Disability has been a difficult factor in many of our lives. Ultimately, this factor can be difficult to cope with—it can be hard to live a different life than what you may have initially pictured, but to accept disability as being a part of your identity is a crucial step in the post-diagnosis mental recovery we all have to go through.
Advocacy is another step toward mental recovery. By making your voice, or the voice of someone know with a disability, heard, misconceptions are cleared up, positive progress is made on how people with disabilities are treated and seen, and most importantly, the feelings of isolation the speaker may have fade. At last, people are listening, and that can do so much.
Lifting up other disabled voices when you can is also important! Spreading the word on important parts of disabled life can create a crucial sense of connection and community. Although I can’t find the cure by myself, I know that I can support the social and mental wellbeing of those in my same position. This helps me feel fulfilled and helps me to understand that I’m doing everything I can to help myself and others have a brighter future.
Remember you are NOT alone. There are so many people just like you out there. We will see you next time for issue 2 of 2025’s SRNA Magazine: Disability & Resilience.
