"I get knocked down, but I get up again" is a mantra that defines how I have had to approach life. For anyone living with a physical and mental disability, there is already an extra layer of complexity to their lives, in a world that doesn’t want to understand. For those with a disability, the world’s ignorance can make even the smallest obstacles unresolvable. In those moments, it's easy to feel defeated.
Disability often brings abandonment, which can feel like you're falling, or failing. But here’s the thing: you're not falling or failing because of you, if you fall or fail it's because the support isn't there. Have you faced stigma, is your disability mostly ignored, are you angry? If yes, it’s okay to feel those emotions. Over the years, I have learned to stand back, to reflect, to pause, it's where I find clarity, it's where I find solutions.
Getting up is a choice. Having a disability means you will get knocked down – it's par for the course, and not being accepted is par for the course also. But it is important to grow and to find new strength. Living with a mental disability can bring resilience, but it's something we have to continue to work on. I've had to be strong. I'm forever mentally playing catch up in an able-bodied world. Not everyone shows compassion, tolerance, or understanding on the mental side of my disability. Not everyone will choose to be kind. But we have no choice, it's either we sink or we swim.
Resilience isn’t about never falling or failing: it’s about refusing to stay down. Where I have not been met with kindness, my disability helps me to be kind to myself.
I have next to no voice, but through my writing, I am heard, I give myself a voice. Every fall is an opportunity for us to rise, stronger, wiser, and more determined. Living with a mental disability in a world that doesn’t choose to understand is challenging, I'm not going to lie. For everyone living with a mental disability – it is important to remember your journey is unique, but it’s also a testament to your truth and strength that comes from your struggle."
