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The Disability DIGEST
JoelThrift.com 404-618-4816
May 2023
Severe Life Changes Can Damage Your Mental Health Reliving Certain Events Can Be Difficult
When you hear about personal injuries, workers’ comp, or Social Security cases, you’ll notice mental health often plays a pivotal role. Unfortunately, mental health’s role in these instances is rarely discussed. You primarily hear about how the accident occurred, the injuries or limitations a person has sustained, and the case’s outcome. But you don’t hear about people’s thoughts, feelings, and emotions as they endure these challenging experiences. As an attorney, my job is to ensure I get the best possible results for my clients. I help them collect evidence, speak to them and witnesses, and defend them in court when the time comes. But that’s not all I do. As I hear my clients’ stories and watch them describe and relive the pain and suffering they endured, I hold their hand through the entire process. Trying to navigate the court process can be extremely confusing — especially when it’s piled on top of the pain of experiences you’ve already gone through. Sometimes, people can experience adjustment disorder as they go through court procedures. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), an adjustment disorder is an emotional or behavioral reaction to a stressful event in your life. Adjusting to your situation can take some time — and I know going through court processes doesn’t help anyone transition easily. I understand how difficult it is to recall your experiences and how painful that can be. I also know how challenging it is to desperately seek answers. The court process can take a toll on your mental health as you relive your experiences and try to contact different organizations and programs to assist you. Because I want to help you in any way possible, I will make those phone calls, leave messages, and follow every rabbit hole so you don’t have to — I want to take as much off your plate as possible. But even when your court case is finalized, and you receive your settlement or benefits from workers’ comp or Social Security, you could still encounter hardships due to your accident. No amount of money or benefits will ever make your experience or challenges disappear. Your case may have ended, but you must continue living with your injuries or disabilities.
As humans, we’re creatures of habit. If an important routine is disrupted, it’s not easy to adjust and modify our lives. I hear stories from clients who have worked their entire lives and can no longer work due to injuries or other conditions. Because they are currently limited in what they can do, they risk losing their sense of self — their purpose. Coming to this realization can be difficult for many. Additionally, I speak with clients and read about other instances where people develop somatic symptom disorders. Their brain tells their body they still have an injury — even if fully healed. People legitimately believe they are still enduring pain because of the alerts their brain is giving them. Hearing that everything appears fine when their brain and body are telling them otherwise can be challenging when they go to the doctor. Somatic symptom disorders can be severely disabling. My heart goes out to those who endure such a heartbreaking experience. If you or someone you know has difficulty adjusting to life after a dramatic life change, I encourage you to seek help when needed. Please talk to those around you so they can support you in any way they can. If there is anything I can do for you, please don’t hesitate to contact me. For more information and resources to help you during this time, please visit DBHDD.Georgia.gov .
–Joel Thrift
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4 Steps to Happy, Healthy Aging It’s Never Too Late to Take Charge
Fuel your body. Nutrition plays a pivotal role in your health and quality of life. Center your diet around fruits, veggies, lean meats, whole grains, healthy fats, nuts, seeds, and low-fat dairy. Limit the frequency of eating processed foods, fatty meats, and sugar. Following these guidelines reduces your risk of many illnesses and sets you up for a more active lifestyle in your golden years. Stay social. Loneliness has been linked to declining physical health and concerns. Those who do not engage in social activities tend to battle dementia and Alzheimer’s more than those who interact with others and form relationships. To maintain your physical and mental health, get out and mingle! Take your vitamins and supplements. As a child, you likely remember your mother reminding you to take your
Aging can bring some of our most exciting and rewarding decades. After years of working and saving a nest egg, we can finally retire. Many of us welcome grandchildren into the world, and we have more time to travel to some of the most beautiful destinations on the planet. These are just a few reasons our health is our most prized possession as we age! Here are some tips to stay healthy and active as you grow older and wiser. Check in frequently. Keeping up with your health is much more than seeing your doctor whenever you feel under the weather and remembering to take prescribed medications. It’s essential to have regular checkups and screenings for health conditions and diseases. After all, it’s always better to catch something early than to find it too late.
vitamins. Now, it’s time to really listen. While it’s always better to get your essential vitamins and minerals from the foods you consume, sometimes, that can be tough. Be sure to talk to a trusted health professional about taking additional calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6 to keep your body operating at its optimal potential. Your body has been along for the ride your entire life. With many more wonderful years ahead of you, take care of it so it can continue to care for you!
Can You Identify the Red Flags?
3 Warning Signs of Elder Abuse
necessary medical treatment, they are likely victims of neglect, intentional or unintentional. Financial Abuse The unauthorized and illegal use of an elderly individual’s funds, assets, or resources is financial abuse. Signs that an older person is being financially abused may include evidence of unpaid bills, eviction notices, patterns of missing items, canceled checks, or someone taking an increasingly intense interest in the spending habits of a person over the age of 65. Physical Abuse While physical elder abuse is more common in nursing homes, it can occur at home by family members or loved ones. If an aging adult is enduring physical abuse, there may be evidence of burns, bruises, broken bones, cuts, scrapes, sprains, or head injuries. They may experience hospitalization patterns for repeat injuries, delays in care and treatment, or multiple trips to the emergency room. Our advancing world brings education for elder abuse prevention, but unfortunately, it also provides avenues for others to exploit aging adults. To protect yourself and those you love, know the signs and be observant!
