Why We Need to Talk About Disability and Mental Health

May 12th to 18th is Mental Health Awareness Week, and a time to shine a light on the importance of wellbeing, connection, and support. But while the world grows more open in talking about mental health, one group continues to be overlooked in the conversation: disabled people.

And the numbers speak for themselves…

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Disabled People are Far More Likely to Experience Poor Mental Health

Research consistently shows that people with disabilities – whether physical, learning, or neurodivergent – are more likely to experience mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and suicidal thoughts.

According to the UK’s Office for National Statistics:

• 43% of disabled adults report feeling lonely “often or always” vs just 5% of non-disabled adults.
• Over 50% of disabled people experience symptoms of depression.
• Autistic adults are 9 times more likely to die by suicide than non-autistic peers.

That’s not a small gap. That’s a disparity, and it needs attention.

Why is this happening?

Living with a disability often means facing:

• Chronic pain or long-term health conditions.
• Social exclusion and loneliness.
• Discrimination, ableism, or misunderstanding.
• Barriers to education, employment, and accessible mental health services.

Add in the financial stress, inaccessible environments, and the emotional labour of constantly advocating for yourself, and it’s no wonder mental health takes a hit.

For neurodivergent people especially (like autistic and ADHD individuals), mental health struggles often come from masking, lack of understanding, and misdiagnosis.

The system isn’t built for us, but we can build for each other

Accessing mental health support can be harder if you’re disabled. From long waiting lists, and physical inaccessibility, to professionals who don’t understand your lived experience, it can feel like the system isn’t built for you.

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But Here’s the Good News: You’re Not Alone.

At Purpl, we’re committed to creating spaces where disabled and neurodivergent people can talk openly, safely, and supportively.

If you’re a member, you already have access to our private Facebook Group – a community full of people who get it. No judgement, no pressure, just shared understanding and solidarity.

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You Deserve Support, Connection, and Joy

Your mental health matters just as much as anyone else’s, and awareness weeks like this are the perfect time to demand better for our community.

That means:

• Talking about it.
• Advocating for inclusive support services.
• Connecting with others who understand.

Need Mental Health Support Right Now?

You don’t have to go through this alone. Here are some brilliant UK-based resources:

• Samaritans (24/7): 116 123 / samaritans.org
• SHOUT (Text Line): Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258
• Mind: 0300 123 3393 / mind.org.uk
• Disability Rights UK: disabilityrightsuk.org
• National Autistic Society: autism.org.uk
• NHS Urgent Mental Health Support: Find your local urgent helpline, or call 111.

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Break the Silence

Mental Health Awareness Week is a powerful reminder that disabled people deserve the same mental health support as everyone else, but we often face bigger barriers in getting it.

Let’s talk about it. Let’s change it. And let’s support each other.

Because mental health is a right, not a privilege.

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Sammi is autistic, has ADHD, and lives with POTS. She’s passionate about disability advocacy, accessibility, and creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and understood. With a sharp sense of humour and a deep love for community, she speaks openly about the realities of being neurodivergent across all of her personal platforms, always aiming to challenge stigma, spark conversations, and remind others they’re not alone.