The writer reflects on their inability to cry despite feeling a range of emotions. They explore emotional suppression, alexithymia, medication effects, trauma, and cultural conditioning as possible reasons. Drawing parallels with the concept of the “eightfold fence,” they recognize their emotional boundaries and express a desire for self-reflection and emotional release.
Tag Archives: Awareness
Alive-versary Year 9
The author reflects on their transformative journey since their “Alive Day” nine years ago, emphasizing resilience and the value of daily miracles. They express gratitude for love, friendship, and modern medicine, as they prepare to welcome twin boys after a successful IVF process. The piece highlights perseverance, hope, and embracing life’s challenges.
My Complicated Relationship With Sleep
The author reflects on the challenges of sleep as a quadriplegic, noting its importance for health and well-being. Past experiences of effortless sleep have changed into struggles with discomfort and care routines. Despite occasional restful nights, the author expresses a sense of dread towards bedtime, feeling it has become unproductive and taxing.
Balancing Hope and Realism in Spinal Cord Injury Research
The journey through spinal cord injury recovery highlights the fluctuating landscape of potential treatments, from stem cell therapy to gene therapy, brain-computer interfaces, and pharmaceutical advancements. While optimism drives hope for breakthroughs, realistic expectations are essential. Finding balance between faith in science and current life circumstances fosters resilience and preparedness for future opportunities.
Barbed Wire Sickness and the Psychology of Disability
Viktor Frankl’s “Man’s Search for Meaning” highlights his pioneering concept of Logotherapy, emphasizing the human pursuit of purpose even amidst suffering. The book draws parallels between “barbed wire sickness,” linked to wartime trauma, and the experiences of individuals with disabilities, illustrating how isolation affects mental health and underscoring the resilience derived from meaning.
Disability Protections in Air Travel Have Been Grounded
A hard-fought rule meant to protect wheelchair users in air travel is now in limbo. Airlines sued to block it, and the Trump administration folded. Instead of enforcing basic rights, they paused protections. This isn’t just policy reversal—it’s a betrayal of disabled travelers who deserve accountability, not excuses.
A Thursday with Josh: Living with SCI
This post provides a detailed account of a typical Thursday for a quadriplegic individual, highlighting their morning routine, preparation for a support group, and evening activities. The author emphasizes the importance of community, personal routine, and how SCIboston’s support enhances their life while promoting awareness of spinal cord injuries.
Accessibility in iOS 26
Apple’s iOS 26 enhances accessibility with innovative features like Accessibility Nutrition Labels, Accessibility Reader, and improved Braille Access. New tools, such as Live Captions and Personal Voice creation, support users with disabilities, fostering independence. These updates underscore Apple’s commitment to digital equality, ensuring technology is user-friendly for all, especially those with special needs.
Autonomic Dysreflexia Revisited
Autonomic dysreflexia (AD) occurs when the autonomic nervous system overreacts to stimuli below a spinal cord injury, causing symptoms like headaches, sweating, and blood pressure spikes, rather than typical pain. This response serves as an alarm to prevent complications. Recognizing individual symptoms can help manage and mitigate risks effectively.
The Analogy of the Brain and Guitar
Spinal cord injury disrupts communication between the brain and body, similar to a guitarist who cannot change notes due to his capo. The spinal cord functions as the main pathway for motor and sensory signals. Damage leads to paralysis or loss of sensation, preventing the brain’s signals from reaching their destinations.