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Jan 21, 2026 5 min

Ups & Downs

from Truth About Dyslexia Hosted by Stephen Martin

In this episode, we explore the emotional ups and downs that often come with dyslexia in adulthood. Those days when everything clicks — clarity, confidence, momentum — can feel incredible. But just as quickly, dyslexic adults can experience sudden drops into overwhelm, withdrawal, and disconnection, often without knowing why. I share personal experiences of these emotional swings, including common coping mechanisms like hiding, disconnecting, comfort eating, or retreating from the world. We talk about how the dyslexic brain is deeply driven by purpose, and how losing that sense of “why” can trigger those down days. This episode also touches on the idea that these highs and lows are not personal flaws — they’re a dyslexic trait. I also share an early experiment with 5-HTP, a supplement linked to serotonin and calming the fight-or-flight response, and how it may be helping smooth out emotional extremes. Most importantly, this episode is about reassurance, awareness, and acceptance — understanding that you’re not broken, you’re wired differently. Takeaways Emotional highs and lows are a common dyslexic trait, not a personal failing Dyslexic minds often experience bigger ups and bigger downs than others Sudden disconnection, hiding, or withdrawal can be a response to losing purpose The dyslexic brain constantly looks for meaning and “why” behind actions Down days can feel scary because they often come without a clear reason Fight-or-flight and adrenal fatigue are common challenges for dyslexic adults Small “calming hacks” can help reduce emotional extremes over time Acceptance and awareness are powerful first steps in managing dyslexic emotions Dyslexia ups and downs, Adult dyslexia emotions, Dyslexic emotional highs and lows, Dyslexia and anxiety, Dyslexic burnout, Dyslexic brain and purpose, Fight or flight dyslexia, Emotional regulation dyslexia, Living with dyslexia, Truth About Dyslexia podcast, ADHD, adults with dyslexia, support for adults. Join the club rightbrainresetters.com Get 20% off your first order addednutrition.com If you want to find out more visit:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ truthaboutdyslexia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join our Facebook Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ facebook.com/groups/adultdyslexia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Ups & Downs

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This episode is 5 minutes long.

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This episode was published on January 21, 2026.

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