World Mental Health Day: Tips from the Disabled Community
For every physical symptom, injury or condition, there’s always a mental impact too. Living with a disability or chronic illness isn’t just about managing pain or mobility, it’s about juggling mental health, self-confidence, rest, resilience, and trying to find some kind of joy along the way.
This World Mental Health Day, we’ve asked members of our community to share how they nurture their wellbeing while navigating life with disability or chronic illness. We have people that were born with their disabilities, and those that have gained them as a young child, and some as an adult. Their words are raw, real, and uplifting reminders that you’re never alone.
Musa using Black Glitter & Blue Glitter crutches
🌟 Musa
30 years old, amputee & cancer survivor & an incredible dancer!
When I’m having a tough day, I remind myself: I SURVIVED. That realigns me with what’s important and how lucky I am to be here. Believe in yourself, not your thoughts - you’re more capable than you realise.
I also find confidence in small habits: dressing well, smelling good, and rocking my collection of glitter crutches. These choices boost how I feel about myself. Disability doesn’t mean you can’t give yourself this gift.
Eline using Vintage crutches & Millie using Wanderlust Walking Stick
✨ Eline
32 years old, living with CRPS and FND following multiple accidents & helping people everyday with somatic healing.
Living with chronic illness means some days are better than others. What keeps me going is staying curious about life. I love learning! Right now I’m obsessed with astrology and nutrition.
Connection is huge for me. Spending time with loved ones, or just being truly present with myself, is grounding. My advice: find your people, whether in person or online. And if you’re too low on energy to connect right now, that’s okay too. Start small and just get curious about your body and how it feels.
🌈 Millie
25 years old, living with multiple complex health conditions including Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Postural Orthostatic & a strong minded disability advocate.
For me, it’s about creating space for both joy and grief. Healing isn’t about keeping up, it’s about finding happiness within the limits your body gives you.
I find peace in nature, creativity, and connecting with others who understand. One of my biggest joys is travelling with my boyfriend. My Wanderlust walking stick gives me the freedom to keep exploring, chase adventures, and realise how small my problems can feel in the grand scheme of things.
Ella using Mystic Moon crutches & Alycia using Black crutches
💜 Alycia
Living with Osteogenesis Imperfecta & bossing life a brilliant fashion business owner.
Growing up, I wasn’t around many visibly disabled people. That affected how I saw myself. Connecting with the disability community as an adult has been life-changing. It helped me embrace my crutches and acknowledge internalised ableism.
You don’t always have to feel positive about disability-but being neutral and kind to yourself makes a huge difference. Finding people with shared experiences has helped me feel truly included.
💙 Ella
21 yeas old, living with a spinal injury & functional neurological symptom disorder following an accident at 18 & inspires people everyday with her content, vulnerability and charity work.
Surround yourself with people who see you beyond your condition. The right friendships will come, and judgment says more about them than you.
Celebrate the small wins. Notice the blue sky. Give yourself time to process-it’s okay to grieve your old life. Express yourself through writing, talking, or art, and spend time in nature. Most importantly, be kind to yourself. Rest when you need to, focus on your strengths, and know you’re doing the best you can-that’s more than enough.
A Collective Message 💫
Every story highlights a powerful truth: mental health isn’t a destination, it’s a practice. Some days are about survival, others about joy, but all of them are valid.
If you’re living with disability or chronic illness, remember:
✨ You are not alone
✨ It’s okay to ask for help
✨ Small joys matter
✨ Community is powerful
✨ Better days are ahead
This World Mental Health Day, we hope you feel inspired by Musa, Millie, Eline, Ella and Alycia. Their strength and honesty remind us all to show ourselves compassion, celebrate small wins, and lean on community when we need it most.
And if you’re ever looking for mobility aids that empower you, or simply a reminder that you’re doing your best-we’re here for you at Cool Crutches. 💜
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