[Mandy]

I think you are doing the right thing by being honest with her. I don’t think there’s anything to gain by sugar-coating everything. However, my parents have always been honest with me about my condition (Muscular Dystrophy) and involved me in my own health options; I’ve always made the final decisions regarding my health and treatment options. It’s my understanding that this is an atypical approach to raising a disabled child. Thankfully for me, my parents saw no value in shutting me out of my own life, so to speak. Maybe your friend was sheltered from everything growing up. Maybe she gets depressed because she doesn’t understand how her inabilities relate to her afflictions. Maybe her caregivers don’t really listen to her, and she feels trapped. Maybe her peers harass her. It could be a million and one different things contributing to her depression. I don’t know, since I don’t know her.

If she is of sound intellect, I’d encourage her to find out as much information as she can about her handicap so that she understands what is going on with her body. I’d also advise her to assert herself with her caregivers to make sure they know her needs and desires, as well as respecting her as a person (and perhaps adult if she’s of age).

These are the most common problems I’ve seen growing up. I hope it can help you a little. I won’t lie and say I’ve never been depressed, but really, who hasn’t from time to time?

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Name : Mandy, Gender : F, Disability : Paralyzed, City : Chicago, State : IL, Country : United States, 

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