Mental Health Matters for People with Disabilities [Dec 12th Episode]

Ruby Sturt

Hey everyone, welcome back to Beyond the Label! I'm Ruby Sturt, and—well—sometimes I get a little overexcited when we land on topics that feel close to home, and today is one of those. We're talking mental health, but through the very real, often-messy lens of disability. That intersection is honestly where a lot of the trickiest stuff happens—prevalent risks, daily stress, the sneaky impact of stigma... it’s not just a side dish, it’s more like the whole meal sometimes.

Eric Marquette

Indeed, Ruby. It’s Eric here, and from what I’ve seen in both research and, you know, just listening to guests over these last episodes—people with disabilities, whether that’s visible or invisible ones, have a far higher risk for anxiety, depression, you name it. But it’s not just the diagnosis—it's also all those extra stressors from daily barriers: inaccessible transport, social isolation, even just the energy it takes to plan a simple outing sometimes. It’s cumulative, isn’t it?

Ruby Sturt

Oh, absolutely. And look, when you add in how often traditional mental health services just aren’t set up to even recognize, let alone adapt for, those realities… it gets rough. One of my mates, Sam—he’s a wheelchair user—spent months searching for a therapist who’d get how things like elevator anxiety, or not being able to get into a building, actually eat away at his mood. Most therapists he tried just—well, they didn’t get it, or they’d pivot straight back to ‘just think positive!’, which was not helpful. Stigma can be double-edged: there’s the stigma about disability itself, and then another layer about even asking for mental health support in the first place.

Eric Marquette

Right, and let’s also not forget people living with invisible disabilities. As we discussed in our episode on self-advocacy, it’s often an uphill battle just convincing others there’s even an issue. Social circles can shrink, energy levels fluctuate, and suddenly—even before tackling mental health—you’re dealing with isolation because the world just isn’t built for the challenges you face every day.

Ruby Sturt

Exactly. And the tricky thing is, that invisible side means people sometimes don’t get that something’s wrong until it’s hit crisis level. Gaps in awareness, that sort of cultural “what you can’t see must not exist” attitude, means support often comes late—or not at all. Should we talk about what people can do to find the support that actually fits?

Eric Marquette

Yeah, let’s dive in. So, one thing that keeps coming up is just how crucial it is to find mental health services with experience addressing disability-specific needs. Organizations like Disability Support Australia—we’ve had a listener write in about this—do a brilliant job matching you with professionals who actually get the lived experience. There’s also helplines like Lifeline and online directories. Sometimes it’s a matter of keeping at it until you find the right fit, which I know sounds exhausting, but it's worth persisting.

Ruby Sturt

Yeah—and don’t be afraid to be... well, a bit stubborn! Like, when you’re looking for a therapist, ask up front if they have experience working with disabled clients. If you need ramps, an interpreter, or even just a therapist who understands alternative communication—say it. And if the first few don’t get it, don’t blame yourself for moving on. My friend Jess kept asking for larger print resources—sometimes more than once—until the clinic finally stepped up. That’s not being difficult, that’s setting yourself up for actual support, right?

Eric Marquette

Absolutely, and that persistence pays off. So that listener story I mentioned—Hannah from Sydney—she’d nearly given up after years of failed referrals. But Disability Support Australia helped cut through the red tape and connect her with a psychologist who specialized in both trauma and disability. A real breakthrough, she said. The referral process is often complex, but asking for—and documenting—reasonable adjustments can make a world of difference in both access and outcomes.

Ruby Sturt

And sometimes, the best “advice” you get is from other people in similar shoes. Local advocacy groups, Facebook forums, those crowd-sourced lists of accessible counsellors—they can save you a lot of time and frustration. If you get stuck, ask around—don’t let service gaps make you feel invisible.

Ruby Sturt

So, you finally get your therapist sorted, what then? Honestly, a lot of the heavy lifting happens outside the office. Self-care—it’s one of those buzzwords, but for disabled folks, it can look pretty different. I know people who love pool therapy or gardening, and others who swear by early-morning cooking sessions—my cousin Jess included. She’s visually impaired, and joining a structured online peer group gave her not just practical tips on self-care routines, but actual confidence. Shared experience, even over a screen, matters heaps.

Eric Marquette

That’s a great point, Ruby. I’ve come across quite a few accessible options—screen-reader compatible mindfulness apps, for example, or meditation platforms like CalmCare we mentioned in our caregiver episode. Simple tech, big difference. And for those days when you’re feeling isolated, digital community forums are a game-changer. Connecting via chat or even voice, on your own terms, helps manage stress and keeps you tethered even when in-person options aren’t possible.

