It was last year when I heard my sister tell me about one of her friends, who due to an unprecedented condition had lost most of his vision. It was a moment of grief for my sibling as he was a close friend of hers and an kind-hearted soul. And as all other people who are struck by tragedy the question presented itself. Why? Why him? Why does it have to be like this? Although no one knows the answers to this questions one thing is certain, that this kind of tragedies leave a huge impact on the victims and all the people around them.
So its very important to understand the impacts and ramification these kind of tragedies present.
Co-occurring mental disorders are not uncommon for those living with visual impairments. The sudden loss of eyesight associated with acquired blindness has statistically been known to accompany other issues such as anxiety, depression, phobias, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and even suicidal thoughts. While symptoms for these disorders vary based on the individual, these illnesses can have cognitive, behavioral, and whole body symptomology.
I would like to share a story of a renowned psychotherapist and a mother of two, Holly Bonner.
Perspective by Holly Bonner
"Since childhood, I have suffered from panic attacks. The sensation of my heart pounding out of my chest, labored breathing, and the fear of impending doom occurred almost on a daily basis. After battling breast cancer throughout most of my 20s, I was diagnosed with both depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
When my cancer resulted in the loss of my eyesight in 2012, my depression and anxiety reached levels I was not equipped to deal with. A failed suicide attempt prompted me to seek professional counseling to help process the feelings of loss associated with my blindness. I was grieving, and I needed to acquire the necessary tools to help me cope with the immense loss I had suffered.
My tumultuous relationship with mental illnesses was part of the reason I chose to become a psychotherapist and attain my Masters in Social Work (MSW). I still experience instances throughout the year, more specifically near the anniversary of my vision loss, where my anxiety heightens, and I can become more withdrawn and isolated. When those feelings do occur, I reach out for both familial and professional support. I have learned to become patient with myself, allowing those feelings to wash over me like a wave breaking on the shore. I know these moments will eventually pass, allowing the waters to recede and restoring a sense of calmness and clarity to my life."
Although this kind of hardships are very detrimental to ones physical and mental health, one must try to take control and mould the situations to their will.
A truthful and hopeful poem from a book I read follows:
Being blind can be so scary,
living days with eyes wide shut.
So we must change minds,
seek out to find,
the ones who've given up.
There are those of us who live in fear as to what the future holds,
who spend their days lock themselves away
and it's time their stories told.
Depression can be a symptom as we grieve for vision gone,
need love of friends and family
but some of us have none.
It's those we must stand up for
to the world we'll shout out loud,
let's fight for each others confidence
we are blind and we are proud.
So if your eyes are fading don't let your spirit slip,
just remember you're amazing
let my words repair the rip.
By Dave Steele from his book, "Stand By Me"