I know that the idea of becoming blind is overwhelming for you. I have been blind since birth, so I never had this transition. Although, at times, my life was certainly difficult. I succeeded in school, earn a Masters degree, have a fulfilling job, and have a very caring long-term partner! I promise; you can still have a fulfilling life as a blind person. I would recommend researching famous blind individuals or watching some on YouTube. This might help you except that you can still succeed and show you options. I hope that this helps. You’re welcome to message me any specific questions.

Blindness is not the end of life. Would your family and friends have any particular reasons not to accept you for who you are after knowing you for so long?

I think your biggest barrier in moving forward right now is not accepting that being blind is nothing to be ashamed of, and that it is a part of you, doubly so why not to be ashamed of it.

I'm blind, and it's a part of me. It doesn't prevent me from reading books, watching movies, going to parties, and all the cool things youngsters do nowadays. I see no reasons why the same could not apply for you as well. Technology is very accomodating for us who are blind, and while blindness will close 1 door for you, at least with technology, it will reopen in another place.

I'm sorry I'm not able to convey this better, I've been blind since birth and I've never had a reason to go through what you're going right now. Reading my own words back I know I sound very abrupt, but I just don't know how else to express myself. Please hang on, life will not stop if you lose your sight.

Please feel free to drop me a DM at any time, for questions about being blind or anything related to blindness really, I'd be happy if I could be of help. Take care 🤗

My best recommendation is to be as open to as many resources as possible- from doctors to therapists to blind centers. There’s no wrong way to handle the news, and it’s always life altering. The best thing you can do, in my opinion, is lean on those who have been through it and who can guide you through each step. Being in therapy helped me immensely in the months following my diagnosis, and the blind center local to me was able to start me in classes so I could learn cane navigation, and how to do basic tasks without my vision. I’m functionally blind, and likely will be for my entire life, but I have a great career, wonderful friends, and live fully independently (not that there’s anything wrong with needing assistance). Meditation helped me to be at peace with the diagnosis, and accept that I can’t change my condition but I can choose how I live my life. It’s hard work, but after trying to stay on the positive side of thinking for so long, it’s now second nature. Nothing wrong with being down or depressed sometimes, but if it’s prolonged or you can’t get it under control there’s no shame in reaching out for help!