Mamabee

Worrying ways a new disability can harm your mental health (and what you can do about it)

Are you coping with a sudden disability? Perhaps you were in a car accident or you fell unwell and it’s dramatically changed your health? It’s easy to wonder how you’re going to cope, provide for your family, or even regain a sense of normality after something so devastating.

Not only do you have all these new concerns to contemplate, but you also have your mental health to consider. This sudden change in your life and the prospect of an uncertain future can push even the most strong-willed people to the brink. Here we’ll examine the worrying ways a new disability can harm your mental health, and what you can do about it.

Financial difficulties

Does your new disability and health problems mean you’re facing unemployment? Being suddenly unable to work and earn a living can put immeasurable stress on you both financially and emotionally. Not only that but managing your health and keeping on top of appointments, prescriptions, treatments and other aids you need to manage your disability can also mean putting yourself under more financial pressure. Thankfully, if you successfully apply for Supplemental Security Income then it could be the financial lifeline you’ve been looking for. Do you want to find out how SSI back pay is calculated? Click the link for more details.

Isolation

We all feel a little lonely sometimes, but if you’re living with a disability you may be more inclined towards extreme feelings of seclusion and loneliness. Whether your so-called friends don’t have time for you anymore, or you’re worried about being a burden and decline the opportunity to meet up with loved ones, feelings of isolation can quickly spiral into depression if left to fester.

Never consider yourself as a burden, even if you’re currently lacking the confidence to go out, ask your friends to visit you at home instead. Or throw yourself into social situations and see what happens. There are also support groups and therapy sessions that might give you the opportunity to meet people who feel the same way.

Discrimination

Discrimination is something that disabled people deal with daily. And over time it will certainly take its toll on your mental health – whether it’s bullying and name-calling, or someone is making assumptions about your life and your care, or you’re told that you’re incapable of doing something and you’re overlooked because of your disability.

If you’re still working, don’t be afraid to raise your concerns and your feelings with HR. If it’s friends or colleagues that are making you feel discriminated against, you don’t have to put up with it.

And finally, employment

Maybe you can no longer do the job you did before, but you can still work. Sadly, many disabled people find that searching for a job is a long, arduous process, and the lack of employment opportunities for someone who is disabled is suddenly obvious. Often, it’s our jobs that give us a sense of self-worth and if you feel as though your disability is holding you back then it can certainly take its toll on your mental health.

The solution is to keep trying. Keep updating that CV and apply as much as you can. And search for employers who have a good track record of inclusivity!

 

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