something you discover in ordinary moments, like sharing laughter with a friend or feeling the sun on your face. His message resonates deeply with anyone wrestling with personal challenges.

• Sam has never read a book, yet he wrote one.
• He struggled with bullying and low academic performance in school.
• He found a passion for sports that gave him more confidence.
• He faced mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety.
• His casino job taught him to value happiness over money.
• Writing became a therapeutic way to organise his thoughts.
• He reminds us not to take things personally.
• He’s still seeking a fulfilling path and encourages others to do the same.
• He wants readers to slow down and appreciate the moment.

If you want to dive deeper into Sam’s story, check out My Dyslexic Chimps on Amazon. It’s a reminder that our quirks can be transformed into strengths.

We covered a lot in this episode, from frustrating schooldays to an ongoing search for purpose. There’s an extra layer of hope sprinkled throughout Sam’s journey too. He shows us that even if you haven’t found your niche, it’s never too late to keep looking.

Listen to The Full Episode

Curious to hear the entire conversation? Take a listen in the podcast player at the top of this page and hear Sam’s story in his own words. For more resources, head to truthaboutdyslexia.com, and if you’d like to connect with our supportive community, join our Facebook group. You’re not alone on this journey.