Generalisations about society's tolerance levels towards people with mental disabilities particularly during the pandemic may have varied from person to person and community to community.
Mental Health Challenges
While some individuals may have become less tolerant due to increased stress and anxiety caused by the pandemic, others may have developed a deeper understanding and empathy towards the challenges faced by those with mental disabilities.
The pandemic has had a significant impact on everyone's lives, leading to heightened stress, anxiety, fear, and social isolation. Unfortunately, these factors can exacerbate negative attitudes and impede patience and understanding. People may be less tolerant due to their own feelings of frustration, fatigue, or the overwhelming demands that the pandemic has placed on them personally.
Advocating for mental health
It is crucial to recognise that countless individuals and organizations have continued to advocate for and support people with mental disabilities during these challenging times.
Reducing stigma
Many communities have also worked towards reducing stigma and raising awareness around mental health issues. Balancing these opposing trends, it is imperative to remember that the pandemic's impact on tolerance levels is multifaceted and can differ significantly depending on one's personal experiences and circumstances.
Reduced and limited access to mental health services
Moreover, disruptions in routine, limited access to mental health services, and reduced social interactions have affected individuals with mental disabilities disproportionately. These challenges have contributed to feelings of isolation, exacerbating mental health symptoms and potentially leading to misunderstandings or negative perceptions from others.
Conclusion
While disability is at the top for discrimination and exclusion, it's not just around disability that exclusion happens. Exclusion doesn't just happen around a physical or mental disability. Difference works in there too.
It's happening in all walks of life. The reality is, exclusion shouldn't be happening at all.
