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Struggling to Identify as Disabled

Zebrapr

668d

It’s so difficult for me to be able to identify myself as having a disability. I’ve been in chronic pain for 2 years since I was in a motorcycle accident and because of that accident I now have a lot of neurological issues like blurry vision, short term memory, and vertigo. And it’s just really tough to have everyone around me telling me that I look perfectly fine or believing that I’m suddenly all better when I am struggling everyday. I just made my dog a service dog because she can tell when my vertigo is coming on as well as if I’m going to pass out and I just feel guilty whenever I bring her inside anywhere because I know I don’t look like I need her. It’s been tough and lonely going through all of this.

2

5

5

Generalized pain

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Top reply
    • NervousDepresso

      668d

      I know exactly how you feel. Back when I was still working, I got so sick of customers, coworkers, and managers ignoring how I told them I was feeling, just because I "looked fine". It got to the point that I started exaggerating my limp, or just faking a limp on my better days when I wasn't limping for real.

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    • leviathansteeth

      668d

      This is coming from someone with a visible disability, but invisible disabilities are so overlooked and people should never assume someone's needs by how they look. It's something I've had to work on within myself as well.

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      • Zebrapr

        668d

        @leviathansteeth I totally agree with that and it’s just not discussed enough. Like if you don’t fit into the ‘normal’ mold then no one can understand you and will treat you different 😥

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    • NervousDepresso

      668d

      I know exactly how you feel. Back when I was still working, I got so sick of customers, coworkers, and managers ignoring how I told them I was feeling, just because I "looked fine". It got to the point that I started exaggerating my limp, or just faking a limp on my better days when I wasn't limping for real.

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      • StrangeLoveDr

        668d

        @NervousDepresso I hear you, people can’t seem to comprehend just because “you look fine” doesn’t mean you are! Also, a neat trick actors use to limp is to put a pebble in their shoe. That way, you’ll never forget to walk with a limp on your pain-free days. 😄

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      • Zebrapr

        668d

        @NervousDepresso Aww man I’m so sorry. It’s truly awful and frustrating. Like I don’t need people knowing I’m constantly in pain but I hate when people think I’m faking, I’m just really good at faking that I’m ok.

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☝ This content is generated by our users and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision

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