The Long Road Ahead

What makes you most anxious?

Being a stroke survivor at the age of 27 is not something that many people can relate to. It’s been six years since the stroke that left me with a weak left arm and leg. While I’ve learned to adjust to life with a disability, there are still times when I feel anxious about things that are out of my control.

One of the things that often triggers my anxiety is the fear of having another stroke. Despite being relatively young, I know that a stroke can happen to anyone at any time. There’s no way to completely prevent a stroke, and that lack of control over my health can be frightening. I try to manage this anxiety by focusing on the things I can control, such as eating a healthy diet and staying active, but it’s not always easy.

Another source of anxiety for me is the unpredictability of my physical limitations. Some days, my left arm and leg feel strong and I’m able to do things that I couldn’t do before. Other days, my limbs feel weak and I struggle with basic tasks like getting dressed or cooking a meal. It’s frustrating to not know what each day will bring, and that uncertainty can cause me to feel anxious and worried.

As someone with a disability, I also feel anxious about accessibility and accommodations. While many places are becoming more wheelchair accessible and inclusive, there are still many places that aren’t. I worry about not being able to participate in activities or events because of physical barriers or lack of accommodations. I try to advocate for myself and make sure that my needs are met, but it’s not always easy to do so.

In all of these situations, it’s important for me to remind myself that I can only control what I can control. While it’s natural to feel anxious about things that are out of my control, it’s not healthy to dwell on those feelings. Instead, I try to focus on the things that I can do to improve my situation and make the most of each day. Whether it’s practicing physical therapy exercises or advocating for accessibility, I know that I have the power to make a positive difference in my life.