Illness & Disability

Home Illness & Disability Living with an illness or disability Becoming independent

Becoming independent

Having independence means that you are able to rely on yourself to act and make choices. Becoming independent involves a bunch of changes that take a long time. In fact, this process begins well before you become an adult and will keep going even after you are an adult. Being independent, even as an adult, doesn’t mean you won’t need help sometimes. For example, you may need help carrying groceries. Or, you may need help keeping track of when your period is coming or help with supplies for your period.

Being independent does mean you can make choices and have responsibilities. Getting involved in school activities is one way of showing your independence. Another good way of showing your independence is by taking your medicine and following a special diet if you have one.

Your parents

If you think that your parents aren't letting you have enough independence, try to help them out in ways they'd appreciate. Show your parents that you can handle your illness or disability in a careful way. They will see that they can trust you to take care of yourself. They will also see that you know what you can do and what you need help with. Your parents may see that they don't have to worry about you quite so much (well, okay – they'll still worry, they'll just deal with it better!)

Helpful Tools

• Become more independent by helping out at home, taking care of your health, and being a part of your community. How? Find out how to become a part of your community.
• Read about gaining independence as a teen with a neuromuscular disease or other chronic condition.

Content last updated June 2, 2007

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