It is likely that someone in your life has an invisible difference that gives them their own unique perspective on the world around us!Īlways seek supports if you’re suffering. So, if someone shares that they are living with something that makes life more challenging to navigate, remember to listen and support them as best you can. *Do not be shy in asking about what a business or service can do to accommodate a need that you have. Some dance studios, swim classes, and music lessons have additional support staff for children that require extra help, physically and cognitively.Yoga studios and some fitness centres are taking a trauma-informed approach, which includes reduced class sizes and no hands-on adjustments.Movie theaters are now offering sensory friendly viewing and closed captioning to those that require it.Many grocery store chains have sensory friendly shopping hours, with dimmed lights, no music, and no small talk at the check-out lane.Here is a list of ways your community might be creating an accessible experience for individuals who seek it: Perhaps someone with a history of motor vehicle trauma would appreciate a ride, or a calm passenger as they practice their regulation skills while driving. If someone in your life has anxiety that prevents them from shopping alone, offer to be a weekly shopping companion. Always remember to ask before you assist assuming someone wan ts or needs your help can be patronizing. Remember, every one of us is look ing for acceptance and belonging in our own way.Īsk the person or caregiver what they need and remember that not everyone is seeking advice. Listen to their lived experiences, struggles, and achievements! Be mindful to not assume anything about the person. The first thing we can do for someone who identifies with any disability is listen. HOW can I supp ort someone living with an invisible disability? Left unmanaged or unsupported, this can lead to s truggles with mental health. The challenges and barriers this community experiences can all pile up, creating stress, anxiety, and sometimes even traumatic injury.īecause those living with disabilities are often in places that are not safe or supportive, they are more vulnerable to being exposed to prolonged periods of stress or abuse. When a disability is invisible, it is even easier to ignore those needing support and accommodation, because their needs are not visible. For example, we all know wheelchair users may struggle with stairs, yet many buildings do not have elevators, ramps, or wheelchair height tables. Typically, society does not cater to individuals with unique needs, even when those needs are obvious. Learning how to manage tasks and life with any disability, diagnose d or not, can be physically and mentally taxing. Not having a diagnosis can create barriers to receiving the required help and support. Some people do not have the privilege of seeking a diagnosis due to the price of service, or long waitlists. Many factors contribute to this distress for example, getting diagnosed with an invisible disability can be a long, tiring process, where individuals or their families are required to advocate endlessly. HOW does living with an invisible disability make life harder, and WHY does it impact a person’s mental health?Īdults with disabilities report experiencing frequent mental distress almost 5 times as often a s adults without disabilities. An invisible disability could be a mental illness, a developmental disability, chronic pain, or any other disability that is not immediately obvious to the onlooker. You would not be ab le to guess that a person has a disability just by looking at them. An invisible disability is a disability that you cannot see. This means some activities and places are not accessible to many people. Over 1 billion people across the world identify as having a disability. WHAT is a disability, and HOW can it be invisible?Ī disability is any condition or illness that makes interacting with the world around you more difficult. Check out our latest blog post which discusses what an invisible disability is, and how it can impact mental health. Mental health can be impacted by so many things.
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