Ruby Sturt

Totally! For folks who can’t get out easily, finding daily “anchors”—a five-minute check-in with a buddy, or a low-key yoga stretch—can be just enough grounding to keep things ticking. I get super distracted, personally, so I set alarms for silly stuff—like, “stand up, make tea, open the window.” Not glamorous, but it works. Self-care shouldn’t feel like another job you can’t clock out from.

Eric Marquette

And let’s not forget peer support circles. They’re not therapy, but just having a group where everyone “gets it” can ease a huge burden. Those spaces also make it easier to try new routines or troubleshoot challenges. Plus, sometimes you get a nice laugh out of the shared chaos of daily life.

Eric Marquette

Now, speaking of groups—let’s zoom out to the community level, shall we? Community inclusion really does make—or break—mental well-being. Adaptive sports clubs, disability-friendly arts events, these aren’t just “nice to have”—they’re essential for real connection. I think of the interview we did for our episode on adaptive sport, where the local rugby program didn’t just build confidence, it literally created regular social opportunities that changed the participants’ outlook entirely.

Ruby Sturt

Oh, yes! And there are so many little ways to spark change in your own backyard. I got my council to add quiet sensory-friendly hours at our local pool—just took a few emails and one slightly terrifying public presentation. Turns out, when folks see the impact of inclusion, they’re keen to help, but often just don’t know how. Sharing those stories, or giving a quick “hey, did you know?” in your workplace—it makes peer and employer attitudes shift over time.

Eric Marquette

Exactly. And you don’t have to reinvent the wheel to start: join an advocacy group, support a community event, or volunteer at an inclusive initiative. We’ve seen brilliant grassroots projects—like those parent-led mental health clubs at the local library—tackle both isolation and access. When individuals band together, the ripple effect is genuine. It’s about more than services—it’s about having a place where you belong.

Ruby Sturt

And if you’re listening, wondering if your small effort matters—it does. Every experience shared, every person educated, helps chisel away at that big wall of stigma.

Ruby Sturt

So, okay, let’s get a bit bigger. When community action feeds into actual systemic change, that’s where magic happens—but also where things can get a bit scary if you’re new. I still get nervous doing policy talk on air, but hey, here we go! In Australia, there’s been lots of action—petitions for better accessibility in mental health care, people turning up to public consultations, that kind of thing. And if you’re outside of Australia, there’s likely something local, too—sometimes it’s just a matter of joining a call or emailing your rep. Easy to underestimate the power of your story.

Eric Marquette

And I’d say, don’t be afraid of the numbers. Combining data with lived experience gives your advocacy more weight. Like in our episode on self-advocacy—we talked about taking those small steps: write in, submit that feedback, team up with allies. Policy shifts can be slow, but there’s power in numbers and in coalitions. You can even join networks or organizations already working on these issues and lend your voice or learn the ropes from there.

Ruby Sturt

Definitely. And—oh, where was I going with this? Yeah! Even sharing the difficulties—like “this therapy building isn’t accessible,” or “I was refused a support worker”—those stories push policymakers to notice gaps. Sometimes, small local campaigns get picked up nationally, which is always wild. If you get stuck, don’t go it alone—collab with others, use template letters, and know that even small ripples can join up to be something stronger.

Eric Marquette

Well put, Ruby. The idea is to turn frustration into momentum—and if you’re not up for leadership, you can still support petitions, attend meetings, or share informational posts to keep the issue alive.

Eric Marquette

And as we bring it all together, don’t forget—self-advocacy is a journey, not a final destination. Whether you’re negotiating for accessible therapy, advocating for policy change, or just setting a daily intention, it starts with clear communication. Know your rights, practice saying what you need, and don’t be shy about seeking information. Every step counts.

Ruby Sturt

Yeah, and celebrate the small wins—like, “Hey, I managed to join that group call,” or “I asked for a break when I needed one.” Setting goals you can actually reach is powerful—one step, one bit of knowledge at a time. And honestly, there are always new resources popping up, so stay on the lookout. Maybe subscribe to a newsletter, or check in with a local advocacy group from time to time to keep your toolkit fresh.

Eric Marquette

Continuous learning keeps the journey from feeling stagnant. And like we say every week—ask questions, push back when things don’t feel right, and above all, remember you’re never alone in this.

Ruby Sturt

Alright, that’s us for today! Keep those stories and questions coming—we love hearing what’s helping you, what’s tricky, and what you’d like to hear about next. Eric, cheers for this—always good unpacking the tough stuff with you.

Eric Marquette

And thank you, Ruby—always a pleasure. Take care, everyone, and join us next time on Beyond the Label. Cheers!