Hi, my name is sarahQuinn85!

sarahQuinn85

Hello my name is Sarah I’m a single mum to teens I have just been diagnosed with HEDS,MASS CELL,vomiting cycling, hemiplegic migraines & POTS,& much more, I am a student Ba hons integrative psychotherapist bacp year 5 & a peer mental health advocate for child & adults. I am getting used to being in a wheelchair but I feel the most impact on me is others around me tutors, peers etc judgments assumptions & discriminations I would love to me others that truly understand & learn to transition my life changing diagnosis

Alex_Alumni

Hello there @sarahQuinn85 and welcome, thanks for taking the time to introduce yourself. It can be hard to manage the way people's attitudes suddenly change when they notice a mobility aid, such as a wheelchair.

As a wheelchair user myself, I can certainly resonate with the things you're feeling. It can also be really difficult when we are expected to explain our conditions or diagnosis right from the off, especially with strangers. I know that Scope has some guidance on talking about disability with new people, which you might find helpful. 

Have you spoken with your tutors/peers about how their attitudes and judgements have been making you feel? Have you faced any discrimination? I'd encourage you to contact disability services within your university if you haven't already, so that you can discuss getting support for managing any negative attitudes.

It goes without saying that you are not the problem here, when people don't understand something, they can often ask presumptuous or rude questions, and while well meaning, this can do more harm than good. Negative and bigoted attitudes are some of the biggest barriers disabled people face, but we can help support each other to call this out, and push for change.

If you feel we can help support you further, please do let us know