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Like neurotypical people, neurodivergents also want to be content in their lives and contribute to their wellbeing. Nonetheless, multiple studies show neurodivergent people not being able to contribute to their wellbeing. For instance, a study conducted by Frontiers in Psychology found that neurodivergent individuals (such as those with ADHD, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD) “exhibited the most extreme negativity in need valence and the lowest wellbeing scores” (Pincus & Beller, 2025). In essence, the findings demonstrate that their needs are more negative (distressed-based) & are often overlooked, contributing to a lower wellbeing. Thus, this blog will provide ways on how neurodivergents can contribute to their wellbeing.
One of the most important ways for neurodivergents to be content is community. This is significant for neurodivergents, as they have spent their lives “feeling isolated, misunderstood, and out of place” and have always been told they are “too much” or “not enough” (Hamstead, 2025). These negative feelings are part of why neurodivergents are typically unhappy and not able to contribute to their wellbeing. However, the neurodivergent community is very much active and provides a sense of belonging and content to neurodivergents. This demonstrates how the negative feelings of neurodivergents are addressed and can contribute to their overall wellbeing.
Another important technique is to celebrate your achievements and be patient. Many people look at neurodivergence like it is “a deficit, a disease, or a disorder” (Marsh, 2024). However, this could not be further from the truth. Neurodivergence is a unique difference, and it does make “everyday tasks feel harder than for others” and make life feel “overwhelming at times” (Marsh, 2024). Rather than harbouring negative feelings like guilt, anxiety, and shame, neurodivergents should accept their differences and infuse them as part of their identity. They should be able to recognise and celebrate their achievements whilst being patient if something does not go their way. This exemplifies how neurodivergents with negative feelings should channel them into accepting their differences and making them a part of their identity, which contributes to their overall wellbeing.
In sum, this blog discusses how neurodivergents can address their negative needs and contribute to their wellbeing and be more content with their lives. The two main techniques to achieve this goal are to be part of a community and to celebrate your achievements and be patient. While these methods may seem small and frivolous, even making these steps can truly change the life of neurodivergents.