Grown up topic! when is a disability a disability and who decides?

[cyclegirl]

I have been sitting here doing some pondering. You see, I had an interesting day yesterday.

I was at a work meeting looking at supporting staff with mental health needs and disabilities in the workplace and how we do that appropriately and supportively.

What struck me is when it is appropriate to disclose and what that means. Every application form I have ever received for a new job will ask if you have a disability. I always waver on this part, not because I don't want to disclose, but are my issues considered a 'disability'? I've looked at the disability discrimination act and from this, I'm not sure it fits in to this criteria. I don't have a confirmed diagnosis of anything (maybe being a bit dramatic at times *grin*).

Yes, I have a history of depression and a tendency towards it. I certainly have anxiety. I have some good days and bad days with it. Routine is quite important to me, too much stimulation gives me stress (so the environment I'm in needs to be 'accessible'), I can find it difficult to digest information and need time to process. I can be very autistic at times!

There are certainly things that would be useful for my employer to know about me, in order to support me...but is this about a mental health / disability thing? Or is it just a 'me' thing?

I also don't think that my issues are as relevant as someone, with say, bipolar/schizophrenia, a physical disability etc...I do function without medication or even therapy...its just bloody hard work sometimes! So, maybe I don't think my issues are important or relevant enough..and is that right?

So, thats me and where I'm at...confused!

nuff said

[Noisy]

Hi Cyclegirl,

Yeah, I would class my anxiety issues as a disability. They impede my ability to function in certain situations and it's more than just a personality trait. I often find it difficult to disseminate large volumes of information and anxiety affects, at various times and to varying degrees, my eyesight, my concentration, my stomach, my mood, my hearing etc etc. Although it's a mental health problem, in many ways it manifests as a sensory impairment.

In the early days, all I wanted was a diagnosis, preferably physical that could be fixed with creams or pills. Now? I recognise it as a disability that can be overcome with support; support can come from health professionals, this forum, friends and even an understanding work environment.

The whole disability thing is an especially touchy subject for anyone who's had to apply for disability related benefits and had to list all the things that you can and cannot do because of your anxiety.

A lot of what we experience is down to self esteem and is calling yourself disabled or less-abled a good way to ease the feelings of self-blame? Or is it a harsh reality we don't want to face? I have mixed feelings...... and after all..... it's just another label.

[cyclegirl]

Hi Noisy

Yeah, I would class my anxiety issues as a disability. They impede my ability to function in certain situations and it's more than just a personality trait. I often find it difficult to disseminate large volumes of information and anxiety affects, at various times and to varying degrees, my eyesight, my concentration, my stomach, my mood, my hearing etc etc. Although it's a mental health problem, in many ways it manifests as a sensory impairment.

I would def agree with this and for me, it is also disability...but in a world which wants to tick boxes and define you, I'm not sure I would fit into the categories. For me, thats no bad thing, expect if it mean't I was dismissed as not being valid enough. And maybe thats my whole issue...my perception.

A lot of what we experience is down to self esteem and is calling yourself disabled or less-abled a good way to ease the feelings of self-blame? Or is it a harsh reality we don't want to face? I have mixed feelings...... and after all..... it's just another label.

I hear you, but equally the result can leave you feeling 'disabled' and maybe with further feelings of crapness and 'its your fault' for feeling like this...so further perpetuating the cycle..not suggesting that any diagnosis or label takes away responsibiliity though...? Not sure if I've made myself clear as still trying to work it out.

I would say that I get the support I need from the places I need it without a 'label', fortunately...but it is an interesting thought and not sure I've scratched the surface of what it means to me. I know that I can get frustrated and want people to understand some of the difficulties I have or maybe its me that needs to understand it...


I don't expect a quick fix or potions...am just not sure that anxiety/depression is taken very seriously as a mental health area (unless there is a severity attached? and who judges that?!)

As you can see, I have more questions then answers! I shall continue on my journey of discovery...stand aside *as cycle girl launches into the long and winding road*

[ghost of mr bob]

I manage this problem by defining myself as being "me" and using mental health definitions - such as disability and personality disorder (which I believe I should be diagnosed as having) - for official purposes.

In this way I don't define myself as those things and don't feel stigmatized and yet at the same time I do feel I have the right to fight for the limited services and help available for those things.

This has worked for me. In the right circles, such as the Anxiety Forum and meets, people won't stigmatize you at all and it gives us the ability to openly talk about our issues.

Another way of looking at it, is to see terms such as disability (and personality disorder - in my case) as a "framework" that you can build yourself around. It means by having a "definition" it is easier to looks for the wealth of information on ways to manage and thrive with the problem or even overcome it. Without a definition it is practically impossible to understand what is going on.

