Misconceptions About The Disability Sub-community and Mental Health!

Mental Health Is A Disability!

What 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