This is a really important conversation to have.

I have as-yet-unidentified chronic pain, which I suppose makes me disabled, but it won't be official unless research ever figures out a diagnosis.

I do have mental health diagnoses: OCD, GAD, and depression.

These fall under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). Somehow, it has felt to me that my mental health disordered don't "count."

My dad and stepmom are physically disabled and use wheelchairs.

They consider me disabled.

We're finally having conversations about this and it feels really affirming.

I think the bottom line I'm finding is there's no point in comparison of "who's the most or least disabled?"

It'd be more helpful to focus on the diversity of disabilities and work towards getting support for those of us who live with them.

Thank you for this article!