THE SEXUAL NEEDS OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES – EMOTIONAL NEEDS (INTRODUCTION) | Weight loss and diet plan for a healthy lifestyle.

Some patients will have no difficulty asking for help with their problems as they see such help as a right, and rightly expect their needs to be addressed. However, many find it difficult to ask because of feelings of unworthiness and poor self-esteem. They often perceive themselves in terms of the disability itself with a person attached, as opposed to a person who happens to have a disability. If the doctor also feels this way then the patient’s expectation that the doctor will be shocked by his request for sexual help is likely to be fulfilled. The patient’s need for recognition of his sexuality places a responsibility on the doctor, who needs to be able to see beyond the disability to the person. At the same time the doctor cannot ignore the disability, for to do so prevents an understanding of the whole person of whom the disability is a part.

The doctor may feel inhibited about making enquiries or offers of help lest the patient be shocked at the intrusion into such private areas. The doctor’s unease may be an echo of the patient’s unease, as both are wary of rejection. In practice most patients express relief if their sexual needs can be acknowledged.