Have you ever felt shame for having a disability?
Can neurodivergent be the new normal?
In Today's Episode of Just A Thought, PE'A sits down with Allison Hayes for a raw and candid conversation about thriving while disable. In a world that often views disability through a negative lens, Allison Hayes, author of the "Thriving While Disabled" series, challenges these perceptions with her enlightening insights. Allison will share her journey of writing two impactful books designed to empower disabled individuals and provide them with essential guidance.
Throughout their conversation, Allison Hayes speaks about mental health, particularly regarding neurodivergence and conditions like PTSD and depression. Allison explained that neurodivergence encompasses a broad spectrum of brain processing differences, which can manifest in various ways, such as anxiety or functional neurological disorders. This understanding is crucial, as it allows individuals to appreciate that their experiences are valid and not isolated.
Allison opens up about her own struggles with mental health and functional neurological disorder. She shared how societal misconceptions about depression often overlook the complexity of the condition, especially for those who can still function while feeling the weight of social judgement.
In This Interview, You'll Learn:
The Importance of Acceptance
The Need for Societal Recognition of Disabled Identities
Thriving is About Managing One's Reality Rather than Overcoming It
Healing doesn’t mean fixing what’s broken, it means learning to see every part of yourself with compassion and curiosity. The parts of you that once felt heavy or hard to love are often the same ones that carried you through the toughest moments. You are not your disability.
With Love and Kindness,
PE'A
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https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/just-a-thought/id1852092758
https://purpleenergyauthor.substack.com
What We Discuss:
00:00 Introduction to Thriving While Disabled
02:35 The Journey of Writing and Inspiration
04:53 Redefining Thriving with Disabilities
07:43 Understanding Neurodivergence and Mental Health
09:43 Personal Experiences with Depression and Anxiety
11:45 The Impact of Stress on Mental Health
13:46 Managing Functional Neurological Disorder
16:00 The Role of Self-Love in Healing
17:39 The Power of Labels and Community
19:06 Recognizing and Overcoming Societal Biases
21:58 Deconstructing Affirmations and Societal Messaging
22:36 Understanding Disability Bias and Employment Challenges
23:44 Accessibility and Inequality in Society
24:51 Misconceptions About Disability and Adult Identity
26:42 Normalizing Disability in Relationships and Society
28:10 Navigating Job Applications with Disabilities
29:44 The Importance of Acknowledging Disability
31:17 Rejection and Identity in Relationships
32:23 Coping with Visible and Non-Visible Disabilities
34:32 Resilience in Caregiving and Relationships
36:01 The Balance of Support and Self-Care
37:32 Creating Thriving While Disabled
43:40 Challenges in Writing and Publishing
43:46 Finding Resources and Community Engagement
Episode dedicated to:
#Disability Awareness #Mental Health #Neurodiversity #Thriving while Disabled, #Inclusive Society #SupportforDisabledIndividuals
