More specifically, stigma from society can cause disabled individualsto feel depressed. The book, Contemporary Cognitive Therapy: Theory, Research, and Practice, states, “...a “negative cognitive triad” (the negative beliefs depressed people hold about themselves, the world, and the future) could lead to the emotional and motivational symptoms in depression” (Padesky, 2006, p. 6). People also can become depressed from beliefs they have. And what shapes beliefs? Society. Society constantly tells disabled individuals that they are not able. That they are less than. Soon, disabled individuals start to believe that themselves. Therefore, a cause for the mental health decline of disabled individuals is at part caused by negative messages being sent to them by the world.
My grandfather is blind and I have seen firsthand that disability can cause sadness. At family gatherings, sometimes he is sad because he can’t see us grow up. He’s also irritated at times because he feels helpless and that he’s a burden. But my grandpa is an extremely optimistic person and so he doesn’t fall into depression. Some people might not be so lucky. But if we as a community can treat disabled individuals as equals, as they are, they won’t feel so helpless anymore and will decrease the risk of depression among them.