I am 15 years old in 10th grade and I get pretty good grades, but there's something that's been bothering me. Yesterday in health class, we had to practice the Heimlich maneuver on a dummy (and later a baby version), but I couldn't do it. It really surprised my health teacher because I'm the star student of the class..I had an 100 average and everything, but when it came to doing something practically I could just not understand...I don't know, I can't really do a lot of things with my hands (haha), like I'm 15 and I can't tie my shoes, although I've tried hundreds of times, I can't snap my fingers, I don't know how to do push ups, etc. I guess I just don't know, certain things that come to other people instantly just don't come to me. I get high grades in my classes and a lot of my classmates and me to their groups and such because"He's smart", but I don't actually feel smart since I can't do simple things that everyone else can do...does anyone have an explanation for this?
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Dexterity vs intelligence, the majority of people wants what you already possess. I have a mental illness and you certainly dont sound like you do. Some times the fear of having mental illness is as crippling as actually having it!
Have you talked to your parents about this- because you really need to. I don't know that you are mentally handicapped, but you might have some unique differences. I would definitely try to see a doctor if I were you just to make sure there aren't any major issues.
Also, do you need glasses- maybe an issue with your eyes is causing this.
It could be hard for you to work if you can't use your hands or body properly. You might have to be aware of that when it comes time to go to college. Pick something that doesn't have motions you can't do.
It sounds like you might have a condition like apraxia affecting your fine motor skills.
Apraxia is a disorder of the nervous system, It can be caused by injury, but children - especially boys - can be born with it. It causes a person to be unable to perform tasks or movements, even though they understand, are willing to do it, the muscles work properly and even if they could do it previously.
My nephew has it and it affects his speech and fine motor skills. He is 3 and finally started to talk with a lot of speech therapy, and his fine motor skills are not well developed.
You don't need mental help. Your brain is fine (just frustrated). You need to see a neurologist for diagnosis and treatment. You will probably need physical therapy, and IEP so your school is changed to accomodate you, and I think you should get some mental health counseling too. Not because your are mentally ill. But because you are dealing with a lot of frustration, isolation, and shame that is unusual for your age. There's no shame in getting help.
Best of Luck to you! XOXO
Give yourself a break! Not everyone can do everything. There are some things in life you will be good at and some you wont. But as far as any physical activity. I would start hitting the gym and gaining muscle. That will defenitly help with the push ups. And remember... practicing something in life makes you better at it.