Invisible disability
How do you manage with an invisible disability. I have been partially blind for nearly 5 years now. I constantly have to remind people, in my family, at work, etc. Even people very close to me who were there for all of the challenges in the beginning.
I guess I seem like most others when walking around or doing regular things. Maybe people forget?
I don't really want sympathy or anything, I just don't want to have to keep reminding everyone all the time. Sorry, I can't do that... and so on.
@MichaelJay13
Thank you for sharing your experience, it must be frustrating that you need to keep reminding the people around you. I think a lot of us with challenges that are not visible share your exasperation for sure. I try to sometimes make a joke/jab, like "oh yeah, did I tell you I can't because..." it kind of gets the point across in way that makes you and the other person laugh a bit and sends the message at the same time
Hi @MichaelJay13. I totally feel you, I dread the sympathy and avoid it at all costs. I try to remind myself that just because I am feeling pain it doesn't mean they can see it and that is one of the hardest things for me. While I can't fully understand what you are going through I do know how it feels to walk around appearing normal and that sometimes causes others to forget that we have an invisible disability. I prefer to take it as a compliment though as they are seeing me for who I am and not for my disability.
Sometimes a reminder is the only way to get others to see our invisible disabilities, but I do understand not wanting to keep reminding others. Instead of having to remind people in the moment have you tried doing it at the beginning? For example, I have no idea if this is accurate, but lets see your blindness means you can't see things coming from your right side. You are playing frisbee with some friends, instead of having to remind them in the middle do you think it would alleviate some of the stress if you said something like "Remember I have to have the frisbee thrown on my left side or I won't see it" at the beginning of the game?
Also, humor can be a great way to make an uncomfortable or upsetting situation not as bad/noticeable. It can take minds off of the emotions while also serving as a reminder to others that activities may need adapted.
Sometimes i wish people would stop reminding that I'm different, it sucks but i guess we can never change our disabilities . We will always be different in their eyes .