#3. JODI: Ask Questions

Mihailo Subotic
May 31, 2023
2 min read

I am a computer programmer and I have cerebral palsy. Many people do not understand my illness and often treat me differently than they would treat anybody else. Many are afraid to talk to me. They are scared of me and often afraid they might ask me the wrong questions. When I am treated this way, I feel alone and isolated.

I find it difficult to communicate with people when I feel neglected because of a misunderstood bias. On the DTES people are not afraid of me. I feel a sense of belonging and community - I am at home. Most people in the DTES have some kind of issue or difficulty they are dealing with. They do not look at me through the bias of cerebral palsy - I am a member of the family. My name is Jodi.

When Jodi's on the DTES, she feels a sense of belonging and is able

to communicate with her friends and neighbors more effectively. Jodi is a special member of the DTES.

What can we take away from Jodi's story? Ask Questions

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Most often, questions that come from an honest place are welcomed. By asking questions you are opening the lines of communication and inviting a lost soul into your world.

Have you ever dealt with a serve illness?

Did people look at you differently from others?

Do you have a hard time communicating with them?

This is Jodi's life outside the DTES.

A feeling of neglect or isolation hits hard! Like, really hard!! Support groups are a powerful resource to help maintain a sense of belonging, especially if you're misunderstood by a bias. The Mood Disorders Association of British Columbia provides support groups in a safe place to share your story, your struggles and accomplishments and to listen to others as they share similar experiences.

Contact Info:

604.873.0103

www.mdabc.net

info@mdabc.net

789 W Pender

Share below the methods of communication you would choose if people started to neglect you when they see you.

"isolation is a dream killer"

Barbara Sher