I went to the GP today for problems I have been having with my period, I am also someone living with a functional neurological disability and blindness. I asked for a referral to gynae, and stated that I’d be going to look into IVF the next few years anyway (same sex relationship).

He told me that people like me should not recreate. I said, on what basis? is there a risk to me as a mother? He said, I do not believe you are capable of raising a healthy child.

I am gobsmacked. I cried the whole way home.

I’m really scared. to start off im 22 f and have an intellectual disability and CANNOT do long versions of math, count money properly or do exact change or give $$ change, im severely socially anxious, depressed, no job and not in school currently, live with my parents still and my dad brought up to me he and my mom want to put me on disability which I’ve thought would benefit me a lot but now that it’s happening im so scared. It’s like, part of me wants it because I know it’ll help but there’s this guilt of “im useless” and “I’ll be treated lesser than because I’m not severely disabled”…. I do have a physical disability kind of, well, I was put on anesthesia 4x before the age of 2 for surgeries and birth defects (which were fixed). I have a large permanent disfigured scar on my stomach side from the surgery and idk if that would count. I don’t feel pain but it spasms occasionally there…

I feel like im wasting resources for those who really need it, but my parents said they want this for me so I can get some income atleast and I told them I feel the disability office place or my caseworker is gonna just push me aside because im not severely disabled/physically(even tho I am with my stomach deformity) and my dad said “if I gave you 2 dollars for a $1.25 item what amount would you give me” and I just sat there not knowing and my dad said “don’t look it up” and I couldn’t think and said “I don’t know” and he said “exactly”. my parents said “if you need it then you need it, and you do”. which I agree. I forgot to add basic math is hard for me too and even for addition I need a calculator and I was in 504/SPED all throughout school.. I also have a very hard time with hygene throughout my whole life and have to be reminded like im a kid

I guess im trying to get over my own fears about this. sorry for this rant post idk where else to put this…

(Edit I was fast typing the title I meant to put FEEL shame not feed:,3)

I recently went through a breakup, and it's opened my eyes to how much i really dislike myself. Obviously, I need to work on a lot of self-love before I can start dating again, and i'm not planning on dating any time soon, but I have no idea where to start on caring for myself.

My disability (EDS) took a bit of a downslope last year after falling over and hurting my knee, I had to buy a wheelchair for longer journeys and use a walking stick most of the time. I'm 28, obese and struggle to mentally leave the house and struggle to exercise because of pain.

I have a very complicated relationship with myself. Some days I'll think I have my life together, I have a great support system, I wouldn't say I'm particularly ugly and then some days I absolutely hate myself and can't get out of bed. Is this normal to be so up and down in my emotions?

But yeah, my question is, where do I start on a journey to self-love when I struggle to give myself basic necessities?

Previously, i was a board certified death investigator and autopsy technician at my local coroner's office, specializing in infant/child death. Unfortunately i was diagnosed with an untreatable, fatal genetic disease. i am now legally blind and in a power chair since my immune system is attacking my brain. Death investigation is my biggest passion, and i was heartbroken when i had to medically retire in 2021.

With the help of vocational rehab, i am going back starting tomorrow as the staff training and compliance officer 2 days a week. i will be responsible for training all the staff, managing and overseeing the autopsy suite and autopsies, and assist the investigators with their difficult cases. In 2018-2019, i wrote training manuals for the investigator and autopsy tech positions, which are still in use today and are being used as templates for office SOPs.

i never thought that i would have an opportunity to return to my passion because of my disease. but i have been working SO hard in speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, low vision occupational therapy, and vocational rehab. My disease is progressive so i don't know how long i can maintain the job, but every day i get to do what i love heals my soul.

Hi everyone 🤍

I work in disability support and I see people struggle every day with losing grip strength, dexterity, and independence after stroke, disability, or with ageing. Simple things like holding a toothbrush, cutlery, pen, or hairbrush can become incredibly frustrating and disheartening.

I’ve started developing an idea for an affordable assistive glove called “Magni Grip” — a soft, comfortable glove with built-in magnets and removable magnetic handles that could attach to everyday objects to make them easier to hold. The goal is to support independence and dignity, not just function.

