Self Control: A Story

Have you ever watched your emotions spiral over something small and felt powerless? That can happen a lot when you’re dyslexic. In this week’s Truth About Dyslexia podcast, we look at how our learning difference might turn up the heat on our moods and self-control.

I share a story about a moment where my patience wore thin out of nowhere. Listeners often assume dyslexia just affects reading or spelling, but it can nudge our emotions too. By the end, you’ll have new ways to handle frustration and see that you’re not alone.

Understanding Dyslexia and Its Impact on Emotions

Dyslexia isn’t just about mixing up letters. It can shape how we feel and react. When your mind is juggling tasks in new ways, everyday events sometimes feel bigger than they are.

Over time, small annoyances add up. You might snap at yourself or others. Dyslexia can make the world feel louder, so even a routine setback, like a printer jam, triggers something in you.

In the episode, I talked about how school and work challenges can leave us with a shorter fuse. We carry stress from feeling misunderstood, and that tension can bubble over at the worst times. We might think, “Be calm,” but our brains have their own schedule.

The Day My Self-Control Slipped

I’ll admit, I didn’t plan to lose my cool. Yet one day, it happened faster than I could stop myself. I’d had a tough week. I was tired, hungry, and juggling too much. Then, while trying to finish a simple task, a small thing went wrong.

Within seconds, frustration poured out of me. I felt like the world was against me, though I knew that wasn’t true. As soon as I snapped, I tried to pull it back, but it was too late. That sense of embarrassment and guilt set in, which made it worse.

“I never realised how my dyslexia shaped my approach to stress until I found myself lashing out over a small mistake,” I shared on the show.

It was eye-opening. I wanted to know why that random event triggered such a strong reaction. Turns out, the hidden stress of dyslexia played a big part. I discovered I’d been holding in tension for weeks. That quick outburst was my mind’s way of waving a red flag.

Coping Mechanisms That Help

When I finally calmed down, I looked for simple things I could do to manage my emotions before they took over. I found that it helps to track my energy levels. If I’m running low, I give myself time to reset. Life isn’t perfect, but these steps have eased those sudden flare-ups.

• Take a mini-break. Even two minutes of quiet breathing can calm racing thoughts.
• Jot it down. Writing a quick note about what set you off can clarify your emotions.
• Move your body. A short walk or light stretch often refocuses the mind.
• Ask for help. If you’re feeling overloaded, share it with someone you trust.

Sometimes, practices like mindfulness or journalling feel awkward at first. But when you see a difference, you realise it’s worth it. It’s about catching yourself before the meltdown hits, instead of beating yourself up afterwards.

Embracing the Journey with Self-Kindness

Working on self-control doesn’t mean you’ll never lose your temper again. It means you’ll notice the signs earlier. Our brains don’t always move at a steady pace, so it takes patience and self-kindness to navigate.

We often compare ourselves to others and wonder why we struggle with things that look easy for them. Dyslexia can make day-to-day tasks more draining. It’s no wonder our emotions sometimes run high.

Don’t forget that progress is about small wins. Celebrate every time you stop yourself from spiralling. Learn what triggers overwhelm, but also notice what keeps you steady. You’ll see patterns in your habits, and it’ll inform you on how to stay balanced.

Takeaways

• Recognise that dyslexia affects more than reading or writing. It can stir powerful emotions.
• Stress piles up when we don’t pause and breathe.
• Short breaks or mini “time-outs” help defuse overwhelming situations.
• Small triggers can spark big reactions if we’re tired or under pressure.
• Pacing yourself and reaching out for help is key to staying balanced.

If you want to hear more details and helpful insights, be sure to check out the full podcast episode. The player is right at the top of this page. Give it a listen and share your own stories of self-control and dyslexia.