Double Whammy?

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A few months ago I was chairing an employment and disability event. There was a panel of youngish speakers, in their early twenties, talking about their experiences of employment and having an impairment. One of them suggested if you don't 'manage' your physical disability or at least address it, might it lead to a mental health problem too? This possibility is something I've been aware of for a long time but it is rare that it's publicly stated. I suspect the avoidance is partly to avoid affirming a stereotype and quite rightly to not suggest it's automatically the case for everyone. By avoiding it though, are we denying it's existence for some? And how do you know if the disability is the issue or just regular bumps in modern life? What sort of support can you get if it is the case? I liked that the twenty something person said it at the conference. 

 We discuss all this in the latest BBC Ouch show with guests who have both a physical disability and a mental health condition. It fitted with the BBC's 'In The Mind' season. It's a serious and honest show thanks to the great guests Anastasia Enticott, Donna Reeve, Melani Halacre, Michael Morrison and Steve Brown. Thanks to me, there's a few clumsy quips there too. Brace yourself! 


From L to R, Guest Anastasia Enticott, hosts Simon Minty & Kate Monaghan-Cocker
From L to R, Guest Anastasia Enticott, hosts Simon Minty & Kate Monaghan-Cocker

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