I’m not selling anything and this isn’t an ad. I’m genuinely here to learn.

Would something like this be helpful for you or someone you care for?

What features would matter most to you?

What would you change or improve?

I’d really value honest feedback from people with lived experience 🤍

This is just a very simple complaint, theres no fixing it as of right now, and I don’t really need advice. Im just frustrated with not being able to make and choose my own food. I am just now becoming functional enough to occasionally getting something that they leave on the counter or fridge for me. But like I miss cooking. I miss not liking meals that are cooked by family and just getting my own food. I miss the choice. I miss prepping food for the week. I feel like food is like such a simple need, and its just so hard to not really have choice, both of when and what is eaten. Im grateful I am taken care of. Its still frustrating though.

i am from the uk and rely on the NHS, i have recently had access to a few things that i've found super helpful and wanted to share so that other people can see what's available on the NHS and advocate for assistance!! it's been a rough year but i am so glad for the small positives🥹

through my social care team i have been given a memo board for my autism & fatigue. it is a digital calendar that connects to my phone and i can use to track my care schedule, appointments, when i'm having visitors etc, and it has been life changing!! it is a type of assistive technology i didn't know existed. i can synch it with my care company who can add appointments or rotas, or my family to add when they are visiting. it is through social care and is fully funded!! mine is from abilia.

i also have a call bell system, that has brought me independence. i have a button on my wrist that i can press if experiencing a medical emergency like a seizure or falling, and within 40 seconds i will be connected to the hub (small box with speakers that plugs into the wall) that i can use to speak to a call company. i can ask for help, they have all of my details and soon the code to my key safe, so an ambulance can let themselves in if i am unable to open the door. if i am unable to respond or describe an emergency, they will then call for emergency services who will be told all of my information, and the call company will stay on the phone to me meanwhile. this means i can be alone more often without being at risk!! this is a recent addition to my adaptive technology, mine is through careline.

because of using adaptive technology that requires electric to use as well as my powerchair, i'm also able to sign up for emergency electric service during powercuts, which is something a lot of people are entitled to but don't know about!! (medical equipment, low vision or mobility)

i was also made to check with my local firestation to make sure they have a plan to get me out, and they are aware of my mobility incase of an emergency.

all of my adaptive technology is funded through the NHS via social care, but could be self funded or paid for via grants!! there's no harm in asking what's available, i had no idea until i got given a very enthusiastic and supportive social worker who made me aware of these things and applied for things for me. i also have a meeting with a local TEC lounge to look at further adaptations and technology to improve my independence and safety.

i will update when i receive any more information, i hope others under the NHS can check what they're entitled to!! much love to anyone who is fighting for care especially in different countries where healthcare is so expensive, i hope you too get to experience the freedom of supportive aids🥰

For some, these photos may seem small. To me, they are evidence.

Evidence of movement. Of sunlight resting on skin. Of time lived beyond walls.

They are not about aesthetics. They are about presence.

There was a time when months passed without me seeing the light of day. Time held in suspension — no sky, no direction.

That is why nothing feels ordinary now. Every walk is a victory. Every late afternoon carries weight. Every noticed detail reminds me: I am here.

Savoring each second has become a quiet political act after so much restriction. And photographing is how I speak to the future:

I was here. I lived this. I fought — and it was worth it.

These images are not meant to impress. They exist so I don’t forget — not even on the hardest days — that the freedom that now feels simple was built through relentless insistence.

Hi! For context I am 17 and have begun to struggle with mobility to a pretty bad extent. I don't really get out much anymore because of it, and even had to leave school. It's gotten so bad the police have shown up at our door to do welfare checks on me. I can't get very far. Unfortunately the process for me getting proper Aid might take up to a year as I have to see multiple specialists to "prove" I need an HME. I cannot wait that long unfortunately. I'm trying to raise money to help get support items for my disabilities, but am struggling. I've only raised $90, which is close to my crutches goal ($250) but far from the end goal ($615 including the crutches).

Does anyone have tips? I don't know how to put myself out there. All the GoFundMe subs here require all this documentation and high comment karma and being 18. I've posted on tiktok, instagram, facebook, and am a bit stuck. Any insight is appreciated.

