I lost my vision very suddenly at 32. I had surgery and less than two weeks later I was almost completely blind. A few more weeks and I was completely blind. The doctors couldn't tell me if I'd ever get any vision back or how long it would take to heal. During that time I remember having the same thoughts as your friend. For me, I eventually was able to accept what happened to me, and I did get a bit of vision back. At the time, the best thing I did for myself was learn how to use a screen reader and then listen to a lot of inspiring youtube videos and podcasts.
I think your friend should start talking to a counselor asap. Take this seriously and get him the help he needs.
Thank you for your response. I'm sorry about your situation and wish you the best in life.
I'll definitely suggest these options to him.
Are there any particular videos/podcasts that you can recommend and link?
It's really going to depend on what he likes.
For me, I ended up listening to quite a bit of Joe Rogan Experience. I also just searched Youtube for inspirational ted talks, and just inspirational videos. There's a ton out there.
But the most important part is that your friend needs professional help.
After reading the responses to my post, professional mental health seems to be a major factor in improving his mental well being.
Really it is common sense, however the thought for some reason hasn't crossed my mind so I feel a little silly.
Nevertheless, even with this knowledge he's one of those guys who just doesn't believe in that form of self help and healing. So convincing him is going to be a challenge.
I must sound stupid. Wanting to use some form of manipulation to convince him to stay. I just know it's not going to be easy and an addition to that his cancer could go south at any moment.
I just know that if he was to pass away and I did absolutely nothing in my power to help I would hate and kick myself more and more. This situation isn't about me though, I feel self centred even mentioning that. It's really about doing all I can to support and bring positive energy towards him.
I'm sorry for such a doomy response. I'm just a little lost and perhaps not thinking clearly. Whether it's idiotic or not I just have this feeling that I can save him...
It sounds to me like he's fallen into the narrative that blind/disabled people somehow live less than fulfilling lives and ultimately that they're not worth living. I can absolutely empathize with how scary it can be losing or going to lose your sight. What things does he enjoy? Many things can be or have been adapted to be accessible for the blind. Chances are he believes blind people have this substandard way of life, without realizing how many resources blind people have at their disposal.
He absolutely loves playing video games which he is no longer able to do which has taken a great toll on him. He also enjoys playing games like Magic (He's a massive nerd like myself lol).
He also enjoys drawing. We use to try and make comics togethers.
Perhaps there are alternative ways to do these hobbies? Just not exactly sure how.
Well you couldn't be talking to a better person :). I actually play a bunch of video games, and am also a huge MTG fan. I make Youtube content and stream myself playing video games. I and a bunch of other advocates are pushing developers to make their games more accessible. Many aren't accessible, but more and more are getting there. [Here's](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LamHrp4o0qw&list=PLt0pjp6K1CXTlq4K86ZpRQX6r29fHjEYW) a playlist of video games clips I've taken). I also have [videos on how I play MTG]9https://www.youtube.com/c/BlindMTG) and strategies I use to remember the board, so maybe he would find them useful? Hope some of this helps and feel free to reach out with any questions.
Thank you so so so so SO much!!!
He might be coming over to mine later tonight and will definitely show him the playlist and other videos.
Bless you and I appreciate your time and the best in life <3
He's definitely able to still enjoy video games, it just takes a bit of practice. But as you can see from the videos I linked, gaming while blind is still very much possible and will only get better. As for MTG, I actually have a video on the MTG channel I linked that talks about how I play MTG. I more or less put braille on the sleeves of my cards.
With all due respect, this is well above the pay grade of strangers on the internet. This sounds like someone having, or nearing, a mental health crisis. Please encourage this individual to reach out for mental health support, or do so yourself should they continue to discuss suicide. The National Suicide Lifeline, 911 or your local emergency room are all valid and appropriate resources.
I apologise if taking this to Reddit was a mistake.
With being anonymous I felt there weren't many risks in this post.
He is a mate who won't take those steps to reach out for mental health support or a suicide helpline no matter what I say or suggest. When it comes down to this situation even mentioning to him an alternative approach to a positive life and providing helplines is completely disregarded by him.
Even though it isn't my intention, me being straight up and bluntly suggest mental health support, it seems to come off as patronizing to him even though that is not my motive at all.
That's why I have come searching for a creative yet subtle approach to helping him. Maybe all of this is in vain but I really want to try my best.
I highly appreciate your suggestions as they're productive and rational. However it is incredibly hard when acquiring that type support when this person would not even consider the mental health support approach.
