Have you ever stopped to consider how much courage it takes to simply navigate the world when life feels weighted with invisible challenges? For many, the struggles of daily life are not always visible. Some carry wounds that others cannot see, whether physical, emotional, or mental. Today, on International Day of Persons with Disabilities, it’s a moment to pause, reflect, and consider how we support one another, not just the visible struggles, but the hidden ones too.

Recognising the Unseen

Disability, in its many forms, is often misunderstood. It’s easy to assume someone’s life is easier because their challenges aren’t visible or that someone “should be fine” if they look fine on the outside. But we know better. We understand that struggles, whether they come from loss, grief, mental health challenges, or chronic illness, can quietly shape every moment of life.

In my work as a Grief Specialist and Self-Care Guide, I see this all the time. Professionals and entrepreneurs may appear to be thriving, yet carry invisible burdens: grief from losing a loved one, the stress of unmet expectations, or unresolved experiences that quietly sap energy, focus, and joy. Disability and grief intersect in ways we often overlook. Both remind us that life isn’t just about what meets the eye, it’s about what’s beneath the surface.

Small Actions, Big Impact

You don’t have to have a disability yourself to make a difference. Inclusion isn’t about grand gestures; it’s in the small, intentional actions that show empathy, understanding, and respect:

• Listen without interrupting, analysing, judging or trying to ‘fix’ it. Sometimes, just being heard is more powerful than advice.

• Ask before helping. Assumptions can feel patronising; asking demonstrates respect. “Would you like some help? What would be most helpful for you right now”, would be a good start.

• Create space for participation. Encourage accessibility in workplaces, events, and communities.

• Acknowledge emotional realities. People living with disabilities often carry grief or stress alongside their condition. A simple “I see you and I care” can make a huge difference.

Each act of awareness, inclusion, and empathy sends a quiet but powerful message: you matter. Your struggles matter. Your wellbeing matters.

Reflecting on Your Own Wellbeing

This day is also a gentle reminder to check in with ourselves. How often do we acknowledge our own hidden challenges? Many people I work with carry grief or unresolved emotional pain silently, alongside the demands of work and family. They tell themselves they’re coping but deep down, they feel disconnected, drained, or stuck.

If this resonates, it might help to pause and ask yourself:

• Are there parts of my life where I feel depleted or unseen?

• Am I carrying emotional weight I haven’t fully acknowledged?

• How can I be kinder to myself, even in small ways, today?

Sometimes, simply recognising that something doesn’t feel right, is the first step towards healing.

The Ripple Effect of Care

Caring for others and ourselves isn’t a zero-sum game. In fact, the more intentional we are about our own wellbeing, the better we can show up for those around us. This includes people with disabilities, as well as those silently grieving or carrying emotional burdens. When we nurture empathy, understanding, and connection, it creates a ripple effect at work, at home, and in our communities.

Even small steps can make a lasting impact. Perhaps it’s offering specific practical support to a colleague struggling quietly, checking in on a friend, or even taking a few moments for your own emotional self-care. These moments of attention and care aren’t trivial. They build resilience, hope, and connection.

Moving Forward: A Gentle Invitation

If you’re curious about understanding your own hidden challenges, grief, emotional strain, or wellbeing gaps, there’s a way to start. Taking a few minutes to reflect and answer a guided self-assessment can bring clarity and insight. Two resources I offer are:

Hidden Wellbeing Gaps Quiz: Discover which areas of your wellbeing are quietly draining your energy and joy.

Grief Assessment Quiz: Reflect on unresolved grief and explore whether you might benefit from extra support.

These quizzes are designed to be gentle, confidential, and insightful. They don’t judge, they simply help you see where you are and what could support you in moving forward. Even a small step like this can spark meaningful change.

A Thought to Carry With You

Today, as the world marks International Day of Persons with Disabilities, let it be more than a date on the calendar. Let it be a reminder to notice what isn’t always visible: the quiet struggles, the hidden grief, the invisible strength. And let it be an invitation to reflect on your own journey, your own wellbeing, and the ways you can bring compassion to yourself and to others.

Ask yourself: who in your world might need a little more understanding today? And how can you offer that without expecting anything in return? Sometimes, the smallest acts of awareness create the largest waves of change.

💡 Takeaway: Pause, reflect, and reach out. Notice hidden struggles—in others and yourself. Small acts of empathy and self-care can transform how we experience connection, inclusion, and healing.

👉 Curious about your wellbeing gaps or how grief might be affecting you? Start with one of my free quizzes to explore where you stand and discover the next step for your emotional wellbeing: Hidden Wellbeing Gaps Quiz or Grief Assessment Quiz.