Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Blindness/Low Vision and Depression (self.Blind)
submitted by freeavocadoess
Hey there! I struggle heavily with depression especially now with Covid and living alone, i'm extremely isolated. I have low vision and can still see some but it's getting much worse. I'm pretty young and most days I just wish I could get my vision back.
I used to speak to a therapist before the whole Covid situation and she was heavily trying to get me to look into the Lighthouse. Can't really do that right now.
I do talk with friends but I also don't want to bother them too much. I just wanted to come by here and ask if there are any tips from y'all? I really want to find peace within myself and for my condition. Were there anythings you did to help ease the feeling of isolation?
I used to speak to a therapist before the whole Covid situation and she was heavily trying to get me to look into the Lighthouse. Can't really do that right now.
I do talk with friends but I also don't want to bother them too much. I just wanted to come by here and ask if there are any tips from y'all? I really want to find peace within myself and for my condition. Were there anythings you did to help ease the feeling of isolation?
princesspapercut 2 points 3y ago
My husband, who is 43 and legally blind, had to stop driving 4 years ago as things got much worse. The isolation was devastating and a huge risk to his mental health.
Not sure how he got into it, but he tried out and liked spoon carving, as a way to be creative and not need a big space to be productive. It's been amazing for his self esteem, and he's found a lot of community via Facebook and r/greenwoodworking, amongst other folks. It's reliant on his sense of touch and he still has some central vision to see his work.
Turns out spoon carving is a pretty popular past time as it doesn't require much space or require much equipment. Granted, if you get way into it, it's a fun rabbit hole of special curved knives.
Not sure how he got into it, but he tried out and liked spoon carving, as a way to be creative and not need a big space to be productive. It's been amazing for his self esteem, and he's found a lot of community via Facebook and r/greenwoodworking, amongst other folks. It's reliant on his sense of touch and he still has some central vision to see his work.
Turns out spoon carving is a pretty popular past time as it doesn't require much space or require much equipment. Granted, if you get way into it, it's a fun rabbit hole of special curved knives.
freeavocadoess [OP] 2 points 3y ago
Oh! I've always wanted to get into carving but don't know where to start. If you don't mind me asking what tools does your husband use/where does he get the wood?
princesspapercut 1 points 3y ago
Cool! I'll have my husband reply using my account to help you get started with tools. He uses fresh wood with the bark still on, which is called 'green wood', as it still has moisture in it and is much easier to carve than dried wood.
That said, he uses fallen branches, looks for free wood from tree trimming, etc. I'm sure he'd be happy to send you some wood to get started, too. It's something wood carving folks seem to be happy to do, which is quite lovely!
We will respond again later today. Cheers!
That said, he uses fallen branches, looks for free wood from tree trimming, etc. I'm sure he'd be happy to send you some wood to get started, too. It's something wood carving folks seem to be happy to do, which is quite lovely!
We will respond again later today. Cheers!
princesspapercut 1 points 3y ago
Getting started:
There are two knives, found on Amazon, made by a company called Beavercraft, that are under $20 each. These will be sufficient for getting started. Then you can add knives based on preference.
* BCC3 - Mini Slojd (sloyd) non-hook knife
* SK4S - Long handled hook knife
The most challenging aspect when starting is carving out the bowl. A gauge is good for this, but you'll need a clamp to attach the wood to the surface. Granted, it is easier with green (soft fresh) wood. Dry wood is more tricky.
If you want to learn about axes, that's a whole other thing! Happy to help.
There are two knives, found on Amazon, made by a company called Beavercraft, that are under $20 each. These will be sufficient for getting started. Then you can add knives based on preference.
* BCC3 - Mini Slojd (sloyd) non-hook knife
* SK4S - Long handled hook knife
The most challenging aspect when starting is carving out the bowl. A gauge is good for this, but you'll need a clamp to attach the wood to the surface. Granted, it is easier with green (soft fresh) wood. Dry wood is more tricky.
If you want to learn about axes, that's a whole other thing! Happy to help.
Readinghood_13 2 points 3y ago
I’ve been completely blind my whole life so my situation is a bit different from yours, but I would try to find people with similar interest to mine usually online at first. I joined a book club and learned guitar. And just like what you’re doing now try to find people with a similar situation. I still feel lonely or depressed a lot but it helps having someone that cares about you or knows what you’re going through.
here_comes_thesun 1 points 3y ago
I'm legally blind and have been in a similar situation. Going on walks by my self has really helped me. Not only has it helped me feel more independent, but it has also allowed me to memorize where everything is in my neighbourhood which is very useful when you have low vision.
I still have difficulty accepting it from time to time. My best advice is not to push away those feelings, but not to indulge in them either. I just tell myself that yes , this situation sucks sometimes and it's okay to feel that way.
My eye disease is genetic so I have multiple family members that can relate which is also a huge help.
I still have difficulty accepting it from time to time. My best advice is not to push away those feelings, but not to indulge in them either. I just tell myself that yes , this situation sucks sometimes and it's okay to feel that way.
My eye disease is genetic so I have multiple family members that can relate which is also a huge help.
OutWestTexas 1 points 3y ago
I don’t know if this will help but I found that walking on a treadmill helped my depression. I think it was just the fact of doing something physical. I walk every day while listening to my favorite podcasts.
[deleted] 1 points 3y ago
[deleted]
DariusA92 1 points 3y ago
I'm afraid I don't have any kind of real sollution. I struggle with what I guess is depression myself. And I have been blind for around 20 years or so.
I just can suggest a Facebook group call Blind Pen pals that is probably the biggest online group of blind people available on the internet. It's not as good as it once was, but still it may help you find other people to talk to and exchange ideas with.
Also, if you are into books I suggest reading. It's my main hobby. Granted, it's escapism, but still better than utter bordom.
I just can suggest a Facebook group call Blind Pen pals that is probably the biggest online group of blind people available on the internet. It's not as good as it once was, but still it may help you find other people to talk to and exchange ideas with.
Also, if you are into books I suggest reading. It's my main hobby. Granted, it's escapism, but still better than utter bordom.
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