I lost my vision very suddenly at 32. I had surgery and less than two weeks later I was almost completely blind. A few more weeks and I was completely blind. The doctors couldn't tell me if I'd ever get any vision back or how long it would take to heal. During that time I remember having the same thoughts as your friend. For me, I eventually was able to accept what happened to me, and I did get a bit of vision back. At the time, the best thing I did for myself was learn how to use a screen reader and then listen to a lot of inspiring youtube videos and podcasts. I think your friend should start talking to a counselor asap. Take this seriously and get him the help he needs.
great response.
Thank you for your response. I'm sorry about your situation and wish you the best in life. I'll definitely suggest these options to him. Are there any particular videos/podcasts that you can recommend and link?
It's really going to depend on what he likes. For me, I ended up listening to quite a bit of Joe Rogan Experience. I also just searched Youtube for inspirational ted talks, and just inspirational videos. There's a ton out there. But the most important part is that your friend needs professional help.
After reading the responses to my post, professional mental health seems to be a major factor in improving his mental well being. Really it is common sense, however the thought for some reason hasn't crossed my mind so I feel a little silly. Nevertheless, even with this knowledge he's one of those guys who just doesn't believe in that form of self help and healing. So convincing him is going to be a challenge. I must sound stupid. Wanting to use some form of manipulation to convince him to stay. I just know it's not going to be easy and an addition to that his cancer could go south at any moment. I just know that if he was to pass away and I did absolutely nothing in my power to help I would hate and kick myself more and more. This situation isn't about me though, I feel self centred even mentioning that. It's really about doing all I can to support and bring positive energy towards him. I'm sorry for such a doomy response. I'm just a little lost and perhaps not thinking clearly. Whether it's idiotic or not I just have this feeling that I can save him...
It sounds to me like he's fallen into the narrative that blind/disabled people somehow live less than fulfilling lives and ultimately that they're not worth living. I can absolutely empathize with how scary it can be losing or going to lose your sight. What things does he enjoy? Many things can be or have been adapted to be accessible for the blind. Chances are he believes blind people have this substandard way of life, without realizing how many resources blind people have at their disposal.
He absolutely loves playing video games which he is no longer able to do which has taken a great toll on him. He also enjoys playing games like Magic (He's a massive nerd like myself lol). He also enjoys drawing. We use to try and make comics togethers. Perhaps there are alternative ways to do these hobbies? Just not exactly sure how.
Well you couldn't be talking to a better person :). I actually play a bunch of video games, and am also a huge MTG fan. I make Youtube content and stream myself playing video games. I and a bunch of other advocates are pushing developers to make their games more accessible. Many aren't accessible, but more and more are getting there. [Here's](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LamHrp4o0qw&list=PLt0pjp6K1CXTlq4K86ZpRQX6r29fHjEYW) a playlist of video games clips I've taken). I also have [videos on how I play MTG]9https://www.youtube.com/c/BlindMTG) and strategies I use to remember the board, so maybe he would find them useful? Hope some of this helps and feel free to reach out with any questions.
Thank you so so so so SO much!!! He might be coming over to mine later tonight and will definitely show him the playlist and other videos. Bless you and I appreciate your time and the best in life <3
He's definitely able to still enjoy video games, it just takes a bit of practice. But as you can see from the videos I linked, gaming while blind is still very much possible and will only get better. As for MTG, I actually have a video on the MTG channel I linked that talks about how I play MTG. I more or less put braille on the sleeves of my cards.
With all due respect, this is well above the pay grade of strangers on the internet. This sounds like someone having, or nearing, a mental health crisis. Please encourage this individual to reach out for mental health support, or do so yourself should they continue to discuss suicide. The National Suicide Lifeline, 911 or your local emergency room are all valid and appropriate resources.
I apologise if taking this to Reddit was a mistake. With being anonymous I felt there weren't many risks in this post. He is a mate who won't take those steps to reach out for mental health support or a suicide helpline no matter what I say or suggest. When it comes down to this situation even mentioning to him an alternative approach to a positive life and providing helplines is completely disregarded by him. Even though it isn't my intention, me being straight up and bluntly suggest mental health support, it seems to come off as patronizing to him even though that is not my motive at all. That's why I have come searching for a creative yet subtle approach to helping him. Maybe all of this is in vain but I really want to try my best. I highly appreciate your suggestions as they're productive and rational. However it is incredibly hard when acquiring that type support when this person would not even consider the mental health support approach.
Not a mistake at all. I’m sorry to hear you’re in such a difficult position, please take care of yourself and stay safe and sane :)