How to Boost Your Self-confidence: 7 Tips for Wheelchair Users

We all strive to be confident and happy people, but when we face life’s setbacks and challenges, our levels of self-confidence can fluctuate. For wheelchair users – and non-wheelchair users, rebuilding up your self-confidence can take hard work. Although wheelchairs are a helpful device that provides accessibility and mobility to people in different situations, some new or lifelong wheelchair users can face challenges to their self-confidence. In our guide, we share seven tips on how wheelchair users can boost self-confidence. These tips can also apply to anyone so read on to learn how you can strengthen your self-confidence. 

But first, what is self-confidence?

Self-confidence is a firm and healthy belief about yourself, your worth, your abilities and your judgment. People with high levels of self-confidence have a strong sense of who they are, regardless of how others may perceive them. 

Our self-confidence is based largely on the opinions and beliefs we hold about ourselves and who we are. These beliefs are shaped and determined from a range of sources including our family and upbringing, the health and quality of our personal relationships and our life experiences. 

While it may feel difficult to change, self-confidence can be built and strengthened over time. 

Our self-confidence levels can also change depending on life’s circumstances, but having a stable sense of who you are and your values, can give you strength to get through life’s challenges and find enjoyment along the way. 

Developing a strong sense of self-confidence equips you in the face new chapters – Whether it’s transitioning to a wheelchair, recovering from an injury or dealing with the challenges that come with aging, having a healthy level of self-confidence and self-esteem can benefit you greatly and affect your ability to: 

• Try new things
• Make sound decisions for your well-being 
• Show kindness towards yourself and others 
• Regain strength and progress your healing
• Improve your quality of life.

What determines a confident person?

We know a confident person when we meet one. Confident people can stand up for their values even if it’s an unpopular choice, take risks and say ‘yes’ to new opportunities, learn from their mistakes and show kindness to others. 

It’s easy to assume that confident people were born with high levels of self-confidence, or people who are talented are automatically confident, but the reality is that not everyone is born with a sense of self confidence. 

While self-confidence can be developed and strengthened over time, some people may find it hard to feel naturally self-confident because of personal experiences or that have caused a loss in self-confidence or self-esteem. 

Challenges to self-esteem and confidence: 

Our levels of self confidence and self-esteem can fluctuate throughout our life. Setbacks, unhealthy relationships or injuries can affect our self-confidence and contribute to low self-esteem. 

Some additional life events that can affect our self-confidence includes: 

• Any experience of discrimination or prejudice including racism
• Previous experience of being bullied or verbally abused
• Any harmful relationship that makes you feel incapable or worthless
• Unexpected events such as losing your job, separation or a sudden health setback 
• An inability to perform tasks that you once enjoyed
• Unrealistic expectations that can be reinforced through social media 
• Loss of friends or close relationships 
• Physical health problems. 

Signs of low self-confidence 

Low levels of self confidence and self-esteem can look different depending on the individual and their situation. While low self-confidence is not a mental health issue, it can be related to other mental health challenges, especially if it impedes on your daily life. 

Some signs that an individual is experiencing low self-confidence includes: 

• Thinking, believing or saying negative or overly critical things about yourself 
• Blaming yourself for situations that are outside of your control
• Difficulty in accepting compliments 
• Believing that other people are better than you 
• Doubting your ability to achieve things 
• Poor body-image and believe you are ‘ugly’
• Experiencing constant fear, worry or anxiety.  

What are the effects of low self-esteem?

While it is completely normal for individuals to experience low levels of self-confidence and self-esteem at different stages, a consistently low level of self worth and esteem can have a negative impact on an individual’s mental health and other areas of their life.

Low self-esteem and low self-confidence levels can contribute to a range of detrimental effects including:

• Relationship difficulties 
• Inability to concentrate or achieve goals 
• Challenges at work or school 
• Withdrawal and isolation 
• Decline in health as well-being no longer becomes a priority 
• Reliance on alcohol and other drugs
• Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and more. 

Seven tips to help wheelchair users boost self-confidence:

Whether you’re a life-long wheelchair user or brand new to using a wheelchair, transitioning to a new way of life can feel challenging. If you’re feeling uncertain about this new transition, here are seven tips to remind yourself of your worth and value, and boost your self-confidence levels.  

1. Know you’re not alone

While you’re adjusting to life in a wheelchair or facing a health challenge, it can often feel like you’re alone. In reality however, one in six Australians live with a disability – that’s around 4.4 million people who are also navigating challenges to their regular mental, sensory or mobility functions. 

Did you know? 4.4% of people with a disability in Australia use a wheelchair.

Although it can be tempting to feel like you are alone in this healthy journey, remind yourself that there are others who are facing similar challenges. You can reach out to other people who live with the same disability as a reminder that you are not alone. 

2. Join a support group

There are many disability organisations and community groups around Australia that run regular support groups, activities and online discussions for people living with a disability. 

