Living with a disability can be a lonely experience, especially where that is an ‘invisible disability’ like Autism. I’d know because I am Autistic and live with ADHD and PTSD; but also faced significant isolation throughout the pandemic. I didn’t choose these labels for my collection of characteristics/traits, caused by innate neurological differences, and trauma, but I do choose how I live with them.
About 18 months ago, I moved to Wymondham and have chosen to be open about these parts of myself, choosing to trust that people will be accommodating. For the most part, people have, which has enabled me to dig myself out of the hole that I was in. That’s not to say that I am no longer disabled—I still have numerous issues day to day and will do until the day I die—but it is enough for me to feel that my life is worthwhile and one that I would like to continue living.
The reason I think it is important to ‘come out’ as disabled, is that when I have tried to engage with society under a false pretence that I am not disabled, it has left me repeatedly burnt out and depressed because of the strain it places on me. So, here I am, an openly disabled man living in Wymondham, happy to be part of a welcoming Town that has a very supportive community, rather than choosing to be ‘fine’ by hiding myself away and avoiding the feelings of shame that can arise from my inability to do certain things that are considered ‘normal’ in the colloquial sense.
Feeling cut-off can cause people to become even more cut-off, as it forms an unhealthy feedback loop, which is why I think there is a real need for those who are already involved in the community to consider how they might involve more people like me, who are prone to isolation. Involving people who live with disabilities will not only support us but support you too. Being disabled has taught me to be resourceful, creative, and adaptive. I’ve had to learn these skills to survive, but the skills are transferable, and can be incredibly useful in the day to day.
Those who live different lives, will have different ways of life; and that’s true regardless of disability. It’s a part of what it is to be organic, to be natural: to be human. Individuality is key to the survival of the collective, as it helps us adapt to change in our environment, something we are experiencing at unprecedented pace. Different times require differing minds, so let’s celebrate the facts and work together to support one another in overcoming the issues of our time.
By creating more environments where we can be open about disability and differences, we can strengthen our community, reduce burnout and avoid groupthink; all while doing some good.
What’s not to like?
