Addressing the Stigma Around Invisible Disabilities
There's a pervasive stigma associated with invisible and non-apparent disabilities, often encapsulated by comments like "you look fine" or "it doesn’t seem like anything is wrong". This perception can force individuals into a cycle of constant justification, complicating the process of disclosing their condition or disability, especially in the workplace. To aid in this, we've compiled practical tips and an example checklist for navigating employment with an invisible disability.
Reevaluating Exercise: Beyond the Gym
"Is Smoking The New Sitting?" This provocative question from Daniel Lieberman's Exercised: The Science of Physical Activity, Rest and Health challenges our societal norms around exercise. Lieberman's book dispels myths about the necessity of rigorous gym routines or marathon running for health. I delve into the book's insights to propose a more sustainable approach to building exercise routines that accommodate individual needs.
The Challenge of Building Sustainable Habits with Invisible Disabilities
Inspired by James Clear's Atomic Habits, I've been reflecting on the unique challenges faced by individuals with invisible disabilities in forming new habits. Given that habits are built upon beliefs, does the inherent uncertainty of living with an invisible disability complicate our efforts? For instance, consider strength training within the context of an inflammatory condition; the fear of flare-ups is real. Thus, our first step must be to embrace this uncertainty.
Other insights:
In Conversation: Employment and Mental Illness: A heartfelt discussion with my friend Kate Beaumont sheds light on navigating employment while managing mental illness. Kate's powerful insights offer a path forward for those facing similar challenges.
The Importance of Cultural Identity for Well-being: After confronting my own estrangement from my cultural roots, I've come to appreciate the profound impact of cultural identity on well-being. Exploring this has revealed it as a crucial component of mental and emotional health.
This Month’s Recommendations:
Living with Long Covid: Don't miss this insightful article recommended by Roxanne Gay in The Audacity, which offers a poignant look into the realities of Long Covid.
Storytelling with Elif Shafak: Immerse yourself in the captivating narratives presented on Elif Shafak's Substack. Her masterful storytelling invites us into worlds both rich and complex.
Artistic Expression in Bristol: If you find yourself in Bristol, the "Concealed/Revealed: Disabled, D/deaf, and Neurodivergent Artists Driving Creativity" exhibition at the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery is a must-see. This showcase not only highlights the creative prowess of disabled artists but also critiques the historical concealment of disability within the art world, featuring luminaries such as Henri Matisse and Francisco Goya in a new light.
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