Sunday 10th October 2021 ~ World Mental Health Day
It’s now officially autumn in the UK, and so the days are becoming shorter, cooler and darker.
For many of us, the cold weather and lack of sunlight negatively affects our mood (Seasonal Affective Disorder).
This impacts some people much more than others, and of course, it is only one factor that contributes to the state of our mental health.
I believe we all experience some level and form of depression throughout our lives, and for very different reasons.
We’re advised to explore the outdoors, take walks in nature, and get regular physical exercise to improve cognitive function and release endorphins . But for those of us with physical disabilities, this isn’t always possible.
As a powered wheelchair-user with congenital muscular dystrophy, I can’t go running, walking, swimming, cycling or to the gym.
Though essential, my physiotherapy sessions came to an abrupt stop, many years ago, at the age of 14. Accessing services as a physically disabled adult is beyond challenging!
Furthermore, some with disabilities, impaired immunity and chronic illnesses are continuing to shield, and therefore cannot safely access the outdoors.
Some are completely isolated, don’t have a garden and cannot drive. Others are suffocated by the constant presence of carers and those they live with, unable to escape the confines of home.
It’s surprising how lonely you can feel in a crowded room.
So, what do WE do? How can WE support and improve our mental health?
There is no straightforward answer, (sorry about that!), as we’re all different, and facing our own battles.
I, personally, get very frustrated with life, my limitations, the lack of assistance, understanding and empathy. It does often feel like physically disabled people are disregarded from society and forgotten about.
But we feel, we need, we want, we deserve, we matter.