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Depression affects 1 in 4 people, and the risk of having a mental illness is infinitely higher if you suffer from a disability.
I broke my arm at the age of 7; apparently jumping off a swing in mid air will do that to you! After a year of pain, swollen joints, and several medical tests: arthritis had wormed its way into my life and was reeking havoc on my body. By the age of 14 I started to notice a change in my vision, and once again Arthritis was the culprit! Daily pain and sight loss made me a rather obnoxious and aggressive young person.
9 years down the line and I was about to undergo yet another surgery to save my remaining sight once more. I woke up in pitch blackness. Not that I realised this. – I had a patch on my eye, of course it was blocking out the light! The hours passed, friends and family called.
“I’m just waiting until my patch comes off and I’ll let you know.”
Shining the familiar bright torch into my eye; it suddenly dawned on me. I woke up the next morning and saw a flicker of something bright.
“The blood is draining from your eye.” my Professor explained.
This was it. My proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. My feisty disposition clung onto this tangible result.
Mobility and orientation skills gave me a focus, and I gradually regained my independence. Some things did not remain, and my path of finishing my degree disintegrated. I had the support from family and friends, but I became a shell of myself. No degree, no job and no real prospects.
I was diagnosed with depression in 2015 and started a course of anti-depressants. The anger, frustration and distain was lessened but it was still there, stalking me.
There was only one way to regain my independence, the confidence and the enthusiasm I once had.
The waiting list, as expected, was long. There were moments I began to doubt myself, how could I look after an animal when I could barely look after myself?
I got the highly anticipated phonecall and all my fears were distinguished.
We have been together for a year and a half, gotten lost more times than I can count, but this cheeky, stubborn, persistent and loving dog has given me a new and better life than I could have ever dreamed of.
We’ve travelled to 3 different countries in the last year, taken planes, trains and boats together and we educate and make friends on a daily basis. She is my partner in crime, my best friend and my perfect companion on our daily adventures. My life changer gave me my life back.
Thank you Ida and thank you Guide Dogs.