But over that "framework" comes your own personality that makes you didn't from every other person in the world.

And as for stigma, it seems to me the best way to fight stigma is to take pride, like all other marginal groups have taken. Not pride in the distress or the illness, but that you have to be a tough person to deal with it every day while having ignorant people being hateful and discriminating against you, and despite this having pride that you can accept yourself for who you are.

[stresspuppy]

Hmm, interesting thread - I totally identify with the sensory and cognitive aspects of my anxieties that have affected me during pressured periods of my life and also specific situations where a certain level of performance is required. Therefore I suppose this is where workplace and other areas are exploring the introduction of 'reasonable adjustments' (although who decides what is reasonable is another matter  )

I really dislike the word/label/box 'disability'  - I feel the language is disabilitating in itself and therefore serves no positive purpose for an individual who experiences a range of difficulties. I do however agree with GOMrBOB that the word serves as useful for 'official' purposes that basically aren't flexible enough to recognise the 'grey' areas and have to, presently, see things in 'Black and White'. We and others know this doesn't translate comfortably or readily into our very real lives so I feel it's a necessary evil that serves on one level i.e. officially and perhaps it's important to recognise this is the language presently chosen to help those who choose not to understand the complexities of mental health issues i.e. not necessarily our language  Therefore we can choose to use it when useful but that does not necessarily mean we have to wholly identify with it, and especially so if it doesn't feel like a comfortable fit. I'm reminded of that expression that people use when wishing to convey they are stepping out of their usual role - something like 'I'm taking off my managers hat today' - I wonder if we can think of the disability tag as a hat or badge that we need to wear in certain situations but is not a permanent fixture?

The difficulties I've experienced are also not consistent which adds to the difficulty in attaching a label that perhaps doesn't always fit - suffice to say that although others may need to label us we needn't label ourselves in what might seem a detrimental or disempowering way  . Many mental health organisations are working towards improving knowledge about mental health issues - but as with most things this is a long haul!

[Alexandra]

I manage this problem by defining myself as being "me" and using mental health definitions - such as disability and personality disorder (which I believe I should be diagnosed as having) - for official purposes.

Yes, exactly this. The world of mental health is so full of grey areas, everyone is an individual. Two people who suffer from effectively the same mental illness may have differing symptoms. Also what tends to happen I think, is many people who have been through the system will come out with more than one diagnosis. Identity crisis!! Personally I've been diagnosed over the years with anxiety, anorexia, EDNOS, borderline personality disorder, aggression and passive aggression, depression and even bipolar disorder (although that was because of the BPD). I see this as basically just a bunch of words to describe all the quirks that make up ME. I am not a bunch of diagnoses, it's all one and the same. Away with the labels ha ha! And I've also never considered whether the way I am makes me disabled or not, because even though when you're at your worst and you feel completely out of control, the fact of the matter is that you are in control, you just don't know how to put it to use. It's not like having a physical disability like for example, not having a leg. Sure, any kind of mental illness is debilitating, and I do think that when it comes to some things we need to be easier on ourselves. Particularly when it comes to work/uni/school. If you need time out, take it! When I was at university I ended up having to defer my final recitals and some written pieces of work because of my problems. But I don't think I'm entitled to a disabled parking space. Although..... that would be nice

And as for stigma, it seems to me the best way to fight stigma is to take pride, like all other marginal groups have taken. Not pride in the distress or the illness, but that you have to be a tough person to deal with it every day while having ignorant people being hateful and discriminating against you, and despite this having pride that you can accept yourself for who you are.

Yup yup this too! Sometimes when I'm feeling **** and a bit emo, I think "why did this have to happen to me?" but actually, having come out the other side, it's a good thing. I am definitely a better person for having been through this. Sometimes it takes years and years of suffering, but one day you'll suddenly appreciate something everyone else takes for granted. For me it's things like being able to go out in the sun without wearing a jumper, being able to jog down the road, having a chocolate biscuit, just feeling in general.

Also, as for depression and anxiety not being taken as seriously, this is probably because they are two of the most common mental illnesses. The NHS is always being pushed in different directions, and in the end what we are, are statistics. It doesn't mean that to you your problems aren't serious, after all, everyone is affected by and handles things differently. I think in this situation we need to take responsibility for ourselves, cut ourselves some slack, and stop worrying about how we think other people see us (ha ha easier said than done I know). Because what does it really matter whether someone else thinks you're a serious case or not? They're not living your life.

[cyclegirl]

Thanxs guys, you've given me alot to think about...

[stresspuppy]

GREAT post Alex 

[Alexandra]

Lol thanks, it ended up being more of an essay than I was expecting!!