Are you living with a disability? Was your life dramatically changed overnight due to an illness or an accident? Or is your condition something you were born with and you’ve handled all your life? Whether your disability is new, old, temporary or your recovery seems uncertain it’s easy to add mental health struggles to your symptoms along with chronic pain, lack of movement and doubt for the future.
As someone with a disability, you’re probably already dealing with loved ones who think they know what’s best for you, friends who don’t call as often as they used to and your current lack of independence. But this is when you need to push through. Being disabled can be a challenge but that doesn’t mean you should let it control and influence your life.
Here we’ll explore 4 ways you shouldn’t let your disability hold you back.
Your Finances
If you’ve suddenly become disabled due to an accident or illness, then your entire financial situation could be in jeopardy. However just because you’re disabled it doesn’t mean you can’t keep your financial independence. If you can no longer work, then a Social Security Disability Insurance claim could help keep you afloat financially. It’s quite a complicated process so reach out for advice on a VA disability and social security claim as soon as possible. This monthly payment could be a financial lifeline, so don’t miss out.
Getting Out and About
Sometimes the simplest things that able-bodied people take for granted, such as going to the park or heading to the supermarket, can feel like a physical and mental challenge for someone with a disability. Whether you’re struggling with chronic pain, you’re in a wheelchair and getting out and about is difficult, or you’re worried about what other people think about the way you look, you should never let these things stop you from getting out and about and enjoying life.
If your friends want to meet at a café, find one that has disabled access. If you suffer from fatigue and you can’t manage long walks or shopping sprees these days, don’t put pressure on yourself. Ask friends and family to go a little slower. The people around you should support you, not make getting out and about more difficult!
Your Relationships
As mentioned above the people in your life should only ever encourage and support you. Not make you feel useless or pandered to. As a disabled person, surrounding yourself with healthy, positive relationships is good for your recovery and your mental wellbeing. If your sudden diagnosis has highlighted the fair-weather friends in your life or those who don’t really support you, then see it as a good thing. Let them go and find better friends! Don’t settle for anything less.
And Finally, Your Mental Wellbeing
As a newly disabled person or someone who has lived with a disability all their life, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Your mental wellbeing plays a vital role in your quality of life and your overall health. So, focus on things that bring you positive reassurance and guidance, even in those darkest hours. Counselling, therapies, support groups and good friends will see you through.
