Uncertainty (Pia da Silva/Marios Andreou)

This podcast talks about the many life changes that lead to uncertainty for someone with sight loss, such as uncertainty about one’s future sight; how they will cope moving forward; financial worries; worries about treatment outcomes and deterioration of sight; loss of independence and change of identity. It goes on to explain many of the feelings people experience including shock, depression anger, fear, worry, hopelessness and even feelings of despair and suicidal ideation. It talks about how these feelings are valid and different from one person to the next and can change over time. It talks about the impact these feelings have on people’s lives, like withdrawing from friends or losing interest in things they once enjoyed; finding themselves housebound and feeling isolated and alienated from others. The podcast then talks about ways to reduce the impact of uncertainty and to manage one’s emotions, like mindfulness, relaxation, breathing exercises, physical exercise, and counselling.