It seems obvious that what you can’t see is invisible. And a magician’s sleight of hand is most certainly invisible. But when you’re fooled by the magician you know it’s a trick.
But when an individual is suffering from depression, a migraine or chronic out of sight pain then their suffering is invisible to most of us .. but it certainly isn’t invisible to them.
Invisible disability, or hidden disability, are the effects of disabilities that are not immediately apparent. As a definition, an invisible disability, in simple terms, is a physical, mental or neurological condition that limits a person’s movements, senses or activities that is invisible to the onlooker. Unfortunately, the very fact that these symptoms are invisible, can lead to misunderstandings, false perceptions and judgements.
For instance, some people with visual or auditory disabilities who do not wear glasses or hearing aids, or who use discreet hearing aids, may not appear obviously disabled. Some people who have vision loss may wear contact lenses – and some who have joint problems or chronic pain may not use mobility aids on certain days. See them when they’re not and in front of you is somebody without disability.
Invisible disabilities are chronic illnesses and conditions that significantly impair normal activities of daily living.
When you see someone in a wheelchair, with a guide dog, wearing a hearing aid then the disability is visible. Invisible disabilities can include chronic illnesses such as renal failure, diabetes, and sleep disorders.
And the woman in the coffee shop holding her head? – is she suffering from a debilitating migraine? Is the old man who rises unsteadily from his train seat wishes he had brought with him his walking stick.
And the young person on the park bench who is staring into space. Are they reflecting on their surroundings on a quiet summer’s day? – or are they in the grip of depression?
Look at the image above. It’s what we are all supposed to be isn’t it? They’re all happy and smiling and life seems great. They’re a collection of models brought together for a photo-shoot and who probably have their own problems.
But the photographer says ‘smile’ .. and they do so. In modern society we are obsessed with image and that is, we are told, the default setting for all of us.
We have to make Government, Schools and the Care agencies aware that sometimes our mask covers what is really happening. An invisible disability is just as demoralising as a visible one.
One of the aims of our #ALLin Movement (for more details: info@disabilitytalk.co.uk) is to provide justice and assistance for disabled and vulnerable people.
AND THAT HAS TO INCLUDE THE INVISIBLE AS WELL AS THE VISIBLE