Hidden Disabilities: A Personal Perspective

Over the past few weeks I have witnessed what can happen when someone with biploar disorder does not treat themselves properly. It can create a spiraling effect that impacts oneself, family, friends and can create havoc amongst one's daily life. Hidden disabilities such as mental illness has a tremendous stigma attached to it because it is still seen as something unknown - untangiable. Unlike those with more physical disabilities, hidden disabilities are pushed to the shadows. I believe this can be a very dangerous proposition. We as a society have a responsibility to understand and help people with hidden disabilities such as mental illness. Through understanding tolerance and acceptance is something that will come over time.

In my own life I have begun to ask many questions about the nature of what is societies obligation and what is the obligation of the individual. This is an ethical question that must be looked at quiet seriously. Weather in be in the context of an employer, regligous group or larger community. How does society at larger need to understand hidden disabilities? My feeling is that we must quash the stigma behind words like "crazy" "lunatic", etc. and get to the real heart of the matter. That infact hidden disabilities are things that can be managed through the right treatment & self care. Things like mental illness are just that - illness. There may not be a cure - but treatment yes. Social acceptance takes time - but it also takes innovation & creativity to break down the barriers that seperate those with hidden disabilities from the rest of society.

In my next post I want to explore how we can change perception and what tools we can possibly utilize.