Everyone becomes increasingly vulnerable — both socially and financially — as they age. As technology evolves and new tools become available, more channels open for the elderly or those with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia to be exploited by strangers, family, or friends.
Whether you are the caregiver for your parent, sibling, friend, or neighbor, or you want to ensure you are protected as you
age, consider these three most common forms of elder abuse. Neglect
Aging sometimes means that we cannot care for ourselves as well as we once did, and we must rely on others to step in and lend a hand. However, when a caregiver fails to provide essential care or protect an elderly individual from harm, they can be charged with neglect.
If an aging individual is malnourished, dehydrated, suffering from an infection, living in unsafe conditions, or not receiving
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TAKE A BREAK
PULLING BACK THE CURTAIN The First African American Supreme Court Justice
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Emerald Fertilize Gemini Horse Lightsaber
Thurgood Marshall was the first African American justice to serve on the Supreme Court and was a powerful attorney, but did you know Thurgood wasn’t always his first name or that he held a second job while practicing law? Let’s take a look at some of the most intriguing facts about this amazing lawyer! The Reason Behind the Name Change On July 2, 1908, Thoroughgood Marshall was born in Baltimore, Maryland. As a young child, friends often teased him about his long name — not to mention it was difficult to write and spell out! When he was just 6 years old, he had his name changed to Thurgood. Thurgood, a Dentist? When Marshall was attending Lincoln University, he first aspired to be a dentist but went on to receive his degree in literature and philosophy. Then, he attended law school at Howard University. Law by Day, Health Care by Night Early in his legal career, times were tough. So, Marshall took a second job working at Baltimore Health Clinic at night to make ends meet. Even while working large cases, he continued to put in long hours at the clinic. Fighting for Equal Pay Thurgood Marshall’s mom was an African American teacher, and while he attended Lincoln University for undergrad, she struggled to pay the hefty tuition. It wasn’t uncommon for his family to be late on making payments to keep him enrolled. Once he graduated law school, Marshall began seeking equal pay for African American teachers, and six years later, he won a big case that got rid of unequal teacher pay. Not Only Civil Rights Cases While Marshall is commonly recognized for monumental civil rights cases such as Brown v. Board of Education , which went on to shape our society, he also took on many other police brutality, death penalty, and women’s rights cases.
Mother Nature Parade Seedling Veterans
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com GINGER PORK STIR-FRY
Looking for a healthy stir-fry that has all of the delicious flavors and none of the heavy ingredients? This one might be perfect for you!
Ingredients
• 1 small onion, sliced • 1/4 lb fresh snow peas • 1/2 sweet red pepper, julienned • Cooked rice • Green onion, chopped (optional) • Sesame seeds (optional)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch • 1 cup orange juice • 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1/4 tsp ground ginger • 1 lb pork tenderloin, cut into thin strips • 2 tbsp canola oil
Directions
1. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch, orange juice, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger until smooth; set aside. 2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, stir-fry pork in oil until lightly browned, about 4–5 minutes. Remove pork and add onion, peas, and red pepper. Cook until crisp-tender, about 3–5 minutes. 3. Stir in orange juice mixture and pork. Bring to a boil, and then cook until thickened, about 2 minutes. Serve over rice. Garnish with green onion and sesame seeds, if desired.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
The Unspoken Trial
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Safeguard Your Health Into Your Golden Years Know the Signs of Elder Abuse
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Ginger Pork Stir-Fry Why Thurgood Marshall Rules
4-Legged Friends Who Benefit Our Health
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Companionship, Exercise, and Purpose! The Healing Power of Pets:
In fact, studies have shown that caring for a pet helps relieve anxiety, loneliness, stress, and depression. It even boosts your heart health! The best part is that it doesn’t matter what kind of pet you have — feathered friends, rabbits, and even snakes can be great companions! Here are some of the top benefits of bonding with your pet daily. They provide companionship. Let’s be honest: Nothing beats having a four-legged friend greet you at the front door every time you come home! That companionship bond can boost your immune system while reducing depression. Also, having a buddy can help you to feel needed, wanted, and valued. Many pet owners even talk to their animals! They encourage exercise. Especially if you have a dog, your pet is sure to keep you active. Canines crave exercise, so while you meet their movement requirements to stay happy and healthy, you also get in your daily steps! Likewise, keeping
a cat active requires your energy behind a laser pointer, feather wand, or other toys.
Four-legged companions are cute, cuddly, and friendly and work wonders for our mental health and well-being! It makes sense, then, that the first week of May is National Pet Week, part of Mental Health Month. According to the Human and Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), pet ownership improves the mental health of 74% of pet owners.
They reduce anxiety. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, petting a dog helps lower cortisol, the hormone responsible for stress. Pets live without concern for yesterday or tomorrow. They only care about the here and now, which helps their owners feel calm and relaxed. Also, petting and holding an animal allows you to appreciate the beauty of nature, which can be soothing. They add structure and purpose. Pets are creatures of habit — they like to be fed around the same time each day, go on their morning or evening walks, and look forward to playtime. No matter how badly you’d like to stay on the couch, your pet will get you up and moving. A pet’s unconditional love certainly does more than just keep you company! Our pets can genuinely be little lifesavers!
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