She Strengthens

Uncovering My Hidden Struggle: Living with Dyscalculia

As a bright and ambitious individual, I always prided myself on being the “smart kid” in my family. But beneath the surface, I harbored a secret: I struggled with everyday tasks like counting, measuring, and mental math. It wasn’t until I was diagnosed with dyscalculia at the age of 24 that the puzzle pieces fell into place.

A Lifelong Struggle

Dyscalculia, often referred to as “number blindness” or “right brain dyslexia,” affects a person’s working memory and ability to manipulate and associate values with numbers. For me, engaging with numbers was like entering an empty room – nothing made sense. Simple tasks like dialing a phone number or telling time became daunting challenges. Despite my academic achievements, math was a constant source of anxiety.

Breaking Free from Shame

My diagnosis was a turning point. I realized I didn’t have to hide behind a mask of confidence, pretending to understand concepts that baffled me. I stopped shaming myself for not grasping basic math and began to use technology to my advantage. Calculators became my lifeline, and I learned to ask for help when needed.

Navigating Financial Uncertainty

However, dyscalculia’s impact on my financial life was significant. Money lacked value and meaning to me, making it difficult to budget and make informed decisions. Impulsive choices and unhealthy paranoia became frequent companions. But I knew I had to take control.

Finding Solutions

I discovered that using the right budgeting apps, like the Bank of America App and Fidelity, helped me analyze information more easily. By leveraging technology, I could finally understand my financial situation and make informed decisions. I also set reminders to ensure I had enough money to pay bills, reducing anxiety and uncertainty.

A New Perspective

Living with dyscalculia has taught me to approach numbers differently and to advocate for myself. While I still struggle with counting errors and financial uncertainty, I’ve learned to be kinder to myself and to seek help when needed. My experience has shown me that taking care of oneself is an ongoing process, and that learning disabilities can open up new opportunities for growth and understanding.

Breaking the Silence

If you’re struggling with a learning disability, know that you’re not alone. Don’t be afraid to seek help and advocate for yourself. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to do the same and to break free from the shame and stigma associated with learning disabilities.