Hello Everyone,
Welcome to The Invisible Vision Project’s Blog.
As you can probably tell from the title, this is a disability-related blog. So today, I’m going to share with you a story about fear, and that is my fear of the Dark. The reason I have this fear is due to an eye condition I have, it is called Night Blindness.
Can you see the stars and the moon at night? Are you afraid of walking home all by yourself in the dark? As for me, I could never see the stars, and the moon has always appeared to be a huge blur. When I think about walking in the dark, I would be so scared that I tremble with fear, and my anxiety level would rise up really high.
As some (or many of) you may already know, I am Visually Impaired, this means that I don’t see too well, like a sighted person can/or do. I have multiple eye conditions in which they affect my vision differently, making it difficult for me to see. Despite this, I still have some remaining useful vision (especially during the day). I am able to navigate the world around me, without too much trouble. However, when it comes to night time, even the useful vision I had during the day would disappear and I would be left seeing nothing at all.
When I was younger, I dreaded of going out at night, or even going into dark places (like a movie theatre); even when I knew my parents would not let me run-into things or have me get hurt in any way. But, as I got older, I felt more uncomfortable going out at night. I don’t want other people to find out this ‘weak’ side of me or see me as a coward, just because I am too afraid of the dark.
Then last year, I started training through Orientation and Mobility in using a White Cane, I find it so helpful, in many ways. For the very first time, I could walk alongside another person, rather than having to hold on to them all the time. I could walk in a normal pace, rather than walking in snail-pace. I could at least feel my way around with my cane, when I see absolutely nothing at all. Now, with the cane as my guide, I know that I definitely feel a lot safer and also a lot calmer when walking in the dark. I feel more independent, and proud of myself that I was able to get out of this fear. It is such an incredible feeling that is beyond the use of words could use to describe them! 🙂
Thank you for reading to the end!
By: The Invisible Vision Project
I can totally relate to this post as I suffer from night blindness too. It’s a very scary and dauting thing. I’m glad to hear that the cane has helped you in some way, even though it seems like a scary thing to use and it’s not that pleasant, it’s helpful and can make you become more independant and that’s amazing. Great post as always hun x
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Awww Thank you so much! And yes, it feels great to hear that people can relate, it makes me feel less alone in the situation! Yes I find the cane helpful, but sometimes it’s still a little scary. And thank you for the comment, and also for the support, always! 🙂
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You are very welcome! Yeah I think it gets less daunting as you use the cane more, I’ve definitely found that.
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I can also relate as the dark is the worst, so bad I sometimes begin hyperventilating or forget to breathe. You are right about the cane though because using it is liberating.
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Yes, it is really bad for me that no words can explain *sob* but I’m just glad I have my cane!
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I hear you 😪! And to think I was resistant to using the cane for a while. I can’t wait to receive my new one from Ambutech, I just got the UPS notification today that it’s on it’s way. 😃
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Oh yes!! Ambutech canes are great!! You’ll love it!!
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Yeah I had a blue one but list it last year and have been using my backup red/white cane.
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I’m currently using a Pink one! 😄
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Mine is green and I think I added another color but can’t remember which one😒
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:O?! Green?? Oh wow, you’ll have a colourful cane!
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