Dyslexia and mental health : helping people identify destructive behaviours and find positive ways to cope / Neil Alexander-Passe ; forewords by Michael Ryan and Pennie Aston.

Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

What is dyslexia? -- A dyslexic life -- Difference, disclosure, stigma and labelling -- Accepting a duslexic identity -- Self-belief -- Stress and anxiety -- Dyslexic coping profiles -- Defence mechanisms and coping strategies -- Pre-defence mechanism : avoidance -- Emotional defences -- Behavioural defences -- Vulnerability to depression -- Learned helplessness to optimism -- Discussion and conclusion -- Appendix. Dyslexia and depression : the hidden sorrow.

This book presents research and case studies to demonstrate why and how people with dyslexia can adopt adverse coping strategies and defensive mechanisms to deal with the emotional impact of dyslexia, leading to self-harm, depression and even suicide. It then looks at how they can best be helped and supported by professionals who work with them.