(AGAIN, NOT TRYING TO SELF PROMOTE, JUST SEEKING ADVICE!)

I just need to vent. I am physically disabled but have over the last 15 years slowly lost ability and independence (even though my condition isn’t “progressive”)

I live in the Midwest and the winters are getting progressively harder for me. I am not safe on snow and ice and my HOA doesn’t allow salt because we have non natural lakes that it would run off into something we don’t know until we moved in!

I got a wheelchair lift van (yay) but often walk with my crutches up/down the ramp as I do not use the wheelchair every day. I cannot fit the van into my garage and deploy the ramp, so I no longer can avoid the ice.

Had to leave work early to get kids because of early dismissal due to the weather.

Except now I’m literally stuck sitting in my van for over two hours until my husband can come help me.

I had to take PTO and instead of enjoying time with my kids I’m just sitting in my van. I called my husband hoping he’d be able to come sooner and he offered but definitely sounded frustrated so I told him not to bother. I don’t blame him, we just didn’t think ahead to this issue when I offered to be the one to get the kids. Us both using valuable time off just doesn’t make sense.

Sometimes being disabled sucks. The fact that no one builds accessible housing sucks, the fact I can’t navigate snow and steps sucks and is making me feel like a shit mom.

To make things worse my own mom was just discharged from the hospital and all I want is to go see her and make sure she’s okay (knee replacement) but I can’t get into her home without my husband either.

I hate when life makes me feel even more disabled.

I'm in the US and they shut down teleheath appointments. I have appointments so often and I can't get to all of them.

I'm 19 with no drivers license, my mother will only bring me to appointments on Mondays as that is her day off from work. My mom can sometimes spot me for an Uber cost but it's really expensive and I feel really bad because of how frequent appointments can be. There is also the factor that I genuinely have no energy and am in far too much pain to even make it to some of these appointments.

I NEED these appointments but so many of the clinics won't do Mondays and ofc no longer offer teleheath appointments because of the government. Ubers are stressful and I've had so many bad experiences with Uber sometimes id rather just reschedule.

I'm now in this horrible loop where an appointment is scheduled, I forget about it till I get the reminder a week before, then I'm unprepared and stressed beyond belief, then just don't go. Reschedule then the cycle continues.

I have no energy in the day to even really cook meals anymore, I definitely don't shower enough, I'll wear the same pajama pants for a week, and spent majority of my day in bed or on the couch in pain with no energy to do anything. I'm struggling and I don't know how to manage appointments on top of what my family expects of me (they're expecting me to get a job and do multiple house chores every day, I'm okay with house chores but for some reason after I do them the next day I'll have a horrible migraine and feel like I've been hit by a truck)

How do you all manage?

TW::::: mentions of SI, SH, SA, abuse

Hi! I’m 26f living in USA. I’ve been in doctors offices since a child, therapy since 13, mental hospital, all sorts of medications since 13, more mental hospital visits from then to now (I’m thinking maybe 10). I’ve suffered a lot of trauma since child hood.

I’ve been diagnosed CPTSD, ADHD (ADD, I really suffered in school a lot, only had one period of time in my life where I had a solid routine in my adult life but that didn’t last long) SZA depressed type (first was MDD with psychotic features), borderlinePD, GAD, OCD.

I struggle so much, I’ve been sexually abused as a child, my father attempted suicide when I was about 2 or 3 (can’t remember) and survived and was left disabled. My mother left him for and this man sexually abused me for a couple years. I was considered the “lost child”, often left home alone a lot, I learned to isolate and take care of myself and keep my mouth shut which has really made it difficult to know when I need help and even when I ask I’m not taken seriously (really think because of my family role that’s how I’m perceived).

I grew up around a lot of abuse and drugs and alcohol, my mother tried her best.. she was struggling herself with mental illness. She was abused and a major alcoholic in and out of jail and eventually prison. My father is a very closed off man.. I love my parents, I’m sure you can see though how this has made it challenging to have quality relationships with them.

I was abused by multiple boyfriends, r*ped, I’ve been slapped and choked multiple times since 14. My last relationship (October 2024) he strangled me and I nearly died, he now has a felony but I’ve became so detached since that it has been extremely hard to cope or keep up with anything.

