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Chronic Illness 2d
Does anyone have advice on how to get over the embarrassment and guilt of using mobility aids? (Yes I know it’s internal ableism) I have EDS and recently had to order a walker because of how bad my hips are. I’m nervous to use it.
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7
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Anonymous 2d

My anxieties particularly are connected to “oh but I probably don’t really need it” and “oh but I can walk fine other times and people have seen me walk fine other times”

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Anonymous 2d

Start using it where you don’t know anyone. For me, I think it’s so much harder to use that with people who know you well and know when you didn’t or you’ll see again and again. If you never see the person again, you can say whatever you want, you can build up your confidence as it’s just a stranger you’ll never see again. I think using things like that away from familiar people make it so much easier when you do it around people you do know.

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Anonymous 2d

Honestly, it sucks. Decorate it. Make it cute. Make it something you’ll WANT to look at all the time always.

upvote 2 downvote
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Anonymous 2d

Make it look cute or match your vibe. Ultimately you using your mobility aid will help others feel more comfortable using theirs

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Anonymous replying to -> mother_russia 2d

My crazy advice is to first go outside in a clown costume type deal and go to stores and just look around and walk back out. Then when you have to go places normally with your walker, you’ll feel much less embarrassed and much calmer about it

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Anonymous replying to -> OP 2d

The way I would kind of deal with those internal thoughts is just to think about how like most people don’t need cars, they just prefer them to biking because it’s less work, because they’re less sore, because it takes them less time to get from one place to another, etc. Sometimes the mobility aid can be just a convenience and that’s OK too!

upvote 11 downvote
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Anonymous replying to -> #4 2d

This and also take time to appreciate it. Revel in how much better you feel

upvote 9 downvote