![]() The suggestion here I believe is to be cautious about the language we use. But somehow., I think if something is described as invisible it is less likely to be taken seriously.’ SWS I guess it describes it from the other, laypersons’ point of view. ‘I don’t like the label, and not entirely sure why. Considering it this way, helps me to have more compassion towards myself and others’ reactions.’ KSL It means a lack of empathy from others sometimes. Not following a conversation because attention is drawn to the pain brain fatigue due to the pain and pain medication looking a little confused for no apparent reason. When sitting, the constant fidgeting could be indicating searching for a comfortable position. The way a person holds their frame when they walk their actual gait. But if you live with persistent pain/fatigue, have someone close to you, or work with clients with persistent pain/fatigue there are many visible signs to inform you. ‘For those with no experience, lack of empathy and limited powers of observation yes, it is. You often get someone saying “you look really well” when you are really not feeling it!’ AMN It is hidden because you can’t tell if someone experiences those restrictions just by looking at them. ‘To me, a hidden disability is where your health (physical or mental) restricts your ability to carry out day-to-day activities when compared to someone who doesn’t. Would you consider Persistent Pain and Fatigue to be an invisible disability and what does this label mean to you? I have used these questions and direct quotes from my colleagues to structure this blog. Would you consider Persistent Pain and Fatigue to be an invisible disability and what does this label mean to you?Ĭould you describe any difficulties/misunderstandings you have had in the workplace?Ĭould you describe any difficulties/misunderstandings you have had when you are out socially with friends, family and strangers? To help understand more about this term and the difficulties people experience as a result of invisible disability I asked three colleagues who work within Vitalit圓60, and who have openly discussed their pain and fatigue, the following three questions: This may be because they look ok or again make unhelpful assumptions about their health or general abilities based on how someone presents. Some report that it has made a significant difference to their lives, others say they largely choose not to use it as they don’t want people to question their eligibility. ![]() I have successfully supported clients in applying for a blue badge under this criteria. The term hidden disabilities reached the media when the blue badge scheme expanded in August 2019 to include people with invisible illness/disability in the eligibility criteria. Again, to use these openly is a very personal decision. They offer a bit more information about how a person is specifically challenged. I personally like the wristbands, badges and lanyards produced by stickman communications. ![]() They are concerned that people then make assumptions about what this label means and potentially offer help that is not required. Interestingly, although I fully support and alert my clients to the sunflower lanyard scheme, many say that they do not actually want to wear something that labels them as disabled. They have joked about having labels like ‘pain is a disability’ tattooed to their foreheads to make it more obvious to others. During this time clients have not necessarily used the term invisible disability, but they have frequently said that it would be so much easier if their disability was more visible. I have worked as an Occupational Therapist for 32 years, mainly within the clinical field of Persistent Pain and Fatigue conditions. “It is often defined as a disability that cannot be seen or is not immediately obvious to others” Invisible or hidden disability is a term used to describe a wide range of health conditions and learning difficulties including anxiety and depression, visual and hearing impairments, autism, persistent pain, CFS/ME, Crohn’s disease, colitis, endometriosis, migraines - the list goes on… ![]()
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