Disability and Mental Health PDF

Disability and mental health Disability and Society There is a significant body of evidence that persons with disabilities are at an increased risk for suicide or suicidal ideation. However, the evidence also shows that it is not the disabling condition per se that most often leads to suicidal im...

Disability and mental health Disability and Society There is a significant body of evidence that persons with disabilities are at an increased risk for suicide or suicidal ideation. However, the evidence also shows that it is not the disabling condition per se that most often leads to suicidal impulses. Rather, it's the social constraints that so many people with disabilities regularly face that can lead to life-threatening depression. Research shows, for example, people with disabilities encounter tremendous obstacles to "normal" social functioning that have little or nothing to do with the injury or illness itself. This includes barriers that are both structural and ideological, from limited access to public transportation or curbside cutouts for wheelchair-users to the lack of flexible work options for persons who might need it. Persons with visible disabilities, for instance, report that they often experience various forms of discrimination when out in public. This includes the tendency for strangers to use the high-pitched tones often reserved for infants when speaking to adults with disabilities, to speak to the person's companion or attendant rather than to the person him or herself, or to refer to persons with disabilities as "admirable" or "courageous." In the workplace, the misconception that hiring a person with a disability would require prohibitively expensive accommodations, or simply that a person with an injury or illness would not be able to be as productive or reliable as a non-disabled employee, contributes to the disproportionately high rates of unemployment among persons with disabilities. In fact, according to recent estimates, the November 2020 labour participation rate for adults with disabilities was 33%, compared with 75% for non-disabled adults in the same period. What this all boils down to is a social structure that prohibits the full participation of persons with disabilities. Physical barriers, pervasive stereotyping and the lack of labour participation are, in essence, a perfect storm, all too frequently setting persons with disabilities apart from the rest of society, limiting their choices, opportunities and engagement—and, in the end, contributing to an increased risk of depression and suicide. PHYSICAL DISABILITY AND MENTAL HEALTH 1. Stress and anxiety. Physical restriction due to disability is an inevitable consequence of the disability that induces distress that gets further intensified because of architectural barriers. Locomotor disability induces higher level of physical restriction as compared to other disabilities and it is linked with feeling of inadequacy, loss of control and helplessness. Similarly, negative attitudes of others also lead to distress experience. 2-Depression. there is a positive relationship between physical disability and anxiety and depression, that physical disability impacts on anxiety and depression to differing extents, and that the effects vary with gender, age, disease course and disease duration. We have shown that physical disability is a predictor of anxiety and depression, and that other factors may mask the extent of this effect. Whether the causes of anxiety and depression are reactive, organic or a combination. 3. Grief and bereavement. It is part of our human experience. Those who have acquired disabilities typically experience a traumatic loss and unimaginable grief that could derail their lives. Parents also face immense grief upon the diagnosis of their child’s congenital or acquired disabilities The handicap Have a deep sense of loss and can’t stop thinking of his life before? He/she might actually be going through the stages of grief, which include denial and anger. 4. Relationship problems. People with physical and sensory and/or learning disabilities may find it more difficult to connect with people and generate or sustain new friendships. They may become socially isolated and lonely, which can have a serious impact on a person’s health and emotional wellbeing. There can be changes in roles and responsibilities after handicap. they might have worries about attracting future relationships, having a family, or about changes 5- Identity issues. Sometimes physical disabilities are obvious; however, it is not always possible to identify someone with a physical disability or a medical- or health-related disability. Some physical disabilities require the use of an assistive device (for example, a wheelchair or walker). The implications might lead to experiences of underachievement and inadequate fulfillment. This argument also raises other concerns about persons with disabilities' lack of self-actualization. This lack may lead to low self-esteem, poor self-image, and negative self-concept. Many disabled people see their disabilities as just another kind of medical problem, or as a cluster of special "challenges" to overcome. Others experience disability as an important part of their identity, and feel how it shapes their beliefs, relationships, place in their communities, and even their politics. 6-post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). People living with chronic physical conditions often experience emotional stress and chronic pain, which are both associated with the development of depression and anxiety. Experiences with disability can also cause distress and isolate people from social supports. 7. Anger problems. person can find themselves thrown back into feelings of anger when confronted with disability-related societal obstacles. Persons who experience later-onset chronic illness or acquired disability (CIAD) may find their sense of self suddenly and dramatically altered. 8- Loneliness. Socialization forms an essential aspect of people’s lives. Often, individuals who cope with mental or physical barriers feel socially deprived. This may be due to the limited accessibility of the individual to social gatherings, along with the attitudinal constraints by the community. Spending too much time alone and isolated can lead to depression and emotional detachment. 9. Substance abuse. Disabilities and addiction can tragically be a common pair. People with disabilities are substantially more likely to suffer from substance use disorders (SUDs) than the general population, and they are also less likely to receive treatment for them. People with physical disabilities experience SUDs at 2 to 4 times the rate of the general population. A disability and lack of support can easily discourage someone’s happiness and sense of purpose in life, creating depressing states. Co- occurring disorders, like depression, anxiety, and unhealed trauma, are especially common among disabled Americans, leading many to seek a false sense of comfort with harmful substances. Born with Disability vs. Developing One Later in Life? Congenital, acquired or progressive disability is a big concern for both the public health and social sectors. It was revealed that difficulties in functioning as a result of psychological, intellectual, or physical impairment were experienced by almost 200 million people out of 1 billion by 2012 with a significant type of disability. Besides, most available studies report that adolescents or children with different types of disabilities experience negative feelings depending on environmental factors such as people’s attitudes and reactions to their deficiency, diminished interactions with peers and classmates, a lack of enough friends at school, and limited availability of companions. Individuals with negative feelings can experience anger, disgust, fear, gloom, guilt, loneliness, misery, nervousness, sadness, scare, shame, and upset. It would be unfair to say that those who are born with a disability or who develop one early in life have it easier in terms of mental health than someone who develops a disability as an adult. Although children with physical disabilities often appear to adapt well to routines, treatments, and devices that may support them, they might struggle psychologically when encountering their peers who do not have disabilities. While many children and teens with disabilities have the support of their families and access to child-friendly medical care, not all do. Disabled kids without a strong support system may experience mental health symptoms. Both children and adults who have physical disabilities are at increased risk for developing a mental health condition like depression or anxiety. The experience of being or becoming physically disabled can cause feelings of profound sadness, anger, or even a sense of injustice. Compounded with their injury are the adult responsibilities that most people face–shopping for groceries, mowing their lawn, working, or supporting themselves and their families. Some disabilities may even prevent individuals from dressing themselves or performing other tasks related to self-care. Not being able to perform these basic tasks and having to rely on someone else for help can leave the individual feeling vulnerable, scared, or angry. Negative emotions like these can lead to clinical depression and generalized anxiety disorder.