When acknowledging your feelings it is normal to feel a range of emotions for example frustration,
sadness, confusion, or even denial. You may feel overwhelmed by how your disability will affect
your everyday life or how others perceive you. These feelings are normal and it is crucial to
give yourself permission to experience them and become confident with living with your condition
and the feelings that come with it. Talking to others can also help process your emotions in a healthy way.
Acknowledge Your Feelings
1
When acknowledging your feelings it is normal to feel a range of emotions for example frustration,
sadness, confusion, or even denial. You may feel overwhelmed by how your disability will affect
your everyday life or how others perceive you. These feelings are normal and it is crucial to
give yourself permission to experience them and become confident with living with your condition
and the feelings that come with it. Talking to others can also help process your emotions in a healthy way.
Educate Yourself
2
Understanding your disability on a practical level is empowering and will help with your
confidence. Learning as much as you can about your condition, including symptoms and treatments.
The more informed you are the more control you will feel over your daily life. This will also
help you communicate more effectively with healthcare professionals, employers, and others about
what you need to thrive.
Embrace Your Strengths
3
Your disability doesn’t define you or your worth, nor does it diminish the talents, abilities,
and unique qualities that make you who you are. Success can be defined in many different ways
and it is important to take time to recognise your strengths and skills. Studies show that
individuals with unique experiences often have the most innovative perspectives.
Embrace Your Strengths
3
Your disability doesn’t define you or your worth, nor does it diminish the talents, abilities,
and unique qualities that make you who you are. Success can be defined in many different ways
and it is important to take time to recognise your strengths and skills. Studies show that
individuals with unique experiences often have the most innovative perspectives.
Seek Community and Support
4
You don’t have to go through this alone. Here at Healthier Minds we are major advocates on
having shoulders to lean on, connecting with others who share similar experiences can offer you
practical advice as well as emotional support. This can help with your confidence and give you
a sense of belonging by relating to others.
Advocate yourself
5
Whether you’re asking for workplace accommodations, or further support in your daily life,
self-advocacy is key. It may feel daunting at first, but know that your voice matters. You have
the right to equitable access and opportunities, and advocating for yourself helps ensure that
your needs are met. Empower yourself by being confident in what you want to achieve.
Advocate yourself
5
Whether you’re asking for workplace accommodations, or further support in your daily life,
self-advocacy is key. It may feel daunting at first, but know that your voice matters. You have
the right to equitable access and opportunities, and advocating for yourself helps ensure that
your needs are met. Empower yourself by being confident in what you want to achieve.
Adapt and Thrive
6
While your disability may change the way you do things, it doesn't have to stop you from living
a full life. Embracing supportive measures such as assistive technologies, new routines, or
modified activities can help you regain independence and confidence. Stay open to new
possibilities, and remember that adjusting to change doesn't mean you’re giving up—rather, you’re growing.
Be Kind to Yourself
7
This journey may be long, but it’s important to be patient with yourself. Understanding your
disability is not about fixing or overcoming it, but about learning how to live with it and
adapt in a way that feels right for you. Celebrate small victories, be forgiving of setbacks,
and celebrate the progress you make. And most importantly keep smiling.
Be Kind to Yourself
7
This journey may be long, but it’s important to be patient with yourself. Understanding your
disability is not about fixing or overcoming it, but about learning how to live with it and
adapt in a way that feels right for you. Celebrate small victories, be forgiving of setbacks,
and celebrate the progress you make. And most importantly keep smiling.
