How to Overcome Challenges When Living With a Disability

Did you know that 61 million American adults have a disability? That’s about 26 percent of the adult population or one in four people. 

13.7 percent of people in the disability community have issues with mobility which means that they have difficulty walking or going up the stairs. Another 10.8 percent of disabled adults have cognition problems or trouble concentrating or remembering. 

Two in five adults 65 or older live with a disability while one in four women live with a disability. Disability can affect health in other ways, 38.2 percent of adults living with a disability are suffering from obesity. 

Living with a disability can be a challenge but there are ways for you to overcome. Keep reading to find out how. 

Give Yourself All the Time You Need 

Whether this is something new in your life or it’s developed over the years, it’s ok to give yourself the time you need to process. Any change in life comes with challenges and a disability is no different. 

While your life won’t be any less fulfilling with a disability, it will be different and this in itself is a loss you’re allowed to mourn. Giving yourself the space to feel every emotion during this process is a healthy way to approach your disability.

It’s ok to have some bad days. Don’t feel like you have to hide what you’re feeling and pretend to be strong when you’re not feeling that way. 

Accept the Challenge With An Open Mind 

There are many disability challenges but one of the best ways to overcome these is by keeping an open mind and heart. While it’s important to give yourself the time to grieve, you have to work through your feelings to accept your reality and accept that you’re living with a disability. 

This doesn’t mean that you have to see yourself in a limiting light but not accepting the limitations you do have can keep you from finding solutions to the issues that will come up each day. Changing your thought process about the hardships will help you live your life fully, one day at a time. 

Stand Up for Yourself 

Knowledge is a powerful tool and if your disability is something that just occurred in your life it’s important to inform yourself as much as possible. Take the time to learn about your specific disability, about the best treatments, and about some of the complications that may occur. This is the best way to prepare for any changes your disability may bring to your life. 

You have to be your number one supporter and learn about the resources that can help improve your life. Finding solutions for changes you may need at home or work for more accessibility can be an empowering way to take control of the outcome of your life. 

You can also be an example to the world of how living with a disability looks different for every person. Challenge people’s assumptions about the disabled community by living the fulfilling life you always have. 

Take Care of Your Physical and Mental Health 

As people with disabilities are more likely to suffer from other health issues than those without a disability, you must take care of yourself more than ever before. Eating a well-balanced diet and finding new ways of incorporating exercise into your life, especially if you’re living in a wheelchair, will help you maintain your physical health. 

Living with a disability can take a toll on your mental health as you process through the changes in your life. Look for a therapist to help you through this stage in your life if you find that talking helps you. 

Other ways to practice self-care can be as simple as trying meditation or spending some time in nature. Take some time every day to do something you enjoy, to relax and unwind from the stress of day to day life is key. 

Connect With Other People in the Community 

Disability living can make you feel lonely especially if you don’t know anyone else living with a disability. Joining support groups or clubs with other people who have a similar disability can help you cope through everyday struggles. You can find friends who understand what you’ve been going through and you can help each other through the hardship. 

Living with a disability can present challenges that can become hard to carry on your own, ask for support from loved ones when you need it. You should let the people who care about you help you through the journey even if they don’t understand what you’re experiencing. 

Seek Information About Disability Benefits 

When you’ve been impacted by a disability it’s important to find the resources that can help facilitate your life, especially at your place of work. There are short-term disability benefits if your disability is something you’ll be able to recover from. Long-term disability benefits for everyday disability are also available through private insurance or your employer. 

You should figure out what compensation you can get if you are unable to go back to work. Benefits vary from state to state so make sure you’re seeking information in your state when you begin to do research. 

Find Your Purpose

While everything in your life doesn’t have to change when you’re living with a disability many changes can occur. It’s important to you continue to set short term and long term goals for your life and career and adjust along the way. This will help you continue to live a purposeful and fulfilling life. 

Overcoming the Challenges of Living With a Disability 

Living with a disability can bring many challenges to your life. There are ways for you to overcome and come out stronger including connecting with others in the community and taking care of your mental health. Make sure you check out some of our other blogs to learn more.