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Invisible Struggles: Lived Experiences of Mental Health Among Persons with Disabilities
Subject area: Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities · Area of research: Social Work in Mental Health and Disability
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I9-1715561
Abstract
Persons with disabilities often experience significant mental health challenges that remain overlooked within families, communities, and service systems. While disability is commonly understood in terms of physical or functional limitations, its psychological dimensions receive comparatively limited attention. This study explores the mental health experiences of persons with disabilities and examines the social and environmental factors influencing their emotional well-being. A qualitative research design was adopted, involving 12 participants selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and observation to capture lived experiences related to family dynamics, social interactions, and access to support systems. The findings reveal that participants commonly experienced social isolation, low self-esteem, anxiety about the future, and feelings of dependency. These challenges were shaped largely by stigma, discrimination, unemployment, overprotective family behavior, and limited access to mental health services. The study highlights that mental health concerns among persons with disabilities are rooted more in social barriers than in disability itself. The study emphasizes the need for inclusive social policies, accessible mental health services, and disability-sensitive social work interventions. Strengthening family support, promoting social inclusion, and ensuring equitable opportunities are essential for improving the psychological well-being and dignity of persons with disabilities.
Keywords
Disability, Mental Health, Stigma, Social Exclusion, Social Work, Inclusion, Accessibility
How to cite this paper
@article{1715561,
author = {Sohati Parmar, Dr. Christina Parmar},
title = {Invisible Struggles: Lived Experiences of Mental Health Among Persons with Disabilities},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2026},
volume = {9},
number = {9},
pages = {2526-2533},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1715561.pdf},
abstract = {Persons with disabilities often experience significant mental health challenges that remain overlooked within families, communities, and service systems. While disability is commonly understood in terms of physical or functional limitations, its psychological dimensions receive comparatively limited attention. This study explores the mental health experiences of persons with disabilities and examines the social and environmental factors influencing their emotional well-being. A qualitative research design was adopted, involving 12 participants selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and observation to capture lived experiences related to family dynamics, social interactions, and access to support systems. The findings reveal that participants commonly experienced social isolation, low self-esteem, anxiety about the future, and feelings of dependency. These challenges were shaped largely by stigma, discrimination, unemployment, overprotective family behavior, and limited access to mental health services. The study highlights that mental health concerns among persons with disabilities are rooted more in social barriers than in disability itself. The study emphasizes the need for inclusive social policies, accessible mental health services, and disability-sensitive social work interventions. Strengthening family support, promoting social inclusion, and ensuring equitable opportunities are essential for improving the psychological well-being and dignity of persons with disabilities.},
keywords = {Disability, Mental Health, Stigma, Social Exclusion, Social Work, Inclusion, Accessibility},
month = {March},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I9-1715561}
}