Mental health disorders are a common comorbidity for people with disabilities. An estimated 17.4 million adults with disabilities experience mental health challenges, 4.6 times more than those without disabilities. Mental health disorders are more than just feeling off - they involve significant changes in how we think, feel, or behave, and can deeply affect daily functioning. Mental health disorders are a clinically significant disturbance in an individual's cognition, emotional regulation or behavior that can impact a person’s functioning. Anxiety and depression are the most common disorders that can be broken down into specific conditions. For people with disabilities, the added stress, isolation, and access barriers can make these struggles even more intense. Mental health struggles can seem scary but with proper diagnosis and treatment, people live successful lives. Let's delve into what anxiety and depression looks like.
We all get anxious, worrying about things such as work and family. But the occasional anxiousness over life stressors differs from anxiety disorders. People who have chronic anxiety have extreme worry and fear about things that may seem insignificant. This creates difficulties controlling worries or nervousness, feeling restless and difficulties with concentration. Further, the anxiety can manifest itself into panic attacks or a condition named Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
So what can we do? Pharmaceutical medication and psychotherapy are effective treatment modalities. There are different classes of medications that can be used. Some examples include Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI’s) and Serotonin Norepinephrine Inhibitors (SNRI’s). SSRI’s and SNRI’s are two that target increasing serotonin and/or norepinephrine production, two neurotransmitters responsible for mood. There are also other medications that a psychiatrist can prescribe. Another way to deal with chronic anxiety and OCD, is by consulting with a therapist. One form of effective therapy is CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) that helps an individual identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors that often contribute to mental health challenges.
Most of us have felt “in the dumps” or felt “blue.” Life throws everyone curveballs and no one can be happy everyday. However, depression is a serious mental health condition that requires attention. Depression affects one’s ability to feel, think, act and perceive the world around them. Depression can be treated by medication or by therapy. Untreated, these disruptions in cognitive skills can lead to difficulties functioning day to day and, more seriously, feeling like life is not worth living. If you or someone you know has feelings of suicide or hopelessness, please don’t stay silent. Reach out for help. One resource is the National Hotline for Mental Health Crisis and Suicide Prevention.
To better understand the signs of depression, the common symptoms of depression are:
1) Feelings of sadness and hopelessness
2) Loss of pleasure in activities and or people
3) Difficulties concentrating
4) Lack of energy.
As with anxiety, there are pharmaceutical medications and different kinds of psychotherapies. Therapy and medication can make a world of difference. You don’t have to go through it alone. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other therapies can also greatly help with managing depression.
Mental health disorders are broad. They don’t always announce themselves with obvious symptoms. Symptoms may not always hint there is an underlying disorder. For people with disabilities, these challenges can often be dismissed, misdiagnosed, or overshadowed by physical health concerns. It is imperative for people with disabilities to be knowledgeable about possible disorders so they can be aware of red flags. While having a disability is overwhelming and stressful, so is a secondary mental health condition. There should be equal attention to both.
Awareness is key. Understanding the signs, speaking up, and seeking support is an act of self-empowerment. Mental health care should be as important as physical health, especially for those already navigating the complexities of having a disability.
You are not alone. Your mental health matters.
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