Debunking the Stigmas Around Invisible Disabilities
Debunking the Stigmas Around Invisible Disabilities
December 3 is International Day of Persons With Disabilities, and this year’s theme is Not All Disabilities Are Visible. Many disabilities are invisible, but that doesn’t make them any less devastating to a person’s quality of life. Common examples of invisible disabilities include mental health disorders, diabetes, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), cognitive dysfunction, and sensory processing disorders. Whether you’re aware of it or not, you likely know multiple people living with one or more of these chronic conditions or illnesses. Below, Pegalis Law Group, LLC debunks several stigmas surrounding invisible disabilities and shares how you can become an ally for those living with them.
Always Listen to Others With an Open Mind
It’s been said that you never know what it’s like to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes. Only a person with an invisible disability knows how it affects their day-to-day quality of life. Not everyone will fit the classic medical textbook description for their specific illness. Symptoms may vary, with many chronic conditions manifesting differently from person to person. If someone chooses to confide in you about their condition, listen with an open mind. Try to put yourself in their place and understand how it affects them. Whether it’s someone close to you or not, do what you can to educate yourself. Many with invisible disabilities don’t feel comfortable disclosing them because of society’s stigmas.
You Know What They Say About Making Assumptions
While it might seem easy to dismiss an invisible disability as being something exaggerated or imaginary, be aware and respectful that such conditions exist. Never make assumptions about someone else’s health. Even if they appear fine, you don’t know what’s going on inside their body. Ask questions about their condition, but never assume you know what’s best for them. There’s likely a dedicated medical team supporting them and working on ways to help them manage their condition. Your job as an ally is to be there for them, not to come up with a medical breakthrough.
Try to Be Flexible and Accommodating to Others’ Disabilities
Being flexible and accommodating to others’ invisible disabilities is vital to making them feel seen and included in essential conversations. This is especially true in the workplace. For example, if someone has PTSD or a sensory processing disorder, they may be bothered in an environment with bright fluorescent lights or noisy coworkers. It may be necessary for them to work from home or at least in a separate space that’s quieter and more inviting. Be aware their needs may evolve. How they feel or respond to their symptoms may change from week to week or even day to day. As an ally, you should do what you reasonably can to ensure their well-being in all spheres of society.
Recognize Invisible Disabilities and Become an Advocate
Invisible disabilities affect people of all ages and backgrounds. Just because someone may appear healthy, doesn’t mean they aren’t struggling with a chronic condition. If someone you know is affected by an invisible disability, do what you can to become their ally and advocate.
Focused on Creating Proactive Patients for 50 Years
As a New York-based personal injury and medical malpractice law firm for 50 years, Pegalis Law Group, LLC is focused on creating proactive patients through public awareness campaigns. Please visit our website and follow us on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to receive additional insights about being proactive about your family’s healthcare.