Telling someone with depression to pull themselves together is about as useful as telling someone with cancer to just stop having cancer.

Ricky Gervais

Disability and mental health are two significant aspects of an individual’s well-being that are often viewed in isolation. However, they are more intertwined than one might think – much like the tangled wired headphones we used to keep in our pockets before air-pods existed! Physical disabilities can lead to mental health challenges, and vice versa. This post aims to shed light on the connection between being disabled and the impact on mental health and how one can cause, or link to the other.  

In recent years, there has been a slow increase in awareness of the intricate relationship between disability and mental health issues. This connection highlights the need for a holistic understanding of an individual’s well-being, while also shedding light on the importance of recognizing intersectionality in these experiences (see my article on the intersectionality between age and disability here if you are interested in this topic). Exploring this nexus not only unveils the profound impact on individuals but also reflects societal views and challenges us to evolve our approach in supporting those navigating these complexities.

The Intricate Connection

 While disability and mental health have traditionally been treated as distinct topics, their interconnection is undeniable. People with disabilities often encounter unique challenges, such as limited accessibility, societal stigma, and exclusion. These experiences can manifest as triggers for mental health struggles, including anxiety, severe depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder. Conversely, individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions may develop physical impairments due to self-neglect or the side effects of medication. This intricate interplay underscores the need for a comprehensive perspective on well-being.

The connection between disability and mental health becomes evident through various scenarios such as the below.

• Stigma and Isolation: Societal stigmas around disability can lead to isolation, which is a breeding ground for mental health issues. The emotional toll of feeling excluded can be overwhelming.
• Physical and Emotional Strain: Managing a disability often demands significant physical effort, which can lead to emotional exhaustion. This can amplify feelings of frustration, anxiety, and depression.
• Self-Esteem and Identity: Disabilities can challenge one’s self-esteem and sense of identity. The internal struggle to reconcile one’s self-worth with societal perceptions can contribute to mental health difficulties.
• Access Barriers: Limited accessibility can hinder participation in social activities, education, and employment. The frustration of facing such barriers can contribute to feelings of hopelessness and anxiety.

Acknowledging intersectionality adds another layer to the connection between disability and mental health. When identities such as gender, age, race, socioeconomic status, and sexual orientation intersect with disability, the challenges can intensify. For instance, a person with a disability who belongs to a marginalized group may face discrimination on multiple fronts, exacerbating their mental health struggles. Acknowledging these complex intersections is essential to providing targeted and effective support.

Chicken or egg?

So, does disability lead to mental health issues, or do mental health issues lead to disability?   The answer, is, as you will no doubt imagine, unclear and is based on a number of factors. Whilst there is evidence that physical disability can trigger or exacerbate mental health issues, and vice versa, the complexities can be illustrated through looking at the experiences of people who have lifelong disabilities and those who become disabled later in life.

Being born with a disability or acquiring one early in life presents unique challenges. Children with disabilities may experience bullying, leading to feelings of isolation and low self-esteem that can carry into adulthood, manifesting as depression or anxiety. Individuals with lifelong disabilities often develop resilience and coping mechanisms, such as humour, to lighten the mood and make challenging situations more bearable. However, this does not negate the need for mental health support and understanding.

On the other hand, acquiring a disability later in life presents a different set of challenges. The sudden change in abilities can lead to a myriad of emotions, including grief, anger, and depression. There is a sense of loss for the life once lived, and adapting to a new reality can be incredibly taxing on mental health.

The relationship between disability and mental health often becomes a vicious cycle. For instance, a physical disability can lead to mental health issues, which in turn can worsen the physical disability. Depression can lead to a lack of motivation to engage in physical therapy, resulting in a decline in physical health. Similarly, mental health issues can lead to physical disabilities, which can then exacerbate the mental health issues. For example, anxiety can lead to chronic pain, leading to feelings of hopelessness and depression.

Societal Reflections

The connection between disability and mental health sheds light on societal attitudes and biases. Historically, societies have often marginalized both groups, perpetuating harmful stereotypes. This dual marginalization reveals a collective need for a paradigm shift in how we view and treat those facing these challenges. Addressing these systemic issues requires dismantling ableism and fostering inclusivity at every level of society.

Furthermore, the societal stigma associated with disabilities can also impact mental health. Being treated differently or facing discrimination can lead to low self-esteem and a negative self-image.

On the other hand, mental health issues can also lead to physical disabilities. For instance, severe depression can lead to a lack of physical activity, which can result in physical health issues such as obesity or chronic pain.

Final Thoughts

I don’t think there is a neat solution to this, but perhaps the below  considerations are worth thinking about.

• Holistic Approach: Health care providers, educators, and policymakers must adopt a holistic approach that considers the physical, emotional, and social well-being of individuals with disabilities. Integrated care models can ensure comprehensive support.
• Inclusive Policies: Governments and organizations must create inclusive policies that dismantle barriers to education, employment, and participation. Promoting accessibility and accommodations can empower individuals and reduce mental health burdens.
• Education and Awareness: Public awareness campaigns can challenge stereotypes and biases, fostering empathy and understanding. Education about both disabilities and mental health can help create a more compassionate society.
• Support Networks: Establishing support networks that recognize the intersectional nature of these challenges can provide a safe space for individuals to share their experiences and seek help without judgment.

Thanks for taking the time to read this. If you found this post interesting, you might also like to read my post on the overlooked similarities between disability and ageism , and what can be learnt from this and what this says about society. You can access that post here – “The Age Issue” – Similarities With Disability?

*Disclaimer  – The thoughts on this post are mine. They are based off the life experiences, difficulties and challenges of a man having lived with, worked and experienced the world with a sight impairment who is lucky enough to use these for the betterment of disabled individuals and society in general. Other  individuals may have alternative  views to those of my own which will be just as valid as my own.