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Getting out and about
beccyh
Member Posts: 18 Connected
Hi I’m Beccy and new to this and I was wondering how other disabled people find getting out there and trying to meet new people, does anyone else get scared or anxious?
Replies
I,m an oldie now so it does not bother me to much not having a social life ....well ...it does bother me but the effects of a night out can end up in my depression hitting me due to anxiety before I even go out the door . 😥
Welcome to the community I also joined very recently
In terms of going out I find it relaxing being around other people, it is more fun too right?
Some days, you don't feel like doing much like today morning it was a chore trying to get to work but I find that once I'm at work and doing what I like I feel happier even for the rest of the day.
People are generally a bit apprehensive talking to me at the beginning, I grew to expect this however I tend to smile a lot and that works wonders when meeting new people!
How is your experience going out and about?
I am at my best in the garden ....and that's coming from a guy who was probably the biggest socialite you could ever meet . I played guitar and sang in pubs etc ..I enjoyed the craic with the boys at the weekends ...now, with my hearing problems , I cannot hear anyone unless it in a room with no background noise ...even when the family visit I get very anxious as the family all chat to each other , I cannot make anything out if two people are talking at the same time .
I hope you pluck up courage to go out Beccy , I can only imagine how hard it is for you .
I was into music and my guitar , and penny whistle bohdran etc ...but I have not picked up my old guitar in the last ...well...many years , I think I will have to put it in the attic as everytime is see it sitting in the corner of the room it reminds me of exactly what,i,m missing ...i have had that guitar since i was 15 years old 🤔😥
I really hope you overcome your anxiousness and you manage to get out and about ....a bit at a time Beccy ....small steps at first with the support of family and friends ....good luck 👍
Sorry for your loss.
There are lots of activities for disabled people of all ages these days. Have you looked online? Some care companies run social activity sessions for disabled folk.
Start by finding out what’s on in your area. Your local council may also be able to help you. What are your interests and hobbies? I enjoy bowling so I recently signed up for a bowling club for disabled people. Or you can research art lessons for disabled people.
What about gaming? If none currently exists you could start a special needs gaming club? It is worth a shot. Or you could start a disabled people’s fishing club. There are lots of choices. You could even try out singing, acting or dancing lessons for disabled folks. Surrey Choices have a lot of activities aimed at disabled people.
Even your local leisure centre may offer some activities like badminton or tennis sessions for people with impairments. Make small talk. At parties smile and have fun. Do you play a music instrument or not? That is another avenue worth investigating.
Also have you looked at the possibility of working? Do you have a resume or not? Even volunteer jobs count as experience. Do some research and see what opportunities exist. Does not matter if it is only part time either it is better than nothing.
Your local paper should advertise jobs- check out the job section. Or search for jobs online. What are you good at? Make a list of five strengths and then take it from there. Look at the career advice sites for ideas and guidance.
I also recommend CDT therapy which has helped me alot and antidepressants 😂 but it's helped. Good luck and let us know how you get on.
I'm a Pain Warrior
Sorry to hear about your loss
I have an auditory processing disorder, a listening disability or the brain having problems processing what the ears hear.
I have been almost house bond in recent years, at home with my immediate family, but the problem has been the disability discrimination from others over the years from those who do not want to understand and accommodate my communication disability. (Including disability discrimination in the work place over a number of years)
I have problems following long conversations, processing the speech of people new to me, and word recall problems when making any comments myself.
I have found the service really helpful in the past!
I hope it all goes to plan and please do let us know how you get on
Maybe not a big city centre? I look forward to hearing about your adventure!
They've got 10000s of Venues listed and by using the Detailed Access Guides on the App and Website, people can find out whether accessible parking bays are available, how you would need to walk to get to an entrance, if a hearing loop is available at reception, at side the transfer space is in an accessible toilet, whether there are tactile lift buttons, if staff have received disability training, if somewhere plays background music, if flashing fire alarms are available and if there are places to sit and rest.
And the App, available from Google Play and the Apple App StoreMight be worth a try as it's helped me with my anxiety when going to new places!
As 1 with visually impaired and Learning difficulties with confidence and anxiety issues, can be hurdle for me in many ways. I find it hard to find way in new places with my sight issues but I also find it hard to ask people with my learning difficulties. I do feel ackwsrd sitting in a cafe by myself. Also the lack of awareness of others about the white came I use is frustrating.
https://www.facebook.com/1Voice.Vision.of.the.heart/