Invisible Disabilities Week was October 17-23, to help raise awareness about the spectrum of disability. So, what is an invisible disability?
“In simple terms, an invisible disability is a physical, mental or neurological condition that is not visible from the outside, yet can limit or challenge a person’s movements, senses, or activities. Unfortunately, the very fact that these symptoms are invisible can lead to misunderstandings, false perceptions, and judgments. . . We do not maintain a list of specific illnesses and diagnoses that are considered invisible disabilities. Invisible disabilities are such symptoms as debilitating fatigue, pain, cognitive dysfunctions and mental disorders, as well as hearing and eyesight impairments and more.” - The Invisible Disabilities Association
As human beings, we are very fond of some common thinking errors known as “black and white” and “all or nothing” thinking. Black and white thinking involves categorizing someone at the end of two extremes, e.g. good or bad, disabled or completely able-bodied. All or nothing thinking is very similar - applied to the spectrum of disability, this might mean that someone only considers someone else “disabled” if they look a very particular kind of way, e.g. are in a wheelchair or walking with a cane.
These ways of thinking can be incredibly harmful for those of us (including me!) living with an invisible disability. In fact, the majority of people living with a disability do not have a marker for other people to identify us. Ableism is a powerful force that brings on judgments from other people and ourselves about how we navigate the world. We may find it hard to be believed or heard by those we interact with, including family and friends. At times, we may also find it hard to trust ourselves.
For those of you who identify as someone with an invisible disability, please know that all feelings and ways of identifying are valid. Exercises in self-compassion can be a nice way to take care of yourself when you notice ableism start to creep into your inner voice. I would also encourage you to bring up this topic and discuss it in therapy, seek support groups, and find resources such as books, podcasts, and articles that resonate with your experience.
For those of you who would like to learn more for yourself and/or to support an important person in your life, visit https://invisibledisabilities.org/ or https://www.invisibledisabilityproject.org/.
Jamie Cohen, MA, earned her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Lesley University. She considers herself a career-changer with a little over a decade of previous experiences in startup, agency, corporate and nonprofit work environments, so she understands many of the stressors that come with balancing personal and professional expectations and identities.
Jamie takes a collaborative approach to counseling and will start any new therapeutic relationship by talking with her clients about what they are hoping to get out of therapy.
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