Diane Walgren
My name is Diane Walgren; I am a 56-year-old mother and grandmother, an American citizen, a taxpayer, and a registered voter. I am also an American with disabilities. My disabilities are both physical and mental. I suffer from fibromyalgia, nerve damage, severe depression and anxiety disorder. I deal with my physical problems on a daily basis. I also deal with my depression and anxiety on a daily basis. In my “black” days, I had constant sadness and dread. I withdrew from the world and my family. I lost my socialization skills, my mental clarity, my sense of self, and my interest in life. All of these things became lost in the blackness of my mind. I could see no light, no joy and no will to live. I tried to end my life three years ago.
I had a case manager, a nurse, a doctor and a team that supported me. I remember feeling touched by their sincere concern for me. There was a sign in the doctor’s office that said, “I’m a physician, not a magician.” I remember wishing he were a magician.
My recovery is a long road. There is no quick fix, but my recovery began. For more than two years, I kept my appointments, but I could not force myself to go to any groups or leave my house. I did not realize that the medication helps symptoms. But I had to start working on how I thought about things.
My doctor asked me if I could work in a snack shop at the clinic. I was told if I did, I could get my benefits back. I said I was very interested in working at the snack shop. I felt fear and self-doubt that I could do anything useful. I went to the interview and put my best foot forward. Not only was I hired to be an employee, I was hired to be a supervisor! Someone saw something in me that I had forgotten I possessed. I was fearful and worried, but I worked with others to make this project a success. Because of my work, I started succeeding. I relaxed. I was able to interact socially with others. I assumed some responsibility, I was accountable, and I earned some income.
Work has allowed me to blossom and not be paralyzed by my disability. I have had the pleasure to work with others and mentor them to grow and blossom as well. My success is theirs and their success is mine. I do not dwell on my disability, instead I try to use the tools and support I have been given to manage the physical and mental symptoms I have.
It is important that more employment opportunities are available to people with disabilities. Please do not judge people by their illness, but by their character. I know that without my work (which I love dearly), I would probably still be in the “blackness” that I described earlier.
Now, I smile, offer support, receive encouragement and work. It has changed my life!
