Hidden Disabilities & How To Cope With Them

There is a chasm in the world of disabilities. It is between the ones that are obvious to the naked eye and others that are not directly observable, such as chronic conditions like CFS, lupus, and mental health issues. In fact, those with hidden disabilities often report problems with accessing support and being taken seriously, among others. Topics that we will cover in more depth below as well as how to navigate them below. 

Medical help 

For those with hidden disabilities, it can even be a challenge to get their medical teams to acknowledge there is a problem. This is because physical disabilities are more visible and so much easier to diagnose in a definite way. 

However, hidden disabilities such as CFS, Fibromyalgia, or PMDD are often diagnosed via a process of elimination. Something that means the patient has to go through a barrage of tests to rule out the presence of any other issue before a diagnosis can be reached. 

Unfortunately, even when this process has been exhausted, not every medical professional will agree on the disease or disability at play. This being a situation that means sufferers are often stuck in limbo without a formal diagnosis and the help that it brings. While not being able to live their lives in a normal way either. 

The answer to this is to become your own advocate. That is to know as much about your condition as possible, presenting this to doctors if they are unaware. It's also important to be up to date on your rights as a patient and ask for a second opinion if you feel you are not being heard. 

Additionally, you can take some steps at home to help with your condition in the meantime. You may look into treating fibromyalgia pain with a TENS unit, or finding other physical therapies to help with your condition.

Access to accommodations at work 

Just like gaining medical help for a hidden disability can be challenging, getting the support you need at work can be challenging too. In fact, unless a patient is in evident in distress in the workplace, many problems can be dismissed by employers, or hidden by employees fearing, they will lose their jobs. 

For example, those with borderline personality disorder may have trouble maintaining healthy relationships at work, and even use self medicate their rapidly changing moods. 

Yet, they may still be asked the question: ‘Is borderline personality a disability?' from their employers. Well, the answer is yes. Therefore employers have a responsibility to make adjustments in the workplace to allow those with the condition to function better. 

However, being able to navigate this while being ill can be very challenging indeed. Although, it is worth noting that there are charities and even some legal advocates that can help you access the help you are entitled to in such a case. 

Public perception 

Finally, an issue that many of those with a hidden disability face is public perception. In fact, many people can feel as if they are labeled as lazy or malingering, despite having a condition that severely affects their quality of life.

Of course, public perception is never an easy thing to chance. However, being more open with how your condition affects your everyday life can help. Additionally, advocating for all those with hidden and visible disability online and IRL can help to correct this situation over time too.