It makes a real difference when others relate and understand what we go through. When someone resonates it changes how you feel about what you deal with. In the 1960’s, if you dealt with a disability, it was brushed under the carpet and ignored.
It's a wonderful feeling when someone identifies and resonates with you on what you deal with, when they are able to reaffirm all the things you have to deal with. It may not change how you cope, but it can make things seem that little bit easier.
In the 1960's, having a disability meant you were stigmatised. It also meant you weren't able to fully take part in mainstream education and employment. My disability was completely overlooked.
As I continue to make sense of things, my disability becomes the catalyst to all my problems, but in that moment, someone finally understood my life.
I was lucky. I went to a regular school and did not get teased that much about my CP.
You are right only someone who has gone through a similar situation could understand about living with a disability.
That is why this site is so important. It brings like minded people together to share ideas and to help each other out to cope with different situations.
Yes,the 60's was a time when a lot of things weren't talked about, so having a disability made things difficult.
I know how my depression was never fully treated or even discussed, so I have a vague idea of what it would be like.
I'm just grateful that in this day and age, people are more open in talking about what's really going with them and in the world.
I totally agree with you on both your points. It's nice to know there have been some positive changes, particularly where disability is concerned.
It was a shame for you too dealing with depression, but hope that you've made progress. I'm here for you.
Thanks Randy. I am pleased the site helps you as much as it helps me.
Yes it does make us feel better when someone else can really relate to our own problems.
Type 1 Diabetes in the 1970's was kind of rare in children so they had no hope of a future for me at all. I had no-one that I knew of with it. I related to Mary Tyler Moore, a famous actress that has it and is chairperson of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation now.
As a child knowing of a celeb with the same problems as me made me feel better.
Ditto Lisa. Glad you found someone you could relate to, even if it was a celebrity. I know how much that will have helped you emotionally.
I believe that makes all the difference.
So true, amazing the comfort that is brought to us through finding someone who relates to us or our situations.
Ditto. I agree with you.