It is apparent that providing help to the disabled can be an arduous task. I have learned that those who are disabled often have difficulty with memory, appetite, sleep, self awareness, social attentiveness, learning, maintaining schedules, financial management, following instructions and managing everyday life skills. I have thought of folks in this category as "them" while thinking of more educated people helpers as "professionals" with a more sophisticated list of difficulties. The more that I experience and learn, however, the more easily I can see that we are very much alike in a number of ways. We are not the "needy" and the "needed." Both groups struggle with many of the same issues in different environments and circumstances.
Those who are incapacitated often have difficulty remembering words and phrases, problems empathizing with others, awkwardness discussing current political issues, appetite and sleep problems, learning dilemmas, difficulty scheduling and keeping appointments and losing track of ability to follow instructions.
The people we can identify as "needed" tend to have many of the major risk factors experienced by the so-called "needy." Their every day life skills are impacted in ways that are similar to those for whom they provide help and care. Those who are both "needed" and "needy" may have problems remaining calm, experiencing relaxation and have the same physical, emotional and mental exhaustion issues.
Both the "needy" and the "needed" describe fatigue, anxiety, sadness, depression, less time for previous hobbies and reduction in self care activities. Those in each group have time management problems, social connection complications and some sense of guilt over disorganized lives.
Our abstract thinking issues can be similar. Neither the "needy" nor the "needed" is higher on any personal, social or political scale. We all feel periodically overwhelmed with chronic stress and its similar strain. We are, after all, human.
"Being a human being is to find love."
-Mother Teresa