Embracing Neurodiversity: A Path to Improved Mental Health by Julie Bjelland, LMFT
Alarming statistics shed light on a stark reality: 90.2% of Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs) grapple with suicidal thoughts, and 18.4% have attempted suicide*. This distress extends into the autistic community, where the majority experience suicidal ideation, with a significant portion having considered or attempted suicide.
The societal demand for conformity, pressuring individuals to change their inherent nature for acceptance, plants a seed of perceived defectiveness, driving depression and suicidality. In a world where fitting in is often synonymous with belonging, it is imperative to challenge what is considered "normal." This is particularly crucial for HSPs and autistic individuals, who face higher rates of suicidal thoughts. Understanding and embracing our differences is vital for mental health.
The drive toward uniformity, demanding we change our core selves to integrate, perpetuates a harmful message that our natural state is incorrect. This narrative leads to isolation and a sense of inadequacy. Throughout my journey from adolescence to adulthood, the fear of rejection for my true self loomed large despite a facade of conformity. Embracing a neurodiversity framework has reshaped my perception of personal differences from deficits to natural human variations, fostering authentic relationships grounded in mutual understanding and acceptance.
Many HSPs, including myself, may also be unrecognized autistics. Recognizing this facet of our identity is key. The ending of my struggle with severe depression and suicidal thoughts came after the transformative power of an autism diagnosis. It clarified my understanding of myself in the world. Discovering my high sensitivity and later receiving my autism diagnosis catalyzed a shift towards self-compassion, markedly enhancing my quality of life. This self-understanding fostered resilience, joy, and a deeper connection to others.
Moving from viewing ourselves as inherently flawed to recognizing and valuing our unique differences has significantly improved mental health for many, allowing us to not just survive but thrive as we learn to celebrate our neurodiversity, affirming its importance alongside biodiversity. This shift promotes growth, treating neurodiversity not as a hindrance but as an integral component of the human condition. Advocating for this paradigm shift, we call on society to celebrate diversity, thereby not only bettering the lives of neurodiverse individuals but also enriching the fabric of society. This vision advocates for a world where every unique strength and perspective is recognized, valued, and celebrated.
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More Resources
Free Autism Quiz for the Sensitive (Could you be undiagnosed?)
Autism Poll (Anonymous-I can learn what you need & share interesting results from the poll)
The Sensitive Empowerment Community (Join to connect with me every day and make new, healthy connections)
Autistic Women’s Group (located inside the community)
All Resources (free classes, letters to give practitioners, podcast, videos, and more)
*Suicide statistics come from a previous poll shared in this article.
I’m Julie Bjelland, LMFT
Licensed Psychotherapist, author, and founder of Sensitive Empowerment, specializing in high sensitivity and adult-diagnosed autism in women. I love developing tools that balance our sensitive nervous system, reduce challenges, and help us reach our fullest potential so we may excel in our unique talents. I’ve created a global hub of extensive support, including online courses, the Sensitive Empowerment Community, an Autistic Women’s Group, and Assessments—a globally top-ranked podcast, articles, free webinars, and more. My passion is helping create a world where differences are embraced as strengths and celebrated
Some men have expressed frustration about my focus on women’s autism experiences, but this emphasis addresses a longstanding research gap that makes women-centered support essential.