Accepting a Disability is Difficult—The Process of Coming to Terms with Being Disabled
I received a diagnosis of a mental or developmental disability. But it is difficult to accept that from the bottom of my heart.
The diagnosis is written on the documents. I was told, "You can apply for a disability certificate."
But somehow, I still haven't accepted it as my own reality. I've had that feeling for a long time.
What does it mean to "accept"?
People often say, "Let's accept the disability." But no one ever told me what specifically it means to be in a state of "having accepted it."
Does getting the certificate mean I've accepted it? Does working in disability-inclusive employment mean I've accepted it? I didn't even know myself.
Accepting is different from giving up
There was a time when I mistook "accepting" for "giving up."
I interpreted it as, "Since this is the kind of person I am, I shouldn't aim for anything more." But that is wrong.
Accepting is about "my current state," not "my future possibilities."
I acknowledge that there are things I cannot do right now. But that doesn't mean it will last forever.
It's okay to be wavering
Acceptance comes in waves.
Even when I thought, "I already understand," one day I feel again, "Why did this happen to me?" I don't think that means I haven't accepted it enough; I think that's just how it is.
Emotions go back and forth. That is normal.
It's okay to go at your own pace
Even if there is an atmosphere around you that wants you to "accept it quickly," it is okay to go at your own pace.
Putting on a "face of acceptance" in a hurry won't change anything.
I now believe that accepting means gradually learning how to live with my condition.
Shitsukan / Rework Avenir
MA in Museum Studies (University of Leicester, Merit) | Engineer | Experienced in Rework
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