Spending time and meeting people from different contexts who are facing a similar life circumstance can help you feel understood and safe. Making friends with those in similar situations or joining a support group can also be a source of advice and a helpful outlet outside of family and friends. Groups that are run by people with lived experience of disabilities, can also help advocate for others living with a disability. 

Some support groups include:

• Able Australia: Support for people living with multiple disabilities
• Action on Disability within Ethnic Communities: Creates a space for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds living with a disability
• First Peoples Disability Network Australia: A national organisation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with a disability and their families.
• Belonging Matters Inc: Provides education and support to help people with a disability to live fulfilling lives in the community.
• Physical Disability Australia: An organisation working to remove barriers through systematic advocacy to government and promotes rights.

Tip: subscribing to newsletters or following these organisations on social media can also provide you with inspiring stories from others living with a disability.

3. Set realistic goals

Setting goals that are realistic and making steps to achieve them, can help us stay focused and boost your sense of purpose and self-esteem.

Goals don’t have to be big to be meaningful. Goals could be personal, relational or based on a hobby. Some examples of goals include, volunteering, learning an online course, completing a new book or trying to learn a new word in a different language every day.

Setting small goals can feel more achievable, giving you a sense of progress and achievement, which can boost confidence in yourself. 

It can also be easy to lose hope or confidence when goals aren’t met. For people using a wheelchair, personal goals may have shifted and the chance can feel discouraging at times. It can be tempting to focus on the things you can’t do but there are talents, passions and skills that exist with or without a wheelchair. Setting new goals and a new pathway for your life can provide a new sense of purpose and excitement, which in turn boost self-confidence levels.

Tip: It can also be helpful to write down a list of the achievements you’re already proud of. When you’re feeling doubtful, reminding yourself of this list can help boost your self-confidence. 

You can determine your new set of goals by thinking about what makes you happy, if there are new skills you’d like to learn and where you see yourself in five years’ time.  

4. Feel comfortable in your wheelchair

Learning how to use a wheelchair can take time – just like learning how to ride a bike or driving a car. 

When it comes to learning how to use your first wheelchair, or transitioning to a different wheelchair, remind yourself that it will take time. Along the way, be prepared for some bumps along the way. In some moments, you might get stuck or require help from people. It’s all part of the learning process but with practice, you’ll be more comfortable using your wheelchair. 

Remember: Be kind to yourself, remembering that it will take time to adjust to a new lifestyle. 

Feeling comfortable in your wheelchair is important to building your self-confidence as you use your wheelchair. Make sure the wheelchair fits well and suits your lifestyle – for example, you may require a cup holder or a chair with an elevated seat. If you are feeling uncomfortable or restricted in your wheelchair, speak up and seek adjustments. As a device that is designed to support you, a wheelchair should make you feel comfortable and complement your lifestyle.

5. Celebrate milestones and achievements – big or small

Learning how to use a wheelchair can take time and requires perseverance. Overtime, your confidence in your ability to move around in a wheelchair will improve. Along the way, celebrating your milestones – both big and small, can serve as a reminder that you are making progress. 

Celebrating your successes by accepting compliments or adding to your list of achievements can help boost your self-confidence.  

6. Prioritise your health

Your physical and mental health is closely linked to your self-confidence. Not only does your health affect the way you look but maintaining a healthy and balanced diet can affect how you feel. 

From eating healthy to incorporating meditation to your daily routine or seeking support from a health professional, prioritising your physical and mental well-being can go a long way in boosting your self-esteem and confidence levels. 

Tip: Need support getting to and from medical or health appointments? Homage’s transport service can provide you with the support you need. Contact us today.

7. Don’t be afraid to ask for help 

Everyone needs help and support at times. Whether it’s help from a loved one or a health professional, don’t be afraid to ask for support in tricky situations. 

Asking for help isn’t a show of weakness, in fact, asking for help can empower you by providing the support you need at the time. 

As a wheelchair user, if there are any situations where you are facing discrimination, don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for help from people or community groups around you. 

People with disabilities deserve respect and inclusion in society and in Australia, it is unethical and unlawful for businesses or employers to discriminate against wheelchair users. If you face discrimination, record the incident, confide in someone you trust and if you feel comfortable, make a confidential complaint and by contacting humanrights.gov.au or calling 1300 656 419.

How Homage can help 

Living with a disability or pursuing daily activities as a wheelchair can be much more challenging without an inclusive and accessible environment. 

The dedicated and experienced Care Professionals at Homage can provide you or loved one with a range of disability support services to help you lead independent and comfortable lives. 

The range of disability support services are personalised to meet your unique needs and can include:

• Personal care and assistance with everyday tasks and daily living
• Community participation and support to stay active and socially connected
• Medical transport to and from health appointments and treatments
• Companionship so you can enjoy conversation and company with a caring professional.