Living with a disability can be very difficult and can affect the mental health and overall well-being of those who experience it. According to WHO, an estimated 1.3 billion people of the world population are disabled. And it is not just physical disabilities but mental disabilities as well.
And this comes with its own set of challenges that affects their mental health.
As we observe the Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, we must draw attention to the challenges faced by people with disabilities, how it affects their mental health and how we can offer meaningful support.
So, in this blog post, we shall discuss some of the challenges faced by people with disabilities and how we can support them.
Challenges Faced by People with Disabilities Which Affects Their Mental Health
1. Social Isolation
Social isolation is one of the most painful challenges many people with disabilities face which affects their mental health.
Due to movement issues and inaccessible environments, disabled individuals find it difficult to participate in social activities and connect with others. Over time, this can lead to feelings of loneliness, sadness, and even depression.
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Limited Mobility.
In Nigeria and many parts of the world, a lot of buildings, roads and other infrastructures are not universally designed to accommodate disabled people i.e built to be easily accessed by anyone regardless of their disability.
A lot of disabled individuals find it very difficult to access public spaces, transportations and buildings and this has significantly limited their participation in society and has forcefully made them dependent on others.
And all these can cause depression, suicidal thoughts, low self-esteem, etc.
3. Stigma and Discrimination.
People with disabilities are seen as burdens and unfortunately might not get the same opportunities that people without disabilities get.
Furthermore, they are usually consciously or unconsciously excluded from society and a sense of distance exists between them and other people.
This prejudice and discrimination against people with disabilities can cause depression, isolation and mental stress.
4. Financial Difficulties
One major challenge that people with disabilities often face is financial issues. Many disabled individuals cannot easily find jobs. And when they do find jobs, they may be underpaid or not given roles that match their skills and potential.
On top of that, living with a disability often comes with extra expenses like regular hospital visits, therapy, drugs, etc.
And so they might have to rely on their families which can increase feelings of helplessness, depression, anxiety, etc.
ALSO READ: Women in Male-Dominated Industries : How to Support Their Mental Well-Being.
4 Ways We Can Support the Mental Health of People with Disabilities?
Here are 4 ways you can support the mental health of people living with disabilities:
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Education of the Public
Through your social media platforms, television and radio, you can educate people on how people with disabilities should be treated and reasons why they should not be excluded. This will help people understand that people with disabilities are normal human beings and should not be stigmatized or isolated.
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Provide Adequate Mental HealthCare
Mental health care is even more difficult to access for people with disabilities compared to other people.
To help, you can recommend online mental health centers to them. You can also help them find therapists, counselors, or support groups that are disability-friendly and understand their unique needs.
3. Be Patient and Kind
Living with a disability can be mentally draining. That is why your support is needed. By being kind to them, you show you care and show that they matter. Little actions like offering your seat, opening doors and relating with them normally can go a long way.
4. Support Their Dreams and Goals
People with disabilities face a lot of challenges that can prevent them from pursuing their dreams and goals but we can reduce this.
If you have a friend or family member who is disabled, encourage and support them in pursuing their dreams. It could be financial, physical or emotional support.
Conclusion
People with disabilities face a lot of challenges which can affect their mental health and overall well-being. Supporting their mental health is not just a job for the government but for every individual.
If you are a person with a disability and is experiencing any mental health issue or you just need somebody to talk to, we are ready to listen.