Navigating Life with Vision Loss Aftersight

Summary

In this episode, host Kim Wardlow continues her conversation with Rebecca Shields about understanding and coping with early stages of vision loss. They discuss the importance of orientation and mobility training for individuals with vision loss, starting from a young age. They also touch on the decision to use a guide dog and the need for proper training. They explore the different training options available for children, adults, and older adults, including schools for the blind and vocational rehabilitation services. They also discuss the role of technology and daily living aids in enhancing the lives of individuals with vision loss.

Takeaways

Orientation and mobility training is crucial for individuals with vision loss, starting from a young age.
Using a guide dog is a personal decision, but it's important to have good cane skills before considering a guide dog.
Children can receive orientation and mobility training through their school's IEP, while adults can seek training through vocational rehabilitation services.
Simple daily living aids, such as talking watches and clocks, can make a big difference in the lives of individuals with vision loss.
Technology, such as smartphones and assistive apps, can also be helpful, but proper training is necessary to make the most of these tools.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
02:07 The Importance of Orientation and Mobility Training
06:01 Guide Dogs: A Personal Decision
09:20 Training Options for Children and Adults
12:28 Simple Daily Living Aids
15:22 The Role of Technology

Thank you for listening to this episode of Navigating Life With Vision Loss if you have any questions for Kim, please call us at 720-712-8856, or you can email us at feedback@aftersight.org. Have a fantastic week.

Summary

Rebecca Shields, a professional with personal experience of vision loss, shares insights on adapting to vision loss, signs of vision loss, emotional reactions, and seeking help. She emphasizes the importance of reaching out for support and finding legitimate and qualified services. The conversation also touches on the upcoming topics of orientation and mobility, guide dogs, and technology for daily living aids.

Takeaways

Adapting to vision loss involves seeking support and connecting with qualified services.
Recognizing signs of vision loss and seeking help early is crucial for maintaining quality of life.
Emotional reactions to vision loss vary, and it's important to reach out for support and assistance.
Upcoming topics include orientation and mobility, guide dogs, and technology for daily living aids.

Chapters

00:00 Adapting to Vision Loss: Understanding the Journey
04:18 Recognizing Signs of Vision Loss and Seeking Help
10:02 Emotional Reactions to Vision Loss

Thank you for listening to this episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss if you have any questions for Kim or any of our guest, please call us at 720-712-8856 or if you would rather email us you can do so at feedback@aftersight.org thanks for listening and have a great week.

Summary

In this conversation, Kim Wardlow and Angie Flynn discuss the use of medications, vitamins, supplements, and community support in managing mental health issues. They emphasize the importance of consulting with a healthcare provider before starting any medication or supplement. Angie explains the four major categories of medications used for mental health issues: antidepressants, antianxiety medications, mood stabilizers, and anti-psychotics. She also discusses the potential side effects and risks associated with these medications. Angie provides information on various supplements that can be helpful for depression, anxiety, and sleep issues. She highlights the importance of community support, nature therapy, mindfulness, and nutrition in maintaining good mental health. The conversation concludes with a discussion on resources for individuals in crisis and the importance of reaching out for help.

Takeaways

Consult with a healthcare provider before starting any medication or supplement for mental health issues.
The four major categories of medications used for mental health issues are antidepressants, antianxiety medications, mood stabilizers, and anti-psychotics.
Different medications have different side effects and risks, and it is important to work with a healthcare provider to find the right medication and dosage.
There are supplements available for depression, anxiety, and sleep issues, but it is important to inform your healthcare provider about any supplements you are taking.
In addition to medications and supplements, community support, nature therapy, mindfulness, and nutrition play important roles in maintaining good mental health.
There are resources available for individuals in crisis, including helplines and organizations like NAMI.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Upcoming Events
13:12 Exploring Supplements for Depression, Anxiety, and Sleep Issues
26:04 Resources for Individuals in Crisis: Helplines and Organizations

Thank you for listening to this episode of NLVL. If you have any questions for Kim or any of our upcoming or past guests, please reach out to us at (720) 712-8856 or email us at feedback@aftersight.org. Have a great week.