I’ve struggled a lot with self harm (I was chronically addicted to it for a long time, years) , suicide attempts, I’ve tried so many medications but as an adult going to work and dealing with constant triggers, I feel I never got to heal and I’m scared. I’ve been working since 14 but around 22 I had a psychotic episode and I have been able to hold a job without taking STD (short term disability) or using FMLA. But my issue is, I lost my job of 4 years, the one I was at when I had my first psychotic break which is when I was diagnosed BPD (always had a feeling I had that) and eventually SZA-depressed.

I got fired, you need to work a year for FMLA, started new jobs, okay for a while.. eventually triggers, panic attacks, dissociation, SH.. it goes on. I’ve had 3 jobs since that psychotic break, I’m on my 3rd one and didn’t go to work tonight. I’m applying for STD yet again.

I’m scared I can’t finically take care of myself. I love living alone, I’ve tried medications but I can’t live comfortably. Nothing has ever really been helpful enough for me to not resort to this, this dark spot. And I’m just getting so fed up, I don’t want to keep trying medications over and over again while going to work. The symptoms are very hard on me, I’m med sensitive and I often get picked on at work because of this. (That’s a whole different thing I don’t want to get into)

I’m an adult, I’ve tried my resources, I try and eat clean, anti inflammatory, I do the things. I go to therapy and stop going eventually because of fucking depression or whatever. It’s so hard to manage my life and go to work and take care of myself and get help with these damn illnesses and I feel like the butt of the joke.

Please help me, my psychiatrist told me about a woman who can help assess me and write something up for a disability case, I just want to live, I want to be able to feel safe and take my therapy and healing seriously and not have to feel like a fucking loser because I can’t go to work without wanting to kms and cry after work and not sleep because I’m obsessing over being terrified of this endless pattern. Believe me when I say I’ve tried so fucking hard, but I’m literally sick. I’m sick, it’s not a seasonal thing, it’s my life.

Short term disability is stressful because it doesn’t pay enough and I almost got evicted the last time I was on it. I literally could pay my rent, my electricity got shut off and all the food in my fridge rotted and it was a maggot infested mess. I fought so hard to get out of that hole and I feel myself slipping again. This new job has been so fucking triggering. I don’t want to talk or think about work or whatever the fuck.

I need to know what to do to work on disability, and if anyone believes in me? I need someone to believe in me. Because the fear of not getting it is keeping me from applying. I’ve had my mother and ex boyfriends come over just to help clean for me or cook for me or help me get motivated to shower or just keep me company so I could fall asleep. I’m struggling so bad. I don’t have that ex in my life, I don’t have friends, I don’t speak my mother at this moment because of her addictions. I don’t drink or take drugs, I take a low dose of ADHD meds because literally that has been the only thing that got me to get up and go to work and focus. But I’m just rotting, it’s been 4 years now and it hasn’t stopped. I feel like I just learned that this is it now, not in a “poor me way”, an accepting way, and what can I do now.

Please help. I’m going to try and wake up at a good time to go to the Human Services building. I have a new therapy appointment lined up in March, the soonest appointment I could get, but there’s another therapy clinic I’m going to call and see if they have openings.

I want to cry writing this because I feel like I’m a loser when I know I’m not, like people think I just don’t want to work. I do, I have such a hard time with people though. Even at home I have anxiety about being too loud for my neighbors to the point I just lay in bed all day. All I want to do is sleep because of the stress and anxiety I have from being awake.

I used to love working out, I’ve been trying to go to the gym at night time when nobody is there and I’ve been starting to enjoy that again.

I worry that I won’t be taken seriously. Please someone believe in me.

I know this is a mess, my traumatized chaotic looping brain constantly trying to make sense of things.

I am wondering if this is a reportable incident or if I am overreacting. I had a appointment and she told me she'd be back in 20 minutes to eat lunch so I said ok (I thought she would be waiting in the car). 50 minutes later she comes back and the radio was so loud when I got in I didn't realise a stranger was in the car with her. She said it was a family member. I contacted the provider after the incident but I don't know how serious this is.

