Mental Health and Disabilities

May is 7 Cups Mental Health Awareness Month! 

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Mental health and Disabilities: the importance of having a support network in place before it is needed.

Having a disability can indeed have a significant negative impact on mental health due to various factors such as social stigma, reduced access to resources, pain, illness, and limitations in participation. But there are some ways in particular in which disability can affect mental health.

1. Social Stigma and Discrimination: Individuals with disabilities often face social stigma and discrimination, which can lead to feelings of shame, isolation, and low self-esteem. According to one study, the experience of stigma can exacerbate the psychological distress associated with having a disability, contributing to poorer mental health outcomes.

2. Limited Access to Resources and Opportunities: People with disabilities may encounter barriers in accessing healthcare, education, employment, and social activities. This lack of access can lead to feelings of frustration, helplessness, and depression. Also, individuals with disabilities experience disparities in healthcare access and quality, which can negatively impact their mental well-being.

3. Financial Strain: Disabilities often come with additional financial burdens such as medical expenses, costs associated with treatments, medicines, adaptive equipment, and reduced earning potential due to limited employment opportunities. Financial strain can contribute to stress, frustration, anger, anxiety, and depression for anyone but more so among individuals with disabilities.

4. Loss of Independence and Autonomy: Many disabilities involve limitations in mobility, communication, or self-care, which can result in a loss of independence and autonomy. This loss can lead to feelings of powerlessness, frustration, and depression.

5. Pain: Many disabilities come with varying levels of pain. It can be hard to keep feeling positive, and upbeat when faced with pain every day and night. Sometimes taking medications to help cope with pain can affect mood and mental health. Research has shown that chronic pain is strongly correlated with depression, anxiety, and decreased quality of life. Finding ways to cope can be crucial in improving reactions to pain.

6. Physical Discomfort: Some disabilities are associated with physical discomfort, which can have a profound impact on mental well-being. Often physical discomfort that cannot be improved because of a disability can lead to depression and low mood.

7. Trauma and Adjustment Difficulties: Acquiring a disability, whether through accident, injury, illness, or congenital conditions, can be a traumatic experience that requires significant adjustment. Individuals may struggle to come to terms with their new circumstances, leading to feelings of grief, anger, frustration, and anxiety. As well as the need to accept the change, it can make a profound difference to mental health.

All these things are just the tip of the iceberg in the complex relationship [p between disability and mental wellness, highlighting the importance of providing support, resources, and inclusive environments for individuals with disabilities to promote their overall well-being. 

Given these challenges, support systems play a crucial role in promoting good mental health of individuals with disabilities.  Here are a few different kinds of support that can help, many of which might apply to anyone:-

1. Emotional Support: Having a strong support network of family, friends, and peers can provide emotional validation, encouragement, and companionship, buffering against the negative impact of stigma and discrimination. Reaching out to people can be hard especially when we actually need it so it can be a good idea to see support before we need it and develop a better closer relationship so it is in place.

2. Practical Assistance: Support systems can offer practical assistance with daily tasks, transportation to and from hospital and doctor appointments, picking up medications and shopping can all enhance independence and quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Hospitals may have patient transport services, or some taxis are wheelchair accessible and working with the company can help them to understand needs. Some shops deliver as well as some supermarkets and online stores.

3. Peer Support Groups: Participation in peer support groups and community organizations allows individuals with disabilities to connect with others facing similar challenges, share experiences, and learn coping strategies, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment These could be in person or online. Check out local noticeboards and newspapers. Perhaps join some online groups and see if they suit you.

4. Professional Services: Access to mental health professionals, rehabilitation services, and disability-specific programs can provide specialized care and interventions tailored to the needs of individuals with disabilities, addressing both physical and psychological aspects of well-being. Counselors and Therapists can help give advice on how to build your support network too.

In conclusion, disabilities can have a significant negative impact on mental health, but having robust support systems in place before they are needed can be essential for mitigating these effects and promoting resilience and empowerment among individuals with disabilities.

Questions for you to answer or think about:-

😃Do you have a support network in place already? If not will you think about planning one?
😁What might your best source of support be?
😇How does your disability affect your mental health?
😊Please share any tips or tricks that you have to help us all improve our mental health.

References:

• Bair, M. J., Robinson, R. L., Katon, W., & Kroenke, K. (2003). Depression and pain comorbidity: A literature review. Archives of Internal Medicine, 163(20), 2433-2445.

• Gibson, B. E., Mistry, B., Smith, B., Yoshida, K. K., & Abbott, D. (2012). "MySpace is Your Space?" Navigating the Social Terrain for Socially Included or Excluded Disabled People. Canadian Journal of Disability Studies, 1(1), 27-58.

• Krahn, G. L., Walker, D. K., & Correa-De-Araujo, R. (2015). Persons with disabilities as an unrecognized health disparity population. American Journal of Public Health, 105(S2), S198-S206.

• Link, B. G., & Phelan, J. C. (2001). Conceptualizing stigma. Annual Review of Sociology, 27(1), 363-385.

• McDermott, S., & Turk, M. A. (2011). The myth of rehabilitation: Examining beliefs about economic self-sufficiency among people with disabilities. Journal of Disability Policy Studies, 22(1), 26-34.

• Mullins, L. L., Wolfe-Christensen, C., Pai, A. L., Carpentier, M. Y., Gillaspy, S., & Cheek, J. (2007). The relationship between severity of illness and health-related quality of life in adolescents with chronic conditions. Journal of Adolescent Health, 41(2), 147-153.

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