Summary

In this episode, host Kim Wardlow interviews Charlie Kramer, a life coach and advocate for people with disabilities, about depression and how to navigate life with this mental health condition. They discuss the definition of depression, myths and misconceptions surrounding it, contributing factors, coping mechanisms, breaking the stigma, and supporting loved ones with depression. Charlie emphasizes the importance of accepting and integrating depression as part of one's life, rather than trying to overcome it. He also encourages listeners to seek therapy or support regardless of whether they have a diagnosis, as everyone can benefit from working through their emotions.

Takeaways

Depression is a mental health condition that affects a person's ability to regulate their emotions.
It is important to seek professional help if you are questioning whether you are dealing with depression or just having a rough period.
Depression can be triggered by biological, psychological, and environmental factors, and it is important to build healthy habits and tools to navigate through challenging periods.
Breaking the stigma around mental health involves being open about therapy and supporting others in their mental health journeys.
Depression can be managed and integrated into one's life, and it is important to embrace all aspects of oneself.
Supporting someone with depression involves listening, asking for their preferences, and providing support at their own pace.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Depression and Its Definition
05:39 Myths and Misconceptions about Depression
10:57 Contributing Factors to Depression
23:35 Breaking the Stigma of Mental Health
26:42 Managing and Integrating Depression into Life
29:07 Supporting Loved Ones with Depression

Thank you for listening to this week's episode of NLVL. If you have any questions for our hosts, please reach us at feedback@aftersight.org, or you can call us at (720) 712-8856. Have a great week!

Summary

In this episode, host Kim Wardlow discusses the topic of loneliness with guest Beth Gustin, a bereavement therapist. They explore how loneliness can be experienced in different situations, such as loss of sight, pet loss, and human loss. They also discuss the connection between loneliness and grief, as well as the difference between loneliness and depression. Beth provides tips for overcoming loneliness, including seeking support, exploring new interests, and finding community. They also address the challenges faced by older adults and the importance of in-person connections.

Guest links: https://transitioningthroughchange.com/

Takeaways

Loneliness can be experienced in various situations, such as loss of sight, pet loss, and human loss.
Loneliness and grief are closely intertwined, and it's important to acknowledge and express grief in order to heal and move forward.
Overcoming loneliness involves seeking support, exploring new interests, and finding community.
Anxiety can contribute to loneliness, and it's important to challenge negative thoughts and work on building confidence.
In-person connections are often more fulfilling than virtual ones, but starting with online communities can be a stepping stone.
For friends and relatives trying to help someone overcome loneliness, it's important to continue inviting them to activities and be a resource for them.
Overcoming loneliness takes time and effort, but it is possible to rebuild a sense of community and belonging.
Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Announcements
02:20 Guest Introduction
03:47 Loneliness in Different Situations
05:02 Listener Question: Coping with Loneliness After Loss
06:32 The Complexity of Loneliness and Grief
09:50 Loneliness and Vision Loss
13:07 Differentiating Loneliness and Depression
16:18 Virtual vs In-Person Connections
26:37 Supporting Others in Overcoming Loneliness
29:13 Final Words and Resources

Thank you for listeneing to this episode of NLVL. If you have any qiestions please send us an email at feedback@aftersight.org or call us at 720-712-8856. Thank you and have a wonderful week.

Understanding Addiction and Mental Health in the Vision Loss Community

In this episode of 'Navigating Life with Vision Loss,' hosted by Kim Wardlow, the focus is on mental health, specifically addiction, within the vision loss community. Guest Bill Lundgren, host of the Blindsight podcast and a seasoned counselor, discusses the broad nature of addiction, identifying and addressing various types, and the complexities associated with dual diagnoses, such as depression alongside substance abuse. The conversation delves into how addiction disproportionately affects people with blindness, drawing parallels to its prevalence in the LGBT community. Lundgren emphasizes the necessity of correct intervention techniques, the challenges of enabling behaviors, and the importance of accessible treatment options. Upcoming episodes are teased, aiming to cover additional mental health topics like medication, depression, and loneliness, with an open invitation for listener engagement and questions.

00:00 Welcome to Navigating Life with Vision Loss
00:30 Exploring Mental Health: Focus on Addiction
01:02 Understanding Addiction with Expert Insights
06:41 Identifying and Addressing Addiction
14:29 Finding the Right Treatment and Support
24:12 Empowering Advice for Seeking Treatment
27:04 Closing Remarks and Upcoming Aftersight Announcements

Thank you for checking out this week's episode of NLVL. If you have any question, please contact us by phone or email. (720) 712-8856 or feedback@aftersight.org. Have a wonderful week!