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Are you a person or a disability ?
CockneyRebel
Community champion Posts: 5,259 Disability Gamechanger
From many posts on here, and other forums, it seems that posters try to define themselves as a condition, illness or disability rather than as a person.
It is to easy to get caught up in the benefits system and to only see yourself as being sick or disabled, where, in fact, you are much more than than that and have a lot to contribute to society.
As we are approaching the start of another new year, which often gives us reason to reflect on our lives, there is no reason why you should not look at the positive things that we can do. For sure, our difficulties will not go away but if you look for and embrace even the smallest positives, life will become a little easier. There are few miracles in this world but one way to improve your life is to cultivate a positive mental attitude, It is not an easy thing to do when you are in pain but try to smile, even when you are alone, at least once a day, and soon it will become a habit. The smallest of action can bring a huge change, it has been said that if a butterfly flaps its wings than a storm can be created on the other side of the world.
Namaste
CR
Be all you can be, make every day count. Namaste
Replies
i do agree that trying to be positive is good, but also accept that isn't always possible.
But merry Christmas to everybody I hope you all have a good one
If our laws punished disability hate crime as it does hate crime against colour of skin or religion then the haters wouldnt refer to us as cripples etc cause theyd be punished for it if they did.
Our laws need updating
I am a person before I am disabled.
But we have got used to pinning these labels on ourselves...guilty!
The problems are do we need labels, like to call ourselves something to remind others who we are.
Unfortunately the way others see us.
Perceptions, views and opinions of our community scrutinised.
Same with any disability or illness, condition we need to share say what we are.
I know of my self hate labels, tags but this is never going to go away, the ongoing debate.
In mental heath you can not discuss your issues only with support workers.
In many mental health charities.
One aspect of any one in my valued opinion is think selves being kind, good to yourself, be aware of your problems.
Seek help, support to deal with what ever your coping.
Disappointment for me in the role I do on here.
Meeting many members who ignore, deny themselves. The information, links of organisations, charities to cope with their difficulty to adjust to new diagnosis.
Is the lack of self esteem, confidence, including moving forward.
Even giving them a lifeline, guidance. Compassion, empathy.
Understand hard for some but need to give them encouragement to think positive.
Success comes in cans not can nots.
@thespiceman
SCOPE Volunteer Award Engaging Communities 2019
Mental Health advice, guidance and information to all members
Nutrition, Diet, Wellbeing, Addiction.
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interesting post. I have numerous neurological conditions & since onset I have fought hard to be seen as a person not a disability. Always not what I can’t do but rather what I can do attitude, learnt from 2.5 yrs in neuro physio & the numerous hilarious moments shared with others relearning life’s tasks..! The recent transition from DLA to PIP with all forms and assessment has sent me to a terrible place of what I can’t do.. it feels alien to have to linger on every little not thought of adjustment, made to my now life☹️
Keep getting asked what 'hobbies' I have at mental assessments...umm, none! Do you drink? Nope... Smoke? Nope... Enjoy food? Nope... Go to cinema or bowling? Nope... Play or watch any sports? Nope... Have any friends? Nope... Have a relationship? Nope... Pets? Nope...
Everything I do is just a distraction to try and get through the next hour or two at a time with the least amount of consequences possible. That's not a life so I wouldn't consider myself as a person rather than a disability.
Hi OA, until I got my recent diagnosis I felt like you....hated myself for being impaired. Something`s changed in my way of thinking.
Took 22 years to get to where I am now. Before I said I was lost...stuck in a paper bag from which there was no way out.
What`s changed my mental attitude? Just being given a definite diagnosis.....
Your post made me reflect if I would think of myself as "a broken leg.". Certainly not.
I would suggest not calling this forum Disabled People. That puts a label on us.
How about "People with Disabilities"? One organization here says "Differently Able.
And I definitely prefer the term "people with disabilities". I saw "the disabled" written somewhere and it felt really off to me.