Self-Care is Critical for People with Vision Loss

By Jeremy Morak, Marketing Manager, Lighthouse Guild

Posted by AbleNews

March is Social Work Awareness Month. As attention to selfcare information, resources, and best practices continues to grow, social workers can play a crucial role in assisting individuals with managing daily stress and overcoming obstacles to maintain strong mental health. However, self-care can be challenging for people with vision loss. The good news is that social workers at Lighthouse Guild’s Behavioral Health Services are available to help manage stress and work with individuals to find solutions.

“When a person receives a diagnosis of vision loss, it can initially be devastating,” says Jocelyn Tapia, LCSW-R, Clinical Social Worker at Lighthouse Guild. “Social workers coordinate care, connect people with resources, and offer a listening ear. We are licensed to assess biological, psychological, and social situations, and make mental health diagnoses.”

Ms. Tapia recommends the following tips for mental health and self-care. These tips help guide individuals in finding the right social worker and in developing problem-solving skills in a supportive environment.

Education
Becoming familiar with the signs and symptoms of stress, as well as learning about the available resources to address them, is the first step toward effective self-care practices. Treatment options can vary widely, ranging from one-on-one counseling to community support groups specifically designed for individuals coping with vision loss.

Find the Right Approach
There is no universal formula for creating the perfect support system. Some people benefit from personal psychotherapy sessions with a trained professional, some gain strength in hearing from people with similar experiences, and some find value in a balanced approach that combines one-on-one sessions and support groups.

Consider the Benefits
There can be a stigma associated with mental health maintenance and counseling, but the reality is, there are real benefits a person experiences during their journey. Speaking with a professional in a supportive environment can allow you to be vulnerable and emotional in ways that can be difficult, even around close friends and family. This process allows a person to be reflective and often leads to finding the inner strength they didn’t know they possessed. Plus, in a support group, speaking and listening to others who have also experienced vision loss can foster friendships and create other valuable support systems.

It is important to understand that support and therapy are not magical cures. A trained social worker can be an excellent resource, but it is only one factor in strengthening mental health. Ms. Tapia stressed the importance of trust and honesty, “An experience with a social worker is a journey that you take and allows you to be vulnerable with another human being who can provide a supportive environment. If someone has a strong rapport with their counselor, addressing fears, concerns, anger, and answering questions is much easier. The sessions will help a person cope with grief and anger and give them hope that they can still live a happy life.”