Guilt

Janeybach

hi, my fellow CP warriors. I'm in my 60's born with CP. as a child wore a calliper and  "special shoes" which I hated. I've managed quite well, but always felt very guilty as I didn't class myself as that bad. Always had a wonky gait and funny hand, which I've hid all my life. I've been very grateful for the life God gave  me, but as I said always felt guilty. Chronic pain is awful as I've a few other issues as well. But be encouraged we don't get called as many names now as it was in my youth. That's why I tried to hide. Love to you all ❤️️

Sam_Alumni

Hi @Janeybach I think guilt is such a common feeling when you are a  disabled person or someone with an impairment.

I just wonder why you think you feel guilty? 

Geoark

Hi @Sam_Scope I cannot answer for @Janeybach but I can answer for myself.

I grew up with disability around me, as I attended a special needs school from late 60's to late 70's and I have always felt comfortable around disabled people. However when I started looking for help to understand my daughter's autism I was constantly aware how lucky we were as she had many of the strengths and the weaknesses seemed possible to overcome. I found it hard to ask for help when looking at the difficulties other parents were facing.

I shied off from applying for DLA for her but in the end was persuaded to apply for her. I felt guilty about it as much of the support she needed seemed to me part and parcel of being a parent. I was completely honest and, shocked when she got low for care and middle for mobility. It made a huge difference for her, and us, however we also knew parents who had more to cope with who would not get it.

Similarly living with long term sciatica I always feel guilty about talking about my own struggles. Especially somewhere like here where there are so many people struggling, not only with their disabilities but financially as well.