Disabled and Anxious

By Cat Maness, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and disabled person

Discussing the connection between disability and anxiety is important because it highlights the unique challenges disabled individuals face when dealing with anxiety. Disabled people are more likely to experience anxiety due to various factors, such as social isolation, discrimination, and financial stress. Understanding these factors and their impact on mental health is crucial in developing effective strategies for managing anxiety in this population. It is also essential to recognize that disabled people may experience anxiety differently than those without disabilities and may require tailored interventions to meet their specific needs.

Disabled individuals often face discrimination and negative attitudes that can lead to social isolation and feelings of shame about their identities. By acknowledging the prevalence of anxiety among disabled people and providing resources for managing it, we can help promote greater mental health awareness and acceptance in the disabled community. Furthermore, discussing the connection between disability and anxiety can help reduce the stigma and misunderstanding surrounding mental health in the disabled community. Ultimately, improving access to mental health services and support for disabled individuals can lead to better overall health outcomes and greater social inclusion.

The Prevalence of Anxiety among Disabled People

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), disabled individuals are at a higher risk of developing mental health problems, including anxiety disorders. A study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research in 2018 found that individuals with disabilities had a significantly higher prevalence of anxiety disorders than non-disabled individuals. Specifically, the study found that the lifetime prevalence of any anxiety disorder among disabled individuals was 43.2%, compared to 28.8% among those without disabilities.

Similarly, a study published in the Journal of Mental Health in 2020 found that adults with intellectual disabilities had higher rates of anxiety disorders than those without intellectual disabilities. Specifically, the study found that the prevalence of any anxiety disorder among adults with intellectual disabilities was 50.7%, compared to 20.9% among those without intellectual disabilities.

There are several reasons why disabled individuals may experience higher rates of anxiety than non-disabled individuals. These reasons include the following:

1. Social isolation: Disabled individuals may face social isolation due to physical, social, or environmental barriers that prevent them from accessing community activities and events. Social isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and can exacerbate anxiety symptoms.

2. Discrimination: Disabled individuals may face discrimination and stigma in various areas of life, including employment, education, and healthcare. Discrimination can contribute to feelings of anxiety and low self-esteem.

3. Financial stress: Disabled individuals may face economic challenges due to limited job opportunities, medical expenses, and the costs of accessing disability accommodations. Financial stress can contribute to anxiety symptoms and negatively impact overall well-being.

4. Physical health challenges: Many disabled individuals may experience chronic pain or other physical health challenges, which can increase anxiety levels and negatively impact mental health.

5. Limited access to mental health services: Disabled individuals may face barriers to accessing mental health services, such as transportation or financial limitations, which can prevent them from receiving adequate treatment for anxiety.

These factors, in combination with other stressors, can contribute to higher rates of anxiety among disabled individuals.

The Impact of Anxiety on Disabled People

First, let us look at the symptoms that impact all people experiencing anxiety. Anxiety can have both physical and psychological effects on individuals. Some of the physical effects of anxiety include:

1. Muscle tension and aches: Anxiety can cause muscle tension and aches, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and back.

2. Fatigue: Anxiety can lead to feelings of exhaustion and fatigue, as the body is constantly on high alert.

3. Headaches: Anxiety can cause tension headaches or migraines, which can be severe.

4. Gastrointestinal issues: Anxiety can cause digestive problems, such as stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea.

5. Rapid heartbeat: Anxiety can cause the heart to beat faster than normal, which can lead to palpitations or a feeling of a racing heart.

Some of the psychological effects of anxiety include:

1. Excessive worry: Anxiety can cause excessive worry and fear, interfering with daily activities and relationships.

2. Irritability: Anxiety can cause irritability and agitation, making it difficult to interact with others.

3. Difficulty concentrating: Anxiety can make it difficult to focus or concentrate, leading to problems with work or school.

4. Panic attacks: Anxiety can cause panic attacks, which are intense episodes of fear and physical symptoms.

5. Avoidance behaviors: Anxiety can cause individuals to avoid certain situations or activities, leading to social isolation and decreased quality of life.

