Here Is Why Prioritising The Mental Health Of The Disabled Is Important

A person with a disability surely leads a tougher life than others. These people are not only grappling with a physical disability; there are also several social, economic, and mental difficulties that they have to deal with.

First of all, disability itself is an umbrella term. It includes three separate problems. The first one can be termed impairment, where there is a problem with the body's function and structure. The second comes from an activity limitation, where there is difficulty encountered by an individual in executing a task or action. The third denotes participation restriction, where a person is not able to get involved in normal life situations.

What legislation and rights are prevalent for people with disabilities?

It is a fact that people with disabilities face much more difficulty functioning in their day-to-day lives than others. So, here are some rights provided to people with disabilities:

The Right of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016

Here, people with a disability are defined as those "who have a long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairment that, in interaction with barriers, hinders his full and effective participation in society equally with others."

Here, people with benchmark disabilities are defined as those "who are a person with not less than 40% of a specified disability where the specified disability has not been defined in measurable terms and include a person with a disability where the specified disability has been defined in measurable terms, as certified by the certifying authority."

This right encourages empowerment for people with disabilities. As per this right, people with disabilities have the right to respect for their inherent dignity. They have individual autonomy, which includes making their own choices. It is basically where the rights of people with disabilities are seen from a human rights point of view.

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Disabled people dealing with mental health disorders

Despite having laws and rights, people with disabilities still have to deal with a lot of stress and trauma. While on paper, these laws may make a difference, society as a whole sees people with disabilities differently and treats them differently as well.

There is structural discrimination

Despite having laws in place, when it comes to implementation, there are barely any educational or workplace facilities that are equipped to give proper comfort to people with disabilities. Raj Mariwala, Director at Mariwala Health Initiative, adds to the same. She says, "Workplaces, schools, or healthcare facilities are not designed or made to give proper comfort to people with disabilities." Thus, they face stigma and discrimination due to their bodies and sizes being different from the norm. To address people's distress, it is important for helplines to make a change. They need to know how many people with disabilities can vote or open a bank account. How many of them need a ramp? I got to know that a survivor of an acid attack couldn't open a bank account due to biometric difficulties. They are excluded from many normal things that are generally used by the normal public."

Difference in attitudes

People generally see people with disabilities with pity. As per a study by Cree RA, Okoro CA, Zack MM, and Carbone E (2020), it was reported that adults with disabilities reported more mental distress than those without disabilities. This leads to poor health behaviours, mental disorders, chronic diseases, and limitations in daily life.

Role of carers

The role of carers is very important for disabled people. Most people with disabilities are dependent on their carer. While this may become a huge responsibility for many carers, they sometimes tend to forget that those with disabilities also have the right to make their own choices and ideas. "It is important to have a mental health provider without the caregiver's attendance since it is important for them to provide any information in a confidential manner. The role of a carer is purely one of support, and it is important to remind themselves to support disabled agencies. If not, it causes stress for them," says Raj Mariwala.

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How can we help people with disabilities with their mental health?

Mental health is extremely important, and it can affect anyone in the same manner. However, people with disabilities are doubly affected by mental health problems. Here is how one can help them unwind:

Know when to seek a mental health expert

Professional health is important when the going gets tough. It goes the same way for a person with a disability. If they feel like things are overwhelming and that they need an outlet away from their carer, they should be given a chance.

Taking breaks from screens and news

Thanks to the plethora of content you can fit in your hands, it is very easy to use social media and be on your phone for hours. There have been various studies suggesting that more screen time leads to mental lethargy and exhaustion. Not just that, constant exposure to news that shows wrongdoings and contains sensitive and violent content can lead to mental disruption. One needs to take a break from the same.

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Taking care of your body

Meditating, regular exercise, and getting an adequate amount of sleep are extremely important for the function of the body. It not only keeps one active but also releases dopamine, which makes one feel good and keeps mental disorders at bay. So having and doing so in every form is important.

Socialising in any form

Though for some people with disabilities, socialising may be difficult, it is a must to interact with people around them. Talking and meeting people can provide a general sense of happiness, leading to better mental health.

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Being around greenery

The colour green alone provides a general sense of calmness. This can be extremely beneficial for those dealing with stress and anxiety. The carers should make sure that they take their dependents for walks in the park or take them outside just so that they can feel refreshed.

Advocating more equity

"Disabled persons in India are among the most marginalised and excluded when it comes to access to basic education, facilities, and the completion of primary education. Everyone, including the media, should do basic work around attitudes that stigmatise the disabled and look at ways in which one can pursue justice and equity for them," adds Raj Mariwala.

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There are several ways in which people with disabilities are affected mentally. It is important to be sensitive not only to their physical needs but also to their mental needs.