Self-Defense Suggestions for the Chronically Ill is available in an audio format – press play to listen or continue reading.
Pain relief products, not self-defense gear, are what is typically associated with the chronically ill.
However, chronic illnesses affect every aspect of our lives, including our safety. The toll they take on our health leaves us feeling both emotionally and physically weak. But the vulnerability they create doesn’t have to turn us into victims. With the right gear, we can protect and defend ourselves.
Take charge of your safety with the following self-defense product suggestions.
83% of women with disabilities will be sexually assaulted in their lives.
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Precautionary Preparations
The first part of protecting ourselves is recognizing the areas where our chronic illness has made us weak. Acknowledging our weaknesses is not a form of negativity. Instead, it is one of the most positive things we can do. When we are aware of the areas we lack strength in, we can find alternative ways to fill those voids.
Mobility
Chronic illnesses like fibromyalgia and autoimmune arthritis often affect our mobility. The general public may view using a mobility aid as a sign of weakness, but it actually signals strength.
A rollator allows the chronically ill to rest their legs, backs, and feet while out and about. Without them, they run out of stamina faster. Using one allows them to focus on their surroundings rather than pain.
Walking sticks and canes help us with stability and can also be used to fend off wild animals or perpetrators.
Visual
Whether someone uses a mobility aid or not, increasing their visibility is a smart idea. It’s common for the chronically ill to want to avoid attention, but doing so leaves them vulnerable. I am not suggesting wearing a sign that says, “I am chronically ill/disabled.” Instead, l suggest utilizing the following products to make yourself visible. Being seen makes the disabled less of a target because a would-be attacker is less apt to go after someone that everyone can see.
- Reflective tape
- Lights – LED or Headlight
- Safety Flag for wheelchair or rollator
On the Home Front
My home security system does more than give me peace of mind. It protects my home and my body. Whether I am severely flaring or not, the doorbell camera function allows me to view and speak to whoever is at my door without having to get up or open the door.
I understand that a full home security system isn’t an option for everybody. With that said, a doorbell camera is an affordable and effective option.
Self-Defense for the Chronically Ill
Learning self-defense is important. Even more so when you are disabled. Typical self-defense classes aren’t designed with our physical limitations in mind. Here are a few online and video class suggestions that consider the needs of the disabled while teaching them how to defend themselves.
- Self Defense Company: They do not have a designated disability class, but they do encourage their students of all abilities to focus and work on the moves that they are capable of doing and to not worry about what they aren’t able to do.
- Kyusho for the Disabled: Uses far less power, speed, and especially agility than other forms of martial arts.
- The Samurai Seated Workout Program: This video teaches students how to use canes and walking sticks for fitness and self-defense.
Females with a disability had a higher victimization rate than males with a disability
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Personal Defense Products
Those of us with chronic illness can’t always rely on our physical abilities. While I may be able to perform certain self-defense moves on a good day, but what about a bad day? To feel prepared every day, I also carry a handful of personal defense products. Thankfully, I have never had to use them, but if the day ever comes, I am prepared to defend myself.
The following self-defense products come with straps or are designed to be easy to hold and use.
Make Some Noise
Whether you can physically defend yourself or not, one of the best things you can do is make some noise!!! Don’t rely on your voice when in distress. I can scream, but I do not trust my vocal cords to cooperate in an emergency.
The following products are for bringing attention to the situation/attack and calling for assistance.
- SLFORCE Safe Personal Alarm: Comes with a wrist strap and key-chain ring. Add a lanyard to wear around your neck.
- SHvivik Emergency Whistle: Wear with the included lanyard or attach to your key ring.
- Safesound Personal Alarm: Comes with a wrist strap and armband.
Living with chronic illness and pain is scary and unpredictable enough without fear of being attacked or taken advantage of. Taking the initiative to learn and practice self-defense will empower and increase your confidence.
Self-defense for the chronically ill should be thought of and talked about with family and friends. Together you can prepare and make a plan to stay safe at home and on the go!
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Sources:
https://www.disabled-world.com/disability/sexuality/assaults.php
https://www.bjs.gov/index.cfm?ty=pbdetail&iid=2022
Thank you so much for all of the articles you write. I love to read them! I’m 82 and just in the last two years I have been having a difficult time even walking. I, too, have had people knocking on my door and one even opening my door and walking in. Safety is important for us elderly people and should be taken seriously. Thank you again for this article and all the rest of your very informative articles.
Hi Maryjane! Thanks for your comment! I am glad you find my articles helpful.
Oooo I like the sound of that Samurai Seated Workout! I joke about using my stick to beat people away that come too close during the pandemic but I have actually given serious consideration to it for safety purposes (I don’t live in the best of areas!) Good recommendation on the video doorbell too, I’m hearing more and more about those these days. I’m curious enough to give one a try soon I think! Great suggestions xx
Me too! I also like that it gives canes a powerful purpose, like walking wasn’t one, but you know what I mean. The doorbell camera is awesome. I have one included in my home security system and honestly don’t know how I lived without it. About a year after installation I was home alone sitting in the living room late at night. My system alerted me that someone was at the door even though nobody rang the doorbell. Sometimes spiders set it off, but on that night there was a young man at my door trying to look in the window! With the doorbell camera I was able to tell him that he was on camera and the police were on the way. He ran and has never been back. They also provide great proof when your Amazon packages are stolen. I hope you find one that meets your needs. I’ll never live without one again.
Thank you for sharing this information – this is so important! Terrific ideas – many of which I would not have thought about, and some of which I didn’t know existed!
My pleasure! Glad it was helpful 🤩
It’s a fighten thought but one we should think about. I often thought that by parking in handicap ir walking with my cane made me a target. It’s a crazy world.
We can’t be too cautious with how the pandemic and current events has turned our lives upside-down.