Misconceptions About The Disability Sub-community and Mental Health!
Mental Health Is A Disability!
A disability is any condition of the body or mind (impairment) that makes it more difficult for the person with the condition to do certain activities (activity limitation) and interact with the world around them (participation restrictions).
When does mental health become a disability?
A mental health condition is considered a disability if it has a long-term effect on your normal day-to-day activity.
A mental health condition is considered a disability if it causes that your day to day life can't be similar to day to day life of average healthy person of given age. It means that if a person 40 years old can't work and won't be able to work in coming years due to their mental health condition (unless they live in culture and they are of a social group which isn't expected to work) - (Additional Information Provided by @GentleSun78 - Thankyou!)
This is defined under the Equality Act 2010. States: 'Your condition is 'long term' if it lasts, or is likely to last, 12 months.
Examples of mental illnesses that are classed as disabilities….
- Anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and phobias.
- Depression, bipolar disorder, and other mood disorders.
- Eating disorders.
- Personality disorders.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia
What was the purpose of this post?
My main goal today was to try and inform everyone who doesn't know that mental health illnesses are classed as a disability if they are if they are limiting and effecting your daily living!
It is something you may not wish to believe or accept however when you are being limited by an illness for a significant amount of time this is reducing your ability.
Here on 7 cups many people think they can't join our community or come in the support room to talk about their 'general' struggles.
However I am here to tell you that is not true!
As a community our goal is to be inclusive not exclusive, no matter what your struggles where you are accepted and can come share with us. We provide a safe place to talk about how your daily life is being affected and how you as a person are coping and dealing with your personal situation.
No situations will ever be compared to someone else's situation - Invisible Disabilities are just as important as those who are in wheelchairs.
Please remember you are welcome in our community - it is a family and we all work together to support one another.
Small Disclosure after some feedback: 'This post does not mean that just because you experience mental health issues and illnesses you should feel it meets the criteria of disability - but more to bring awareness and knowledge that it is accepted within our community and it is in some cases this situation.'
Also a little special thank-you to @ComfortableEyes5 - who assisted me toward the end product of this post! <3
Stay Strong and Keep Fighting!
-Joy <3
Informative post.
@Milagracegreen
I am glad you found this post informative! <3
@JoyfulUnicorn
This is very well presented and I am glad for it. Where do we start with multiple dissabilities? I have major depression for 9 years yet I did not seek a written diagnosis because depression did not want me to do anything and because of social stigma. I also faced physical dissability when my left hand was paralysed for almost two years and before one of my cancer surgery I prepared myself for living on one leg since they told me they might amputate my right leg, together with the back side cheek.
There is more, I am glad you presented this in such a clear, informative way.
@WhiteGlowingButterflee
Thankyou - I hope you will find some effective support here on cups and within the communities! You are most welcome here and i hope that you can share your journey with us! It seems like you are a fighter and you are doing awesome! Stay strong and keep fighting <3
@WhiteGlowingButterflee
Hugs.
@JoyfulUnicorn thank you Joy❤️
@bgdave
No worries! Thankyou for taking the time to read and respond to my post! <3
@JoyfulUnicorn
Thank you for this amazing post!
@amiablePeace77
Thankyou so much Ami - I am glad to hear that you think it is amazing <3 :)
@JoyfulUnicorn
A really great and informative post :D
@generousDiamond35
Thankyou - I am glad that you have found this post informative <3
@JoyfulUnicorn
Thank you for this post.
It was very informative.
I never realised until now that mental Illnesses are a disability too.
I am reminded how I still have a lot to learn and long way to go.
Thank you again for this post, I love it.
@positivePumpkin22
No worries pumpkin. It is not to say everyone with a mentla health condition is disabled but more just to spread the awearnesd thatbit is just as difficult and valid! All are welcome here in out community <3
Stay awesome!
-Joy <3
@JoyfulUnicorn Thank you so much for this post! I'll start exploring this sub-community. :)
@relaxSea yay we will be glad to have you :) we do weekly checkins each week we have a taglist too if you wish to join up
@
As Brit has said we would be happy to have you join our community and any questions please dont be afraid to reach out! Stay strong and Keep fighting!
-Joy <3
@JoyfulUnicorn
Your efforts in the community have been outstanding for a long time, but this post is even better as it really captures what so many of us have tried to put into words. I am so proud of you. Well done.
@BlindGrapefruit
I am so glad i was able to provide this post to represent the community i feel it is a message that needs to be spoken about and shared! :)
Thank you for the education :) I think this is important information to know.
This whole site is for poeple with mental health struggles. I had assumed that the Disability Support Group was for for those with a physical and/or cognitive disability. There are some challenges specific to those population and I think it likely that many others might assume that this group is specifically for them.
@FrozenGhost this is why Joy wrote this post as thats not true its for everyone especially if your mental health is disabling you
@FrozenGhost
Exactly! And this is why i wanted to write and share this post as we are Inclusive for all and i want people to know our community is a safe space! I am glad you like the post! <3
@JoyfulUnicorn
This is a wonderful and informative post! Very eloquent and well-written!
@StanDaMan78
Thankyou so much for your kind words and support! <3
