There is a hidden world in the area of mental health discussions. It is a factor that goes unnoticed unless you yourself are in the situation,; or you have a loved one in the situation. I am referring to the co-occurrence of physical disability and mental health disorders.  

Do not get me wrong, society has made strides in the acceptance of disabilities independently, but it is the intersectionality between the two that is lacking attention. The unique challenges faced by us individuals navigating both simultaneously remain widely overlooked  

One of the primary hurdles we face is the multitude of barriers which obstruct our access to the necessary resources and support systems. Physical accessibility limitations to financial constraints. We individuals find ourselves navigating a maze of obstacles just to receive adequate care and accommodations. The systemic neglect of this intersectionality creates a cycle of marginalization, leaving many of us feeling neglected, unheard, and unimportant. 

Although it is improving there is still their heavy weight off stigma surrounding disabilities, and mental health disorders is substantial enough on its own. However, when these two intersect the weight of the burden of stigma can become almost unbearable.  

Isolation is an all-too-familiar companion to the many of us who grapple with the challenges of disabilities and mental health. Our self-imposed isolation and withdrawal and societal exclusion leads to profound feelings of disconnected loneliness. We made efforts to foster inclusivity and belonging, but the intersectional nature of our struggles still leaves us feeling as if there is nowhere that we belong.   

The stigma, labels, and categories that society places us in based on our perceived differences only deepens the feelings of inadequacy and isolation. These pervasive misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding disability and mental illness only serve to exacerbate the stigma, leaving myself and thousands of others like me feeling trapped in a matrix of judgment and misunderstanding. It is as though we are constantly battling against societal preconceptions, struggling to break free from the constraints imposed by ignorance and fear. Despite our unique experiences and strengths, we are often reduced to mere stereotypes, overlooked, or dismissed because we do not fit neatly into conventional norms. But our identities are multifaceted, our stories rich with resilience and courage, deserving of recognition and understanding.  

Until society recognizes the diversity within disability and mental illness, and embraces us for who we are, the struggle against stigma will persist, and the journey toward true inclusivity will remain incomplete. Until next time my friends.  

Queen Wright