These physical and psychological effects can be debilitating and negatively impact an individual's well-being. Seeking treatment and support for anxiety can help individuals manage symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Now let’s look at the impact on disabled individuals. The physical and psychological effects of anxiety on disabled people may be compounded by their disability. Some of the physical effects of anxiety on disabled individuals may include the following:

1. Increased pain: Anxiety can exacerbate chronic pain or physical symptoms associated with a disability.

2. Mobility limitations: Anxiety can cause muscle tension or tremors that may interfere with mobility, particularly for individuals with physical disabilities.

3. Breathing difficulties: Anxiety can cause shortness of breath or hyperventilation, which may be particularly problematic for individuals with respiratory or pulmonary disabilities.

4. Increased risk of falls: Anxiety can cause dizziness or fainting spells, increasing the risk of falls, which can be particularly dangerous for individuals with mobility impairments.

Some of the psychological effects of anxiety on disabled individuals may include the following:

1. Increased social isolation: Anxiety can lead to avoidance behaviors, which may cause disabled individuals to withdraw from social activities and become increasingly isolated.

2. Decreased self-esteem: Anxiety can lead to negative self-talk and feelings of inadequacy, which may be compounded by societal stigmas and stereotypes associated with disability.

3. Increased depression: Anxiety can increase the risk of depression, which may be exacerbated by the challenges and limitations associated with disability.

4. Increased stress on caregivers: Anxiety can lead to increased reliance on caregivers or support systems, leading to caregiver burnout and stress.

It is important for disabled individuals experiencing anxiety to seek support and treatment to manage these physical and psychological effects and improve overall well-being.

Anxiety Coping Strategies for Disabled People

There are many strategies and tools for anxious people in general, but some assistive technology and accommodations can be especially helpful in managing anxiety for disabled individuals. Here are some examples:

1. Communication aids: For individuals with communication difficulties, such as those with autism spectrum disorder or speech impairments, communication aids, such as augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices can reduce anxiety associated with communication difficulties.

2. Environmental controls: Environmental controls, such as noise-canceling headphones or earplugs, can help reduce sensory overload and anxiety in individuals with sensory processing difficulties.

3. Mobility aids: Mobility aids, such as wheelchairs or walkers, can provide a sense of security and reduce anxiety associated with mobility difficulties.

4. Service animals: Service animals, such as dogs trained to provide emotional support or assistance with psychological and physical tasks, can provide comfort, companionship, and physical help, reducing anxiety associated with social situations or sensory difficulties.

5. Accommodations in the workplace or educational setting: Accommodations such as flexible work schedules, designated quiet spaces, or extended testing times can reduce anxiety associated with work or academic environments.

6. Apps and software: There are many apps and software designed to assist with anxiety management, such as meditation apps, relaxation techniques, or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) tools.

By utilizing assistive technology and accommodations, disabled individuals can reduce anxiety and improve their overall well-being. It is important for individuals to work with healthcare professionals and disability advocates to determine which accommodations and assistive technology will be most beneficial for their unique needs and circumstances.

What’s next?

There is a critical need for more research and support for people with disabilities and anxiety. While studies have shown that individuals with disabilities experience higher rates of anxiety, there is still much to be learned about the specific factors that contribute to this increased risk, as well as effective interventions and accommodations for managing anxiety in this population.

As a society, we must prioritize funding for research that explores the unique experiences of disabled individuals with anxiety, including anxiety's physical and psychological effects, the barriers to accessing effective treatment, and the impact of assistive technology and accommodations on anxiety management.

We must also work to increase access to mental health services and support for disabled individuals. This includes expanded coverage for mental health care under insurance plans, increased availability of accessible mental health resources and support groups, and improved training for mental health professionals to provide culturally responsive care to disabled individuals.

Additionally, we must work to reduce the stigma and discrimination faced by disabled individuals, which can contribute to increased anxiety and social isolation. This can be accomplished through increased education and awareness efforts and policy changes that promote equal rights and opportunities for disabled individuals.

To effectively address the needs of disabled individuals with anxiety, it is critical that we prioritize their voices and lived experiences in our research and policy efforts. We must work together to create a society that values and supports all individuals' mental health and well-being, regardless of ability.