What is Disability?

What is a Disability? The question seems simple enough but it is more complicated than meets the eye.  The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines disability as "A physical, mental, cognitive, or developmental condition that impairs, interferes with, or limits a person's ability to engage in certain tasks or actions or participate in typical daily activities and interactions". This is true. A common question is " Are all illnesses and disorders disabilities?" Not exactly. Having a common cold or pneumonia does not make someone disabled.

Many mental disorders can have impacts on a persons life but that does not make them necessarily disabled. Disabling comes from when a person no longer has the ability to function in a healthy manner and be a productive member of society. 

Disabled isn't a bad word. Some people prefer "I am disabled" but other prefer " I have a disability".  This choice is completely up to the person that has the disability in which they feel they identify more with. Personally I prefer " I am disabled".

Having a disability is not a bad thing and you are not alone. Many, many people all around the world have disabilities. One thing that is important to remember is that not two disabilities are the same. Lets imagine a scenario where a girl named Peggy has depression. Her best friend Lucinda also has depression. Peggy and Lucinda both have good days and bad days.  Peggy notices her depression more when the seasons change while Lucinda feels as if it is more all year round. Peggy still loves to go out shopping but it is hard for her somedays. Lucinda does not leave the house almost at all anymore as it has just become too much for her to bear. Both have depression but react to their environment totally different but that is fine. Peggy and Lucinda are both valid and so is their disability.

Some disabilities can stem from other disabilities as well. For example, some people with anxiety can have stress induced seizures. Seizures and anxiety can both be disabling. Sometimes this leads to two disabilities. You know what they say, "the more the merrier".

Embrace your differences. They make you unique. So what you have a disability. All that means is that you have a special ability.