Unlock your inner strength! How good mental health can empower those without sight.
Why is mental health important for the Blind Visually Impaired (BVI) community? I think it is important because we need to have a positive mindset.
Mental health is crucial for the blind and the visually impaired community because they face unique challenges that can impact their emotional well-being. Living with vision loss can make people feel upset, sad, and lonely. Without proper support and resources, we may experience a decline in our mental health, which affects our overall quality of life. Additionally, mental health plays a significant role in how we cope with our vision loss and adapt to our way of life. Overall, good mental health allows blind individuals to enjoy life more and chase their dreams without feeling held back.
Seeking therapy, support groups, and other mental health services can help blind and visually impaired individuals develop coping mechanisms that build resilience and improve our overall emotional well-being.
For me, my support system is my family, friends, and Mrs. Evon. Mrs. Evon and I go all over the place, like Ice Palace, Bishop Museum, the Aquarium, the Bowling Alley, the U.S.S. Missouri, Karaoke, the Swap Meet, the malls, and other places. We travel out and about so that I can be independent and join other groups in the BVI community. These programs help me keep a positive mindset and feel safe and happy.
I’ve joined the Hawaii Association of the Blind (HAB), the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), Travel Visions Aloha (TVA), and Best Buddies of Hawaii. These groups have several outings so that people like myself can be a part of something bigger. I even went to my first Peter’s Prom. This prom is for high schoolers, young adults, and their families who have a variety of disabilities, such as Cerebral Palsy, blindness, Down Syndrome, and other intellectual and physical disabilities. We were able to get dressed up and dance the night away. It was a lot of fun! And I can’t wait till next year.
Having events to look forward to makes me feel excited, and I believe that all BVI individuals should have something to look forward to.
Looking forward means not going backward, continuing to work hard to accomplish your goals—this is a sign of a positive mindset. By focusing on the future, individuals can cultivate a positive mindset, set new goals, and adapt to change. Looking forward allows one to learn from past mistakes but not dwell on them, enabling them to move forward with a sense of purpose and determination. Embracing the unknown with optimism and a growth mindset can lead to new opportunities, experiences, and personal development.
In contrast, looking backward can foster feelings of regret, resentment, and stagnation. It is through looking forward that one can envision a brighter future, make proactive decisions, and strive towards self-improvement. By turning our gaze to the horizon, we open ourselves up to endless possibilities and the chance to create a fulfilling and meaningful life.
Find people, like my family, my friends, and Mrs. Evon, who can help you. Let’s remember that it is important that our mental health always comes first because we don’t want to get stuck in the negative.
As always, Ms. Marri and Travel Visions Aloha want people to know that we are capable of living full and happy lives, so keep reading my blog to find out about more adventures!
— Kelly & Mrs. Evon