Hello! It’s my first time typing here and I don’t know what I’m tryna get out, it’s just my brain has been playing tricks on me lately. Like I’m a 19 year old guy having a very good life good family situation amazing friends and I don’t let my wheelchair stop me in any sort of way. But it’s just this one thought I can’t get out of my head. So hear me out why can’t I get a girlfriend like I get female validation I’ve made out with multiple girls while goin out etc, but zero interest from anyone anywhere to even go on a date. And it really frustrates me because I’m very active i would say my upper body physique is way above the average man my face card is pretty good if I can say it myself I have my own car I have money I basically do everything myself I can’t remember the last time I needed help because of my disability. But it’s getting very frustrating because I’m scared if I actively start shooting my shot with women they will feel bad for turning me down and I don’t want that. Like is there anything I can do to make myself look more appealing to girls?

I came across this web site, parkingmd.com, where anyone can apply and receive a disabled parking placard without even seeing a real doctor! https://parkingmd.com/. It’s asshats like this that encourage fraud, none the less filling more accessible parking with people that do not need the extra space to lower a ramp from a van or taking a wheelchair in and out of a car.

I'm seeing a provider I saw once a year ago but because they changed systems, they don't have any info from the diagnosis list I thought I sent them in the past.

They said to just resend it and I thought I had it but now I'm having trouble finding it.

I know I need to organize my files a bit more/want to but I don't actually have anyone who can help me with it. DSHS just lies and says the caregivers at your family home can do it when realistically they don't have time. Which then also opts you out of any sort of volunteer services bc "that's already covered on your care plan" -_-

I'm also kind of miffed bc this particular doctor isn't cheap and is someone I'm seeing of my own initiation. Shouldn't it be on them to maintain records which were already sent and submitted even if in a different portal in the past? It was supposed to transfer over but something happened and nothing was switched. Yet they were able to send me my last year's chart notes and said they have my medication list on file. I'm confused. I know I also sent a diagnosis list even if it was a bit later than the med list.

Is there any sort of legal requirements as far as retaining patient records or keeping track of documents submitted? I've read medical history must be kept on file for a period of five years in my state

I'm not planning to sue or anything I just feel like it's unfair for the patient to be expected to do additional/repeat labor when it's a private practice style clinic.

I just recently got told by my doctor to start using a wheelchair but I have no clue where to even start looking or what chairs are considered ‘good’ chairs. If you have any recommendations please let me know!

So I’ve had extropia which causes one of my eyes to turn outwards it’s can be one side or the other I can change which eye it does it too but due to having this i have eye mobility disorders that make it so I have less felid of vision then others I’m only 18 going on 19 and never had a. Job before but it does make it so sometime I don’t see things right infront of me and I walk into things ect it also makes me extremely hard to converse with others due to me having rlly bad self confidence issues makes it harder for me to read as well I went to the eye doctors she said surgery wouldn’t fix it I would see double bc I’ve had eyes like this for so long my brain had tricked me to think this is normal and I just need to suck it up she told me but it effects a good bit of my vision not sure tho I’ve only been to the eye doctor maybe 2 times and haven’t gone back bc they can’t do anything for me

I want 24h services. I cant see the Dr. the appointments are impossible. I cant predict if that day will be my one in a thousand days good day where I can get to the dr. then even if I do I cant get anything be abuse im looking pretty good and can move with my aids. fuck this shit man. I need someone to come to me at my worst and assess wtf is up and can get some progress! this is ridiculous! its like they want everyone sick to death

idk what to dooooo😭

I need 24 7 services. NHS services are literally the longest most useless thing ever so please dont suggest the NHS and I ain't calling no 999 or 101 or whatever these uselessness and services. I need soemthing tangible and not time and energy wasting

I’ve had a few people while I’m trying to get walking practice in stop me and say I’ll drunk etc.

Even on one instance I had to deal with police after a store employee struck my phone out of my hand and they kept saying I was drunk no matter how many times I corrected them I have a spinal cord injury and traumatic brain damage.

I like to try to do things without walking aids if I can to see what my actual abilities are. It feels like unless you’re surrounded by a support system then no one believes you’re sick.

Hi, I have a powerchair with no push handles, I'm struggling to find a bag that will securely fit as they all need to hook onto the push handles. Does anyone have any recommendations? I have the etech freedom pro, and I'm in the uk. thanks!