I know what it is like to be judged while hovering next to a wall when walking in school or asked by the passing people with judging eyes why I am using an elevator when it looks like on the outside that I am just fine.
George Eliot, an English novelist, once said "Don't judge a book by its cover." This is a common phrase that can be useful when learning and understanding invisible/silent disabilities. No matter what the cover (or person) looks like, there can be many surprises inside the pages, good and bad. Another thing about each person’s story is that everything is connected, just like all invisible disabilities are. There are 3 main categories when it comes to invisible disabilities: mental, neurological, and physical each one being a distinct category but, also able to affect one another.
Mental disabilities refer to illnesses or diseases that affect someone’s behavior, mood, or thinking. Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are only a few examples of mental disabilities. These conditions can be challenging to diagnose and treat, as they are not always easily visible to others. Personally, I know the battle of finding what is causing my problems of Vertigo and Migraines. I have been seeing doctors for over 18 months, trying to find answers so then, together we can finally find a soultion. Certain conditions also have different symptoms that may point to several different disabilities. Mental disabilities can also be discredited, with many people still believing that individuals struggling with these conditions are just "making it up" or "being dramatic." This can make it even more difficult for individuals with mental disabilities to feel safe enough to seek help and support.
On the other hand, neurological disabilities refer to conditions that affect the nervous system. These conditions can include Epilepsy, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease, Migraines, and many more. Like mental disabilities, neurological disabilities can be difficult to diagnose and treat. They can also be stigmatized, with individuals often being told to "just try harder" or "get over it" by not only strangers, family/friends, but also doctors. This can lead to feelings of isolation, depression, and frustration for those struggling with neurological disabilities when all they truly want is support and answers.
Physical disabilities are when an individual’s condition interferes with their ability to move or perform physical tasks. There are several illnesses/diseases such as Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, and Chronic Pain. Like both mental and neurological disabilities, physical disabilities can also be stigmatized, with individuals often being told that they are "lazy" or "not trying hard enough." Physical disabilities can be particularly challenging, as they can impact an individual's ability to work, participate in hobbies, and even perform basic tasks like getting dressed or preparing meals.
Lizz Schumer from “What Is an Invisible Disability? Why Invisible ... - Prevention.” said,
"Invisible disabilities and chronic illnesses present an additional challenge for many, because they don’t follow the “get sick, get treatment, get better” redemption arc that acute illnesses do and their severity and presentation can often change from day to day or week to week. One day, I might be able to walk a couple of miles to the farmer’s market, go out for lunch, then see a movie in the afternoon. Another, I might be too tired or in too much pain for any of that."
Some people may also use physical tool or devices which could indicate a physical disability but what you may not see is an invisible disability which is contributing to or adding to the physical issue. For instance, as I mentioned earlier, I struggle from vertigo, and although we (myself and the doctors) are unsure of what’s causing it, it has been making me unbalanced and on occasion fall. So, I use a cane for support and stability, just in case.
While mental, neurological, and physical disabilities are distinct categories, they are all connected in some way, just like pages in a book. For example, an individual with a physical disability may also struggle with mental health issues related to their condition, such as depression or anxiety. Similarly, an individual with a neurological disability may also experience physical symptoms related to their condition, such as chronic pain or fatigue. The CDC estimates that approximately 26 percent of the population lives with a disability, including non-apparent and invisible ones. That’s one in four people! Understanding all the connections is crucially important when it comes to providing support and resources for individuals struggling with invisible disabilities no matter what category their illness/disease falls in.
Invisible disabilities are complex and hold many challenges. Mental, neurological, and physical disabilities can all be difficult to diagnose, treat, and support. However, by recognizing the connections between these different types of disabilities, we can better understand the experiences of those who struggle with them. By giving support, resources, and understanding, we can connect with those who have invisible disabilities. Remember, just because a disability is invisible doesn't mean it's not there. So let's all try to see people for who they are rather than how they appear.
I am looking forward to sharing my journey of discovery with you all. So make sure to follow along!
Schumer, Lizz. “What Is an Invisible Disability? Why Invisible ... - Prevention.” Prevention, 20 Mar. 2023, www.prevention.com/health/a41248327/what-is-an-invisible-disability/.
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