Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Is there a such thing as disability mental health therapists? (self.Blind)
submitted by ParaNoxx
Or mental health therapists who specialize in talking to patients with disabilities? I know disability life skills coaching is a thing, but this is more about how being disabled specifically impacts your mental health. Stuff like a lack of personal confidence, depression, anxiety, trouble with self-acceptance and self-love, dealing with how it feels to have reduced life opportunities, etc.
I was already visually impaired before but I lost more vision right around the time COVID hit. and this has made me extremely anxious (more anxious than I already was,) and has given me agoraphobia. I almost can't leave my house anymore because I have lost so much important awareness from my vision. Obviously, this is no way to live. I've let these problems grow out of control and I need to get more serious about moving my life forward.
I know there are a few steps I can take already. I might have to visit an O&M instructor again and be re-taught about how to navigate without sight. Being able to walk around with (enough) confidence again will go a loooong way in improving my anxiety in other areas. I am definitely going to do that this summer.
Many years ago I used to use my state's disability assistive services program, and I had a "counselor", but she didn't have a lot of training in mental health and mostly talked to me about life skills. Maybe I should get back in touch with her, though.
The ideal solution here would be if I could find a therapist who specifically works with people with disabilities. Like who can I talk to about the concept of self-identity? About how it feels to be "more" disabled than before and how this has changed my self-image and self-worth? Stuff like that.
I can and will do some searching online but I'd also like to ask yall if you have any experience or knowlege. Also so that anybody else who needs resources can find this thread as well. Thanks so much. :)
I was already visually impaired before but I lost more vision right around the time COVID hit. and this has made me extremely anxious (more anxious than I already was,) and has given me agoraphobia. I almost can't leave my house anymore because I have lost so much important awareness from my vision. Obviously, this is no way to live. I've let these problems grow out of control and I need to get more serious about moving my life forward.
I know there are a few steps I can take already. I might have to visit an O&M instructor again and be re-taught about how to navigate without sight. Being able to walk around with (enough) confidence again will go a loooong way in improving my anxiety in other areas. I am definitely going to do that this summer.
Many years ago I used to use my state's disability assistive services program, and I had a "counselor", but she didn't have a lot of training in mental health and mostly talked to me about life skills. Maybe I should get back in touch with her, though.
The ideal solution here would be if I could find a therapist who specifically works with people with disabilities. Like who can I talk to about the concept of self-identity? About how it feels to be "more" disabled than before and how this has changed my self-image and self-worth? Stuff like that.
I can and will do some searching online but I'd also like to ask yall if you have any experience or knowlege. Also so that anybody else who needs resources can find this thread as well. Thanks so much. :)
quanin 8 points 1y ago
I think the thing to keep in mind here is that being disabled doesn't have to mean it's now impossible for you to do X or Y, but that maybe you'll need to find a different way to still do X or Y. That sounds easier said than done, I know, and that mountain looks super high from where you're standing. But you've already started that process by reaching out for advice.
Life skills and O&M don't sound like much on their own, but think of it like this. You've already got life and O&M training. But you got it as a sighted person. It's not that you don't know where you're going or what you're doing. It's that you don't know how to do it without relying on sight. The life skills training and the O&M training is there to teach you how to do it without site--which, yes absolutely, will help you to regain your confidence and in turn help improve your mental health.
It's not an overnight process by any means. But it's definitely a doable process. What that doable process looks like for you... that's what you're needing to learn, now.
Life skills and O&M don't sound like much on their own, but think of it like this. You've already got life and O&M training. But you got it as a sighted person. It's not that you don't know where you're going or what you're doing. It's that you don't know how to do it without relying on sight. The life skills training and the O&M training is there to teach you how to do it without site--which, yes absolutely, will help you to regain your confidence and in turn help improve your mental health.
It's not an overnight process by any means. But it's definitely a doable process. What that doable process looks like for you... that's what you're needing to learn, now.
ParaNoxx [OP] 5 points 1y ago
You're right. I had enough vision before to 100 % rely on my sight at all times, even if it was less than most people. Now there are several things I must do without sight. Life skills and O&M will help that. I also feel more socially comfortable with disability-friendly folks, so that's an easier first step to take and it will help me get used to socializing with people again. Thank you.
oldfogey12345 3 points 1y ago
You are looking for a grief councellor
r_1235 3 points 1y ago
Hmm, most of rehabilitation specialist would tackle the point of reduced opportunities. And, a psychologist would talk about mental stuff. So, I guess you are looking for a psychologist with little experience in rehabilitation?
Lot of psychologists do go in the field of rehabilitation as well, but, their focus wouldn't be disability necessarily. So, at the end, I guess if the psychologist is good, he/she will adapt and help you if you approach them.
I've seen psychology students going in to field of HR, Marketing, Economics, everywhere. So, Guess their academic background does expose them to lot of social aspects of disability, gender and such things.
Lot of psychologists do go in the field of rehabilitation as well, but, their focus wouldn't be disability necessarily. So, at the end, I guess if the psychologist is good, he/she will adapt and help you if you approach them.
I've seen psychology students going in to field of HR, Marketing, Economics, everywhere. So, Guess their academic background does expose them to lot of social aspects of disability, gender and such things.
TechnicalPragmatist 1 points 1y ago
I actually heard some blind places do have them.
Ok-Communication2195 1 points 1y ago
Hey! I got stargardts a chronic macula dystrophy and I am currently studying to become a therapist and I want to focus on people with chronic illnesses, vision loss and other disabilities.
Becoming a therapist is a long journey in my country and I will be done in approximately 6 years, but I am sure if you look around for a bit you can find someone with a similar life experience. I know a few completely blind therapists in my country who inspired me to pursue this career
Becoming a therapist is a long journey in my country and I will be done in approximately 6 years, but I am sure if you look around for a bit you can find someone with a similar life experience. I know a few completely blind therapists in my country who inspired me to pursue this career
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